At UNGA79, world leaders from around the world are working on a commitment to ‘leave no one behind’ to ensure peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.
An important milestone in this was the Summit for the Future, before which Sanjana Sanghi, Youth Advocate of UNDP India, addressed the conference calling for strong action on Action Day.
“We ask you to ensure a place for us in the discussion of change,” said Sanjana Sanghi, stressing the importance of including youth in development discussions.
“All we want from you is that we be given a real opportunity for dialogue,” he added. Be it in the private sector, government, the United Nations or academia. We just want our voices to be heard, because we matter and our voices matter. We want the opportunity to be the change we want to see in this world.
UNDP youth advocate and Bollywood actress Sanjana Sanghi also participated in an event on digital inclusion on the second day of Action Day.
Speaking at the event, she said, “It is an honor to be on this platform, especially when it comes to ensuring access to digital technology for women.”
He said, “I think the digital future will only be valuable and relevant if it is equitable and for that, we need to ensure that it is equally accessible to all genders and income groups.”
Sanjana Sanghi also participated in a discussion on ‘From Youth to Leader: Advancing Climate Resilience and Global Peace’ held just before the start of UNGA.
In this discussion, young change makers and experts discuss the climate crisis and why the climate crisis matters to young people.
Speaking after the event, Sanjana Sanghi said, “I am deeply inspired by these young change makers who are working diligently to tackle climate issues and secure a sustainable future for all. “Their dedication and innovative solutions give us hope for a bright future.”
Advocates of change
On the other hand, UNDP’s Youth Climate Champion Prajakta Kali also participated in various events organized during UNGA79 and advocated the inclusion of youth in the global dialogue on climate crisis issues.
Prajakta participated in a discussion on “SDGs at a Turning Point” on 24 September. The discussion focuses on the interrelationship of media influence and sustainable development.
Prajakata Kali highlighted the important role of media in advancing sustainable development goals such as climate action and gender equality, and hoped that the younger generation would play a positive role in bringing about meaningful change.
“The best thing I’ve learned in the last few years is that the younger generation is the most Internet-savvy right now, because they have more access to and use of information than previous generations,” he said.
“It was important to understand that because then I could put this hope and positivity to work.”
About Sanjana Sanghi
UNDP India has announced its partnership with actress Sanjana Sanghi to promote youth-led social innovation and entrepreneurship in 2023 through Youth Co:Lab. It is the largest youth movement in Asia and the Pacific, involving more than 28 countries.
In India, it was launched in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission and is a first-of-its-kind social entrepreneurship initiative to promote youth ideas and start-ups and small-scale industries.
Sanjana Sanghi has been working extensively with Youth Co:Lab’s efforts to encourage youth.
About Prajakta Kali
UNDP India, as its first UNDP India Youth Climate Champion in 2022, has tasked Prajakta Kali with spreading awareness about the adverse effects of climate change, global warming and biodiversity conservation.
Prajakta was tasked with reaching out to youth and sharing inspiring stories of government and community change.
Prajakta Koli has since supported UNDP India’s efforts in several important campaigns to highlight the impact of climate change and engage people, especially the youth, in action.
He raises awareness about climate action through a YouTube vlog – “Climate Change is Real”.
Prajakta also connects with other UN lawyers through live chat. She participated in a 16-day activism campaign to start meaningful conversations about climate action and violence against women.
Prajakta supported UNDP’s global campaign, Dear World Leaders, with a powerful video message broadcast at COP27, the 2023 climate conference in Egypt.