Great Initiative: COP30 Discussions brought back to Bhubaneswar
By A.K. Sahoo
Bhubaneswar, Jan. 25: To bridge the gap between global climate policy and local action, Youth4Water Plus, with the support from UNICEF Odisha, organized a state-level dissemination meeting today at the BAKUL Library, Bhubaneswar. The event focused on sharing important takeaways and firsthand experiences from the COP30 conference held in Belem, Brazil, in 2025.
Sujeet Mahapatra, Founder of Bakul Foundation, set the context by highlighting the importance of amplifying grassroots voices in global climate platforms. He emphasizes” bridging youth energy with lived experience from older generations strengthens community resilience and ensures climate action is both inclusive and sustainable.”
Shipra Saxena, WASH-CCES Specialist at UNICEF Odisha, highlighted the impact of youth engagement, stating, “Youth4Water Plus continues to show how meaningful participation can turn global conversations into local action. By sharing experiences from COP30, the participants remind us that climate and WASH solutions are strongest when rooted in real community needs. Their commitment and learning inspire practical steps toward a more climate-resilient and water-secure Odisha.”
A key part of the event was the panel dissuasion moderated by moderated by Stalin Nayak, CEO of PANTISS Foundation, where participants who engaged with the COP 30 process spoke about their journey, the issues discussed at the global platform, and how those conversations connect with climate and sustainability challenges faced at the community level.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Asha Hans, former Professor of Political Science and Founder Director of Women’s Studies at Utkal University, has given expert insights into the socio-political dimensions of climate change and inclusion of disable in this discussion. “I am happy that this year they include the voice and perspective of disabled people in COP 30”.
Kunal Ananda, who is an IIT Kanpur alumnus, specializes in deep tech and disaster management, spoke about the role of GIS and technology in building climate resilience.
In this event, Pradeep Ghosal, Head Odisha- CSR & Head- CSR, TPCODL, and Pradeep Mohapatra, Secretary of UDYAMA, were also present and encouraged the youths to take climate action at their level. Blorin Mohanty, Director of Youth4Water Plus, concluded the session with a vote of thanks.
