Young Activist Plea at COP28

In a remarkable act of protest at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, 12-year-old Licypriya Kangujam, India’s youngest climate activist, passionately advocated for climate justice and the phasing out of fossil fuels.

The summit, hosting over 60,000 delegates from 190 countries, focused on addressing climate degradation caused by fossil fuels.

Youthful Crusader’s Bold Stand

Licypriya, hailing from Manipur, interrupted a COP28 meeting with a powerful message: “End fossil fuel, save our planet and our future.”

The young activist stormed the stage, holding a placard and delivering a compelling speech against climate negligence. Despite being escorted away, she boldly declared, “They can’t silence my voice.”

A Rising Force in Climate Advocacy

Licypriya initiated her climate activism journey at the age of 8, gaining international recognition for her impactful speeches at prominent climate summits, including COP26.

She consistently calls for climate justice, particularly for developing nations disproportionately affected by climate change.

The young advocate demands urgent action, including the crucial phase-out of fossil fuels.

International Recognition and Impactful Advocacy

Appointed as a Special Envoy of Timor-Leste on Climate Change, Licypriya’s influence extends globally.

TIME Magazine featured her in the “100 Most Influential People of 2021,” and her story is incorporated into CBSE English textbooks for Grades 3 and 7.

Licypriya’s actions have sparked international debate, shedding light on the urgency of addressing climate change.

Unyielding Resistance and Alleged Violations

Following her on-stage protest, Licypriya revealed on her X account that she was detained for 30 minutes and later expelled from the summit.

She questioned the confiscation of her badges on UN premises, alleging a “gross violation and abuse of Child Rights,” contrary to UN principles.

Championing Climate Justice

Licypriya’s steadfast commitment to climate justice and her fearless interventions on the global stage highlight the pressing need for collective action against climate change.

Her disruptive yet impactful approach serves as a poignant reminder to world leaders that the younger generation demands genuine and immediate efforts to address the climate crisis.

Licypriya Kangujam’s audacious stand at COP28 underscores the power of youth activism and amplifies the urgency for transformative measures in the global fight against climate change.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The shethepeople