Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 9 March 2026
More than 300 students and over 40 teachers from the Student Police Cadet (SPC) programme of Ahmedabad City Police came together for the Climate Champions Meet, organised by UNICEF India and Elixir Foundation in partnership with the Student Police Cadets of Ahmedabad City Police (Gujarat Police) at Ahmedabad Management Association. The meet was designed to inspire, equip and empower adolescents to become leaders of climate action in their communities, turning awareness into action and youth voices into meaningful change.
Climate action is becoming one of the defining priorities of current time and young people have an important role to play in shaping a more sustainable future. Across the world, children and adolescents are increasingly engaging with environmental issues and leading conversations on protecting the planet. With nearly one billion children living in areas highly exposed to climate impacts, empowering young people with knowledge, skills and leadership opportunities has become more important than ever. In India too, strengthening climate awareness among youth is essential so that the next generation can actively contribute to building resilient and sustainable communities.
The programme began with the welcome address by Mr. Krunal Shah, Manager, Elixir Foundation, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of engaging children, adolescents and youth in climate awareness initiatives.
Giving the opening address Mr. Madhish Parikh, Founder and President, Elixir Foundation spoke about the need to convene young leaders and create platforms where students can learn about climate challenges and actively contribute to solutions.
Addressing the champions, Mr. Nagesh Patidar, WASH Specialist and Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (CCES) Focal Point, UNICEF, emphasised the power of youth voices in climate action and shared that “Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the conscience of today. When young voices speak up for the planet, they remind the world that climate action is not only a policy choice, but a responsibility to the future they will inherit.” He also highlighted that UNICEF works globally to ensure that children and young people are not only protected from climate risks but also empowered to participate in climate solutions, from advocacy and awareness to community action.
The event also received best wishes from Mr. Naresh Kanzariya, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police and SPC Nodal Officer, Ahmedabad City Police and Ms. Vani Dudhat, Deputy Superintendent of Police and SPC Deputy Nodal Officer. Representing Ahmedabad Police, Police Inspector Shri A.Y. Patel encouraged students to act as responsible citizens and environmental ambassadors in their communities.
During the interactive sessions, Ms. Gayatri Dave from the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) explained the concept of climate change in simple terms and highlighted why urgent climate action is necessary for the well-being of people and the planet. She shared unique case studies and examples of how students can champion climate-friendly behaviours such as water conservation, energy saving, tree plantation, and reducing plastic use.
Mr. Shwetal Shah, Advisor at GiZ, spoke about leadership in climate change awareness, encouraging students to take initiative in their schools and communities by promoting sustainable practices, reducing food wastage, and supporting renewable energy solutions.
In another engaging session, Ms. Anjali Choudhary (Sunheri Mitti) demonstrated practical climate action through composting techniques that students can adopt at home and in schools. She also facilitated an interactive game on waste segregation and environmental responsibility, helping students understand how individual actions can contribute to larger environmental movements.
The programme further involved students in teaching them to calculate their ecological footprints, enabling them to reflect on their personal environmental impact. Students also filled out worksheets capturing their ideas and suggestions, which will be compiled into policy recommendations reflecting youth perspectives on climate action.
The meet concluded with a Climate Champions Pledge, where students committed to adopting sustainable practices and becoming advocates for climate action in their communities. Through awareness, participation, and youth-led ideas, the Climate Champions Meet reinforced the message that young people are key partners in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.