Odisha Conference of Youth launches to build climate leaders

The fourth edition of the Odisha Conference of Youth (OCOY 4.0) has commenced at XIM University in Bhubaneswar. The three-day event brings together more than 150 young delegates representing all 30 districts of Odisha to focus on the theme, ‘Building Next Generation Climate Leaders.’

Organized by the Youth4Water Plus campaign in partnership with UNICEF Odisha and the Government of Odisha, the conference aims to empower youth to drive climate-resilient solutions. During the inauguration, Governor of Odisha Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati urged participants to act as ambassadors of sustainability within their local communities, stating that climate change is a lived reality and that Odisha is a land of survivors.

Throughout the event, delegates will engage in climate simulations, negotiation exercises, innovation challenges, and policy dialogues. The program includes field visits to Bidyadharpur village and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Puri to observe community-led resilience practices. The conference will conclude with the drafting of a Youth Statement to be presented to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.