My Climate Week NYC Experience: One Student Ambassador's Journey Through Climate Advocacy

Packing for Change: Carrying Courage to NYC Climate Week

As I zipped up my suitcase in preparation for Climate Week NYC 2024, I wasn’t just packing clothes In that moment, I felt the weight of carrying something far more significant—courage, optimism, determination, and the values instilled in me by my community in India. The bustling streets of Delhi, India, where inequality is stark, have shaped my understanding of climate justice. Living in a city where some breathe clean air and others suffocate under the weight of pollution made me realize that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue – it exacerbates social and economic inequalities. Heading to New York City, I knew I was carrying the hopes of my community with me, ready to take on the challenges ahead.

Feminism and the Future: The Pact of the Future’s Vision for Women’s Rights

One of the first events I participated in was the Summit of the Future (SOTF), a gathering of global leaders focused on shaping our collective future. For me, this wasn’t just another climate summit—it was a platform to address the pressing need for young people to have a meaningful voice in decision-making processes. During my panel, "Harnessing Youth Leadership for Climate Action and Peacebuilding," I  emphasized that youth aren’t just the future; we are the present, actively shaping the world we want to live in. I challenged the traditional power dynamics that often exclude young voices from meaningful participation. How can we solve a problem that disproportionately affects us if we’re not part of the conversation?

That’s why the adoption of the "Pact for the Future" during the Summit was so significant. The Pact emphasizes that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are crucial to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I’ve always believed that we cannot separate climate action from social justice, and the Pact reinforced that belief by calling for the removal of legal, social, and economic barriers that prevent women from fully participating in leadership roles.

It was a powerful moment to see the global commitment to removing barriers women face in achieving equal access to economic resources, education, technology, and safety – barriers I’ve witnessed firsthand in my community. As the document outlines, youth—particularly young women—are crucial agents of change. This resonated deeply with me, as I’ve seen how young women are often at the forefront of movements for climate justice and social equality. We’re not waiting for permission to act; we’re leading the charge.

From the United Nations to the streets of New York City, I carried the words from my speech with me: "We stand at a pivotal moment in history—a time when gender equality is no longer just a dream, but a global commitment." It’s time to remove every barrier that prevents women from becoming leaders, decision-makers, and innovators. No more silence. No more gender-based violence. The future is hers to shape. And now is the time to act."

Universal Basic Income for a Just Transition:

The 24th of September marked another significant event for me. As part of Equal Right, we successfully organized a panel focused on Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its role in a Just Transition.

During the discussion, I emphasized that Universal Basic Income could be a key to ensuring that no one is left behind in this transition. One of the key questions was: “How can UBI support industry transitions for workers and vulnerable communities?” In my view, UBI provides a safety net, a form of financial security that allows individuals and communities to adapt to new industries and technologies without the immediate threat of economic collapse.

Another important aspect we touched upon was climate reparations—how UBI could serve as a form of compensation for those who have borne the greatest costs of the climate crisis, and its role in mitigating climate debt, loss, and damage, particularly in the Global South. The fight for climate justice is a multifaceted one—it’s about advocacy, yes, but also about creating systems and structures that support those most affected. Whether it’s advocating for Cap and Share or pushing for the implementation of UBI, my goal remains clear: to drive forward solutions that center justice and equity in the fight against climate change.

Hope House: Building Optimism Through Indigenous Leadership and Collaboration

The latter half of my Climate Week was a whirlwind of organizing and curating sessions at Hope House by Time for Better. This space brought together global thought leaders, activists, and innovators to inspire climate optimism and foster collaboration. Meeting with women from Amazon Watch—Indigenous leaders working tirelessly to protect the rainforest—was especially empowering. Their stories of resilience and deep connection to the land were humbling, reminding me of the critical role Indigenous communities play in protecting our planet.

One of the highlights of my week was also being the youngest panelist at the Solution’s House session, “Putting Climate Solutions on the Agenda for the Net Zero Journey”. We discussed the urgent need to scale climate solutions that replace high-emission activities with low- or zero-emission alternatives. From technology development to sector-wide transformations, I was able to share the importance of fast-tracking innovations that can decarbonize our economies. Speaking alongside thought leaders like Johan Falk, CEO of Exponential Roadmap Initiative, and Caroline Reid, Sustainability Director at Oatly, was inspiring and solidified my belief that real change is within reach.

Reflections and Renewed Purpose

During Climate Week I participated in many other panels, discussions and side events with fellow young leaders, policymakers, scientists and advocates. Read on below for more details on Climate Week highlights!  My time in New York left me feeling truly renewed. Being surrounded by many passionate changemakers strengthened my belief that real change is within reach. I left New York with new ideas and a stronger sense of purpose - to continue advocating for solutions that center on justice and equity!

More Highlights from Climate Week in New York City

UNICEF Green Rising

During my panel discussion, I shared about my work with Equal Right as the Asia Pacific Campaign Manager, where we advocate for policies like Cap and Share. This climate policy is designed to create a global cap on fossil fuel extraction and ensure that the revenue generated is used to support vulnerable communities. It’s a model that limits carbon emissions and promotes climate justice by directing funds to those most affected by the climate crisis. For me, Cap and Share could be a lifeline for communities that are already on the frontlines of climate change.

The discussions that followed this panel were rich with ideas. We explored how youth leadership can be further supported, we shared transformative moments that shaped our perspectives and discussed how we can continue to drive innovation in the climate space. As young leaders, we all had stories of triumphs, challenges, and moments where we realized the importance of perseverance in this long fight for a sustainable future.

Gamifying Social Change at the Youth Power Summit

With this momentum, I moved on to the next event: the Youth Power Summit by Restless Development. I spoke on the topic of "Gamifying Social Change," exploring how game mechanics can be used to drive youth engagement in climate justice. I loved how this approach brought fresh perspectives--making activation accessible and engaging. I explored how play and games are vital to making change, especially in a world where the complexities of climate change can often feel overwhelming. Framing climate action through the lens of games, we can inspire critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving among young people. Games encourage participation, and when applied to social justice, they can transform passive observers into active agents of change.

I see my role as a bridge—connecting grassroots action with high-level policy discussions, ensuring that voices from the most vulnerable communities, particularly in the Global South, are heard in the halls of power. It’s about pushing for solutions that are not just environmentally sustainable but also socially just.

Real Action at the UNICEF Green Rising Event

At the UNICEF - Green Rising event, I shared the stage with fellow young leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to youth leadership in climate action.

This was about more than statistics or theoretical solutions; it was about showcasing tangible action young people are already leading, especially in communities most impacted by the climate crisis.

During the panel, I shared how my advocacy is rooted in a personal and community-based understanding. For me, the effects of climate change go beyond reports. They are felt in the air we breathe, the heatwaves we endure, and the floods that uproot livelihoods. My peers and I have often felt the disparity of a world where some can escape the worst consequences of climate change while others are left to bear its brunt. This injustice is what drives me to take action—whether it’s leading community projects or speaking at international summits, the fight for climate justice is personal.