National Environment Youth Parliament: 200 young minds debate climate governance, action

Nagpur: Nearly 200 young delegates from across the country turned Vidhan Bhavan into a vibrant forum of climate debate and policy dialogue on Saturday, as the National Environment Youth Parliament was inaugurated with a call to transform awareness into action.The inaugural session was addressed by RTMNU VC Manali Kshirsagar, who emphasised the need to build environmental awareness and leadership among youth. "The National Environment Youth Parliament will create environmental awareness among youth. This platform will unite them in dialogue, action and initiatives to address serious environmental challenges," she said.
Additionally, senior functionary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Devdutt Joshi, also present at the inaugural ceremony, said that environmental conservation efforts must be rooted in societal participation and youth engagement. Referring to the organisation's focus on the "five elements" — water, people, forests, land and animals — he said sustained awareness among young citizens is key to achieving long-term sustainable development.A mock parliament was conducted on the opening day, simulating legislative-style discussions on environmental issues. Two major thematic sessions are scheduled on Sunday. The first will focus on "India's five dimensional change and the use of ecological intelligence in climate governance," while the second will deliberate on "India and the world's role at COP30 — global climate leadership based on Indian civilizational sustainability values."Around 200 delegates are participating in the deliberations, which include seminars, workshops, panel discussions and policy-based debates. Organisers said the initiative aims to encourage holistic and practical environmental solutions by engaging young minds from diverse academic and social backgrounds. The event is jointly organised by Vikasarth Vidyarthi and Environment Conservation Activity (PSG).The programme introduction was delivered by Payal Rai, national convenor of Vikasarth Vidyarthi. She described the National Environment Youth Parliament 2026 as a transformative effort to nurture green leadership. She highlighted initiatives such as the "Screen Time to Green Time" campaign, which encourages students to reduce digital consumption and reconnect with nature.Among those present were Nagpur University senate member Vaman Turke, ABVP Vidarbha unit president Shrikant Parvat, ABVP Vidarbha secretary Devashish Gotarkar and other dignitaries.