Shillong, March 20: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui recently emphasized the need to tackle climate change and development simultaneously. Speaking at the launch of the Young People’s Action Group (YPAG) in Shillong, Rymbui highlighted the vital role young people play in addressing environmental challenges as communities deal with urban growth and changing practices.
Rymbui stated, “Young people must identify solutions and take charge of sustainable development.” Initiatives like YPAG and Community Integrated Skill Learning aim to empower youth, helping them contribute to environmental management and economic progress.
YPAG was created by the Meghalaya government in collaboration with UNICEF India and the Centre for Policy. It aligns with the Meghalaya Youth Policy 2021, focusing on building youth leadership, civic engagement, and environmental accountability.
The platform allows youth to co-create solutions in critical areas like climate resilience, health, and education while ensuring that rural and marginalized communities are included.
Dr. Madhulika Jonathan, UNICEF Chief of Field Office for the Northeastern States, shared insights on the initiative. “The most effective solutions come from lived experiences. YPAG represents a shift from merely listening to young people to working alongside them,” she said. This collaboration aims to influence systems affecting their lives directly.
The World Bank-supported Meghalaya Multisectoral Programme for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment, and Resilience (MPOWER) is assisting with the YPAG rollout. Grazeldiz Lyngdoh, Team Lead for MPOWER, noted that YPAG reflects a significant step toward integrating youth into governance. “It will enable youth to provide valuable insights and participate in policy design,” he added.
The launch included a panel discussion titled “Harnessing Youth for Climate Action in Meghalaya,” featuring various experts. Topics discussed encompassed pressing issues like deforestation, erratic rainfall, and climate vulnerabilities that disproportionately affect women and marginalized groups. The panel agreed on the necessity of incorporating youth voices in decision-making processes and fostering community-driven responses to climate issues.
As YPAG progresses, it will gather youth-led insights through consultations and surveys to inform state planning on climate action and health. This initiative aims to regularize youth participation in governance and could serve as a replicable model for other states.
Recent statistics show that youth engagement in policy-making leads to more tailored solutions. The United Nations reports that countries involving young people in decision-making see improvements in social outcomes, including education and health. For instance, a 2022 study indicated that youth participation in local governance led to increased satisfaction with public services by 23%.
Engaging with social media trends reveals that young people are increasingly vocal about climate issues. Hashtags like #YouthForClimate and #ClimateActionNow have gained traction, highlighting a collective push for action among younger generations. This digital activism is critical, galvanizing support and raising awareness on environmental concerns.
As YPAG continues to develop, it could truly empower the youth of Meghalaya, positioning them as key stakeholders in shaping a sustainable future.
