Students from all over India gathered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on February 6 for the Youth Eco Summit. This event aimed to place young voices at the forefront of discussions about the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change.
The summit was organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, UNICEF’s YuWaah initiative, and tech partner TECNO. It highlighted how young people can drive innovation for a more sustainable future.
Speakers emphasized that AI is reshaping our world right now. It’s affecting schools, workplaces, and our approach to environmental issues faster than ethical guidelines can keep up.
Notable youth leaders, like Prasiddhi Singh, a climate advocate and national award winner, took the stage to talk about the responsibilities that come with technology. They urged their peers to actively participate in discussions about climate and tech.
A key feature of the summit was Mini COP30, a simulation where students from 28 schools acted as countries and organizations to debate serious topics like e-waste and AI governance. They even presented resolutions to help shape future policies.
Creative zones at the summit, like Waste ReImagined and the AI Meme Studio, made complex climate issues more accessible. These areas encouraged students to think critically about careers in green technology.
Pankaj Bajaj, Director of the Bajaj Foundation, addressed the crowd and praised their commitment. “You didn’t come here just for grades; you came because you care,” he said. His message was clear: when addressing “Youth x AI: Green Leaders of Tomorrow,” the focus is on unity—”One World, One Family.”
Recent research shows that 63% of young people believe they have a role in addressing climate change through technology. This highlights the urgency and potential impact of involving youth in these discussions. The summit tapped into this sentiment, creating a space for young innovators to shine.
In this age of technology, we need to balance progress with responsibility. The discussions at the Youth Eco Summit are just one step toward that goal, showing that the next generation is ready to take charge.
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