Sathana from Children Believe India: A Powerful Voice for Climate Action at the HLPF

In July 2024, the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development convened in New York City, bringing together global leaders, organizations, and youth representatives to tackle pressing global challenges. Climate change and its devastating impact on children were at the forefront of discussions. Among the inspiring young voices was Sathana, a dedicated climate champion from Tamil Nadu, India, representing Children Believe India. Her participation in a HLPF side event showcased her remarkable journey from a rural background to becoming a powerful voice for climate action on the international stage.

A Cry for Help: Climate Change and ending violence against Children

The HLPF side event, “The Intersectionality of Climate Insecurity and Violence Against Children,” highlighted the alarming consequences of climate change on children worldwide. Young panelists, including Sathana, shared their personal experiences of how climate change disrupts education, exacerbates malnutrition, forces migration due to economic hardship, and erodes cultural identity. Seizing this opportunity, she requested world leaders to join forces with young people and take urgent action on this pressing issue.

The event brought attention to the unequal impact of climate change on children, who face increased and overlapping risks. As global temperatures rise and resources dwindle, children are particularly vulnerable, with limited access to essential services and heightened exposure to violence. The forum provided a crucial platform to amplify these issues and emphasize the urgent need for action to protect children and their future.

Sathana: A Rising Star from Rural India

Sathana’s story is one of resilience and determination. Hailing from a marginalised community in rural Tamil Nadu, where access to transportation and economic opportunities is limited. She has recently completed her schooling at a government institution and has now begun her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. As a leader of her local youth club, she has championed community development initiatives, including bringing a road and bridge construction, while spearheading climate action initiatives.

Her journey from a small village to becoming a climate change agent is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Despite facing socio-economic barriers and gender bias, she has persevered through sheer determination. Her work in empowering children, youth, and women in her community has earned her respect as a leader with a deep understanding of gender, social inclusion, and intersectionality in the context of child rights.

A Global Platform for a Local Champion

Sathana’s selection to participate in the HLPF side event was a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions to climate action and community development. In her community, Sathana has led several impactful climate actions. She played a significant role in establishing Oxy Parks, which are green spaces with 1500 trees and mobilized an additional 500 trees for plantation. She also organized tree plantation drives, village clean-up campaigns, and advocated for the reduction of plastic use.

One of her notable achievements was speaking at a village Grama Sabha meeting (village assembly), where she emphasized the need for individual and collective action to protect the environment. Initially, her involvement in social causes was met with resistance from her family and community, but over time, her impact became evident, and she gained their support. The climate actions taken under her leadership have significantly increased awareness and changed behaviours regarding environmental protection in her community.

Through her work, Sathana has demonstrated the power of youth to drive change. Her story is an inspiration to other young leaders and a testament to the potential of communities to build resilience against climate change.

“The impact of my work in my community has inspired many youths and children like me to understand the importance of climate action. It has shown them that they too can make a difference,” she shares.

Her participation and sharing her insights on climate adaptation measures in HLPF side event not only showcased her leadership but also brought attention to the grassroots efforts being made in rural India to combat climate change.

Key Takeaways and Future Steps

The participation of Sathana in the HLPF side event was met with high praise from Indian Mission members, event organizers, and other participants. Her contributions and recommendations highlighted the vital role of youth in addressing climate change. The event offered valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of afforestation, protecting water bodies, reducing vehicle emissions, managing waste, and the need for collective action by all stakeholders, including young people.

Sathana is now in discussions with the local self-government to implement actions that include planting more trees, protecting water resources, and promoting carbon reduction and resilience. Her vision is clear: “Like me, many more youth should come forward to understand the consequences of climate change and contribute to climate action. I will also share my knowledge and experience with other young people and work to empower and promote more youth leaders like myself.”

These insights resonate deeply with the priorities of Children Believe India, which focuses on empowering communities to build resilience against climate change and safeguarding children’s rights. The organization is committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of young climate champions like Sathana. Moving forward, Children Believe India plans to implement strategies discussed at the forum, such as enhancing community-based climate action and expanding youth-led environmental initiatives.

Conclusion

Sathana’s journey from a small village in Tamil Nadu to the global stage of the HLPF is a powerful reminder of the impact one young person can have on the world. Her story is a beacon of hope, inspiring others to take action on climate change and protect the rights of children.

Children Believe India is proud to support and amplify the voices of young climate champions who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.