COP28 Summit: Indian Climate Activist Licypriya Kangujam Takes Center Stage

Unprecedented Moments at COP28 Summit

The recently concluded COP28 Summit in Dubai marked several unprecedented events, including the COP's inaugural "Health Day" and the first-ever ministerial dialogue addressing water-resilient food systems.

However, the summit faced challenges as countries clashed over a potential agreement to phase out fossil fuels, threatening a historic commitment to end oil and gas use within 30 years of global warming talks.

Licypriya Kangujam's Protest Takes Center Stage

12-year-old Licypriya Kangujam, an Indian child climate justice activist, emerged as a focal point during the COP28 Summit in Dubai. In a daring move, she rushed onto the stage, holding a sign that read, "End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future." The teenager's impassioned plea disrupted the UN High Level Plenary Session, drawing attention to the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.

Beyond Words: A Symbol of Youth Action

Kangujam's act of defiance resonated deeply with many attendees. Despite restrictions on public protests at COP28, her message resonated with those concerned about the urgency of climate action. The audience responded with applause, recognizing the courage and conviction of this young advocate.

"Millions of children like me are losing their lives, losing their parents and losing their homes due to climate disasters," she stated, highlighting the disproportionate impact the climate crisis has on children. "This is real climate emergency. Instead of spending billions of dollars in wars, Spend it on ending hunger, giving education and fighting climate change."

Who is Licypriya Kangujam?

Licypriya Kangujam, renowned for her advocacy in climate justice, delivered a brief but impactful speech at COP28. As an Indian protester, she urged global leaders to prioritize phasing out coal, oil, and gas, identifying them as the primary causes of the current climate emergency. Despite facing restrictions on public protests in the tightly controlled United Arab Emirates, Kangujam's message resonated with the audience.

Kangujam's Message to Global Leaders

During her protest, Licypriya Kangujam called on governments to collaborate in phasing out fossil fuels, emphasizing the critical role these actions play in determining the future of our planet. She stressed the real climate emergency by highlighting the lives lost and affected due to climate disasters, urging leaders to redirect funds from wars towards ending hunger, promoting education, and combating climate change.

A Call for Immediate Action

The Future is Now: Licypriya Kangujam's Legacy

Licypriya Kangujam's courage at COP28 has left a lasting impression. Her voice represents a generation demanding action and refusing to accept the consequences of inaction on climate change.

As she declared, "I'm am child who is completely frustrated by today's climate crisis. We are the first line of victims. I feel the core issues of phasing out fossil fuels are keeping in side in the negotiations process going on in the COP28 with over 2500 fossil fuel lobbyists."

Her story serves as an inspiration for all of us to raise our voices and demand a brighter future for our planet and future generations. The time for action is now, and Licypriya Kangujam has shown us that even a child can have a powerful impact on the world stage.