Empowering Youth as catalysts for Climate Action: 5th edition of Youth Climate Conclave (YCC) launched on International Youth Day
New Delhi, August 12: Marking International Youth Day, the 5th edition of the Youth Climate Conclave (YCC) was launched on Monday, with enthusiastic participation from the young innovators across India, united in their mission to develop creative solutions to combat climate change. The virtual event was organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) under the EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP) project, supported by the European Union and managed by the Delegation of the European Union to India, with knowledge support from MoEFCC, GIZ, CEEW, and Climate Fresk.
Experts and young changemakers unite for a session of learning and advocacy at YCC
The event opened with a welcome from Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, who emphasized the critical role of youth in addressing climate challenges. Motivating the youth who were attending the conclave, she said, “You are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the catalyst of change for today. We have gathered here today to empower our youth in combating climate change and to foster a spirit of innovation and collaboration. Events like YCC stands as a beacon of hope and testament to the power of our youth in addressing the challenge of climate change.”
Following this, His Excellency Mr Seppo Nurmi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Delegation of the European Union to India, delivered special remarks. He highlighted the significance of global collaboration in youth-led climate action, and said, "Climate change is a common challenge and a priority for both the EU and India, making climate action a crucial part of our bilateral cooperation programme. The youth are key players in bringing about change and will be the leaders in taking forward the climate agenda. I urge and encourage youth to engage and connect with like-minded people to empower the society towards a secure future and to use the Youth Climate Conclave as a platform to be at the forefront of this global movement."
Ambassador Manjeev Puri, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, also shared his reflections on nurturing leadership and innovation among youth. “In the global fight against climate change, platforms like YCC brings the young people into the fold and makes them a part of the mainstream discussions,” he remarked. Further, he motivated the young audience by saying, “The future is yours; we want to hear from you what we should do. We would like to know what your interest and passion with regards to the planet is.”
The potential of young people to act as catalysts for climate action was underscored by Ms Anchal Gautam, Youth Representative at SB 60, Bonn, Germany, during her keynote address. “Youth are not only the future leaders but active agents of change in the present context of a world increasingly defined by the realities of climate change and our voices are crucial in shaping an equitable and sustainable future,” she affirmed. “Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the changemakers of today. Our voices, actions, and innovations are essential in steering the world towards a sustainable future,” she added.
A key highlight of the launch was the symbolic unveiling of the Photography Competition 2024-2025, inviting young photographers to capture the stark reality and impact of climate change. Dr Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director, TERI, extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and supporters for their contributions to this significant cause. Referring to the youth as the torch bearers, he said, “YCC is a platform where young minds can converge, share ideas and come up with actionable solutions to combat climate change.”
Following the keynote address, Mr Virendra Shekhawat, Founder of the Delhi Photography Club, led an engaging session on photographic skills that deeply resonated with the young audience. He shared practical tips and techniques, demonstrating how a simple photograph can create powerful narratives. Mr Shekhawat emphasized that photography is more than just an art form; it is a potent medium for environmental advocacy. He encouraged participants to use their cameras to raise awareness, tell compelling stories of environmental change, and influence public opinion on climate issues. By the end of the session, the young photographers were inspired to view their cameras not merely as devices for capturing moments, but as instruments for driving social impact and championing the urgent need to protect our environment.
This talk on photography was followed by a dynamic panel discussion titled "Youth as Catalysts for Climate Action: Innovations, Challenges, and Pathways Forward." Moderated by Ms Anchal Gautam, Youth Representative at SB 60, Bonn, Germany, the discussion featured passionate youth leaders sharing their insights and experiences. Panellists included Mr Ashraf Nehal, Youth Engagement Coordinator at the Ramphal Institute and Global Coordination Executive at YOUNGO (UNFCCC Youth); Mr Achintya Ghosal, Youth Climate Advisor at the British Council; Ms Komal Tiwari, a student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar; and Mr Darsh Vatsa, Executive Director at ResistTwo.
The event concluded with a video message by Mr Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India, urging the youth to act and spread awareness to mitigate the climate change. This was followed by closing remarks from Dr Livleen K Kahlon, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI. She emphasized the importance of continued youth engagement and collaboration in the ongoing battle against climate change. “We have to reach one and all. It is our moral duty in this unified battle to create awareness about climate change. You are the voices who are going to bring about this tangible change,” she said in her motivational message to the youth.
To register for the photography competition, log in at: https://wsds.teriin.org/2025/youth-climate-conclave-5.php. Winners will receive e-certificates, a chance to attend the Youth Climate Conclave 2025 and have a felicitation during the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025. Besides these, all shortlisted photographs will be published on social media platforms, and the 12 best photographs will be selected and published in the YCC 2025 calendar. Additionally, a display of the top 12 photos from both categories will be held via an Exhibition.