In the first episode of the third season of A Tryst with Statecraft by Project Statecraft, Teresa Kuruvila, our host, sits down with Heeta Lakhani, Founder & Director of The ClimAct Initiative and Co-Founder of the Youth Negotiators Academy. The third season explores the unique connection and perspective of youth working and achieving milestones in the climate space.

This episode, "Involving and Empowering Youth in Climate Negotiations Inclusively," delves into the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of climate action and negotiations.

Heeta Lakhani shares her innovative approach to climate education in India, focusing on empowering young people through sustainable daily practices, from mindful consumption to effective waste management at the community level. She advocates for a shift in mindset among schools, parents, and students to elevate the importance of climate education as an academic subject.

The discussion highlights Heeta's efforts with the Youth Negotiators Academy to include and empower youth in global climate negotiations. She explains how young people can bring sustainable practices from the fringes to the mainstream and reshape the predominant narratives on climate change, emphasizing the impacts and undeniable effects on our biodiversity and environment rather than just emissions.

Heeta and Teresa explore the concept of learning and unlearning in the context of climate change, addressing the unique hurdles Indian youth face in becoming a powerful demographic advocating for climate action. Heeta contrasts the policy inclusion for youth in India with that in developed economies, underscoring the differences in ecosystems and the crucial need for India to navigate this policy landscape effectively.

Tune in to this episode for an enlightening conversation on the holistic approach to climate education and the critical role of youth in driving sustainable change and influencing global climate policies.