Hyderabad’s own Sahruda PDV, a 14-year-old from The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, recently made waves at COP 30 in Brazil. As a Global Lead, she presented the Global Child Manifesto, emphasizing what young people want in the fight against climate change.
Sahruda’s journey into climate advocacy began early. She got involved with her school’s eco-club in the 6th grade and has participated in various initiatives, from cleaning lakes to raising health awareness. She believes including youth voices in climate discussions is vital since they will bear the most impact of these changes.
Before attending COP 30, Sahruda helped draft the Global Child Manifesto, influenced by insights from a Global Student Environment Survey that received over 3,700 responses. Together with peers, they picked eight key demands, which they presented at the conference.
During COP 30, she engaged in discussions and workshops, even presenting the Manifesto at the Australia Pavilion. She noted how the experience connected her with people across cultures, even when language was a barrier. “Youth voices can truly make a difference in advocacy and decision-making,” she reflected.
Sahruda encouraged others to step out of their comfort zones, stressing that small initiatives can lead to big opportunities. “Many influential climate activists began with simple steps,” she said.
Neeta Bisht, the Head of Senior School at The Hyderabad Public School, praised Sahruda’s efforts. “We’re proud to see our student represent youth voices on a global platform,” she said.
As nations confront climate issues, the latest UN statistics show that young people are increasingly involved in these conversations. According to a 2023 survey by UNICEF, 67% of young people believe their voices are vital in tackling climate change. This trend highlights the importance of youth engagement in shaping a sustainable future.
Sahruda’s involvement at COP 30 is not just an inspiring story; it reflects a growing movement where young voices are recognized and valued in climate policy discussions.
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Youth climate action, Cop 30, Global child manifesto, Sahruda pdv, Hyderabad public school, Youth leadership, Environmental awareness, Decarbonise program, Climate activism, Climate awareness
