Bal Raksha Bharat & Sphere India Empower Children and Youth to Lead Climate Action

 Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 10-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), emphasising a holistic approach to building resilience, reducing disaster risks, and fostering sustainable development., Bal Raksha Bharat and the Sphere India Academy have integrated on the #GenerationHope Campaign to accelerate inclusive climate resilience by empowering youth and children in India and everywhere.

The event, hosted by Bal Raksha Bharat, was attended by notable dignitaries from key disaster management agencies of India like NIDM, NDMA, DDMA. The keynote address was delivered by Shri Anil Sinha, former Executive Director, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM). A special address to children was delivered by Professor Vinod C. Menon, Founder Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Dr. Mukta Girdhar Senior Consultant, Delhi Disaster Management Authority & Ms. Rebecca von Schreeb, Second Secretary, Embassy of Sweden, joined a panel discussion moderated by Santanu Chakraborty, CEO, Bal Raksha Bharat. Representatives from Sphere India Academy, Government Officials and other Civil Society Organisations were also present at the event.

Through a series of online and offline actions, and a consultation of 150 plus children from eight regions (Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal), children manifested their life experiences to define solutions and demands that was presented as a charter. This charter speaks about Conservation, Preservation and Collective Action and amplifies voices of the younger generation on critical climate discussions, and was presented at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR). The same will be presented at the COP29 later this year.

Citing the UN Secretary General, Shri Anil Sinha said, “The era of global warming is over but the era of global boiling has begun.” He also reiterated that Disaster risk reduction  should begin at an early stage in life and integrated in children’s development journey “This begins at home, with children as the greatest change agents and schools a milestone of development,” he concluded.

Professor Vinod Menon added by saying that humanity is going through a catastrophe in the face of climate crisis and the #GenerationHope campaign is taking the natural wisdom of children to secure the future of humanity. We have to leave a legacy behind, and that calls for courage of conviction.

He highlighteds the importance of youth engagement in addressing climate change, while building resilience through education, collective action, and collaboration. It serves as a platform for young people to share their stories, ideas, and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental & climate challenges.

Dr. Mukta Girdhar cited the importance of technology for disaster preparedness and mitigation and emphasised on how we need to equip and encourage the innovative minds of today’s children to bring in more pathbreaking solutions.

Sparking critical conversations around resilience, policy action, and the role of young people in driving change, the campaign also offered fresh insights into the climate crisis from the perspective of the youngest stakeholders to co-create solutions. The event also featured the launch of the global film Born Into The Climate Crisis, which highlights the human toll of climate disasters and the urgent need for action.

“Our children and youth are the driving force behind climate action. Through this campaign, we are working for and with children to galvanize this platform to lead the conversation on building a sustainable future,” said Santanu Chakraborty, CEO, Bal Raksha Bharat. “Their ideas and contributions will guide our work and bring us closer to a world where climate resilience is a reality for all.”

The Generation Hope campaign reinforces the commitment of Bal Raksha Bharat and Sphere India Academy to fostering meaningful participation of youth in climate discussions and action. This initiative not only aims to raise awareness but also to inspire change at local, national, and global levels.

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