On December 8th, at COP28, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, unveiled the “Green Rising“ initiative. This groundbreaking initiative, carried out through India’s YuWaah campaign, places a special emphasis on engaging youth in impactful environmental actions at the grassroots level, drawing inspiration from the Mission Life movement.
The global “Green Rising” initiative, along with the “Green Rising India Alliance,” involves UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, and a diverse network of public, private, and youth partners.
Acknowledging Youth’s Vital Role in Sustainability
- Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Bhupendra Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of youth in achieving a sustainable world.
- The minister recognized their vulnerability to climate change and stressed their valuable role in climate action. He further highlighted the necessity of equipping them with the right knowledge and skills, emphasizing the fusion of technological prowess and environmental consciousness.
India’s Commitment to Sustainability
- Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav underscored India’s commitment, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to a sustainable world.
- He called for joint initiatives to build youth capacity as future climate leaders and emphasized the significance of green jobs.
- The minister outlined India’s communication and outreach programs designed to harmonize traditional and modern climate-friendly values.
National Mission for Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change
- India’s National Mission for Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change, under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), was brought into focus, emphasizing the creation of awareness among students and youths.
- Minister Yadav commended the Green Skills Development Programme, aimed at cultivating a proficient workforce within the environment and forest sectors.
- The recently launched Green Credits Initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP28 was highlighted, encouraging global collaboration for pro-planet actions. The minister urged businesses to champion sustainable lifestyles.
Youth Engagement in COP28
- In collaboration with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited India (YuWaah), the Government of India facilitated the participation of four promising youth leaders in COP28.
- The minister congratulated UNICEF and Generation Unlimited’s Green Rising Global Initiative, aspiring to create pathways for at least 10 million children and youth in developing countries.
The Green Rising Initiative: RewirEd Summit Launch
- Co-hosted by UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, and Dubai Cares, the Green Rising initiative was formally launched at the RewirEd Summit.
- Over the next three years (2023-2025), the initiative aims to create pathways for at least 10 million children and youth in developing countries, mobilizing them for grassroots action, green skills building, jobs, and entrepreneurship.
- These young champions collectively hold the potential to deliver concrete environmental impact and catalyze systems-level change.
Important Questions Related to Exams
Q. What is the “Green Rising” initiative introduced at COP28?
A: The “Green Rising” initiative is a collaborative effort between UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, aimed at engaging youth in impactful environmental actions at the grassroots level.
Q: What does the Green Skills Development Programme in India aim to achieve?
A: The Green Skills Development Programme aims to cultivate a proficient workforce within the environment and forest sectors, contributing to sustainability and green job creation.
Q: How many children and youth does the Green Rising Global Initiative aim to mobilize?
A: The Green Rising Global Initiative, led by UNICEF and Generation Unlimited, aspires to create pathways for at least 10 million children and youth in developing countries.