Odisha Conference of Youth: A Landmark Event on Climate and Environment

Bhubaneswar, August 12, 2023: The Odisha Conference of Youth (OCOY), a three-day event on climate and environment, concluded on August 11, 2023, at the Bhubaneswar Convention Centre. The conference, which was organized by Youth4Water Plus, a UNICEF-led initiative, in collaboration with AJSA India, FORCE, PANTISS, Odisha Live, Youth for Sustainability, The ClimAct Initiative, Sattvic soul Foundation, Animal Climate Health Save Movement and other partners.

The OCOY was a landmark event that brought together 150 young participants from different parts of Odisha and other states to discuss and take action on various issues related to climate change and environment. The conference was also attended by more than 200 participants, civil society representatives, government officials, media personnel, UN Officials and experts from various fields.

The conference also had the presence of eminent guests, such as Dr. Lenin Mohanty, Chairperson of OTDC, Dr. Amar Patnaik, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Akash Das Nayak, Mo College Chairperson, and celebrities from the Ollywood industry. The OCOY aimed to highlight the role of youth and empower them in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change. The conference also focused on promoting a vegan lifestyle as a way to reduce environmental impact and improve health. The conference was the first of its kind in the state to emphasize the link between climate change, environment, and dietary choices.
The OCOY featured various sessions and activities, such as keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, cultural performances, film screenings, field visits, and exhibitions on various themes such as climate justice, water security, disaster risk reduction, green entrepreneurship, social innovation, and youth leadership. The participants had the opportunity to interact with experts and peers from different fields and backgrounds. They also learned about the challenges and opportunities of climate change and environment in Odisha and beyond.

The OCOY concluded with a declaration of commitments and recommendations by the youth delegates on how they can contribute to the global agenda of sustainable development. The declaration also urged the government and other stakeholders to support and collaborate with the youth in their efforts to create a better future for themselves and the planet.The OCOY was a remarkable platform that showcased the potential and passion of the youth in addressing the challenges and opportunities of climate and environment. The conference also created a network of young leaders who will continue to work together for positive change in their communities and beyond.

The OCOY was supported by several partner organizations, such as the Ministry of Environment Government of India, Government of Odisha, Forest and Climate Change, Y20, G20, and United Nations India.