Photo: NIUA Team 

A MULTI-STAKEHOLDER ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION AT THE GVMC, VISAKHAPATNAM

Amidst a gathering at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation on September 12, 2023, the voices of a young student and a woman echoed: one expressing a desire to learn how to replenish dwindling groundwater levels by digging wells in the city, and the other advocating for universal accessibility in Visakhapatnam, ensuring it's a city for everyone, not just Persons with Disabilities.

With the intention to institutionalize youth participation for urban climate action, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and Youth Ki Awaaz, with the support of the Sustainability and Resilience Unit, GVMC and EcoVizag, concluded a roundtable discussion on "Creating a Youth-Led Engagement Framework for Urban Climate Action".

The discussion feeds into a framework currently under preparation by the National Institute of Urban Affairs and Youth Ki Awaaz that seeks to bridge the gaps between youth involvement and urban local government authorities on the critical matter of addressing and responding to climate change effects.

The discussion saw the presence of several youth, and eminent dignitaries from the education, NGO, private sectors, and the municipal corporation deliberating on youth entry points associated with shaping urban sustainability and resilience in a hybrid event.

Architect and Universal Accessibility Advocate, Kavya Poornima Balajepalli, emphasizes the significance of inclusive action for climate protection. In light of the IPCC 2022 report, she states, 'The most effective way to provide lasting protection from climate chaos is by addressing inequities based on gender, ethnicity, disability, age, location, and income.'

Emphasizing the importance of universal accessibility, encompassing both physical and digital aspects, as a fundamental element in all initiatives aimed at making Visakhapatnam truly sustainable, she believes in benefiting not only Persons with Disabilities but everyone.

Her vision also includes sensitization and awareness campaigns, trainer training, creating careers in climate action and sustainability through green jobs, and fostering collaborations with local organizations to mobilize youth for a comprehensive climate action strategy

Through the framework NIUA and Youth Ki Awaaz will be handholding 5 cities including Visakhapatnam to create Youth Engagement Plans for desirable climate outcomes. The development of the framework is a timely intervention that needs to be scaled up in the long term, to the benefit of urban authorities and related stakeholders across the country.

The GVMC Commissioner, Mr. CM Saikanth Varma, extended his wishes for the roundtable consultation and shared an optimistic message regarding Vizag's climate action, highlighting the achievements of the Eco Vizag Campaign.

He stated, "Visakhapatnam has already achieved a remarkable 35% green component in our city, and we aim to push this further, reaching 40%. We've also embraced eco-friendly practices like Eco Ganesha in recent years, eliminating the use of plaster of Paris idols.

Furthermore, 40% of our energy is sourced from solar power. Our commitment to sustainability reflects our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. Together, we are shaping a more sustainable future for Visakhapatnam."