COP28: UNICEF joins hands with organizations for green future of children

Around 1 billion children are at extremely high risk of being affected by the climate crisis: UNICEF

Dubai:UNICEF and its global partnerships platform Generation Unlimited have partnered with key organizations committed to working towards a green future for children and young people as a part of the Green Rising India Alliance (GRIA).

The GRIA aims to equip 50 million children and young people to become climate conscious, adaptable, and resilient by 2030.

The alliance consists of YuWaah in India, at UNICEF, Capgemini, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, ReNew Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and SAP.

The event is part of of the global ‘Green Rising’ campaign that supports youth-led climate action which was launched at RewireED at COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in UAE.

According to statement, This coalition is galvanizing private organizations, foundations, youth networks and multilaterals to unify their commitment to sharing knowledge, efforts, and innovative solutions.

The primary goal is to equip young people with the requisite opportunities not only to embrace a climate-conscious mindset but also to foster resilience, thereby enabling them to fully realize their potential.

Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to India and Co-chair, YuWaah Board said, “UNICEF works with the Government and partners towards the common goal of ensuring that children and young people live in a safe and clean environment and have the education and skills they will need to adapt and create a green transition and a better world”.

Ashwin Yardi, CEO of Capgemini in India said, “At Capgemini, in our commitment to developing net-zero solutions by 2030, we emphasize the central role of youth and firmly believe that young people are instrumental in guiding us toward a climate-resilient future.

Manjula Singh, Executive Director-India, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), lauded governemnt of India for its outstanding leadership in climate initiatives and commitment to 1.5°C while substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Dhuwarakha Sriram, Chief of Generation Unlimited in India (YuWaah), Youth Development and Partnerships at UNICEF said, “YuWaah at UNICEF has brought together key stakeholders for the Green Rising India Alliance and through this strategic collaboration we commit to co-creating sustainable and impactful contribution to the urgent cause of climate action.

In 2018, as part of the UN Youth Policy 2030, UNICEF launched the global Generation Unlimited (GenU) movement to meet the urgent needs of young people between the ages of 10-24, expanding learning, skill development, employment and engagement opportunities.

India has made significant strides through the National Action Plan on Climate Change and the establishment of the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change to support concrete adaptation activities to address climate change vulnerabilities.

Schemes like the National Green Mission with its focus on afforestation, reforestation, and increasing green cover and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan with its focus on improving waste management practices and sanitation, reducing environmental pollution are exemplary of India’s leadership on the climate agenda.