Press Release

The High Commission of Canada in India and MASH Project Foundation Celebrate 28 Changemakers at the 28for28 Campaign Finale

“An Innovative Initiative Showcasing Young Changemakers and Flipbook Launch Amplified Voices for COP28 Summit”

 

In the run-up to COP28, the High Commission of Canada in India and MASH Project Foundation successfully hosted the grand finale of their esteemed 28for28 campaign at the High Commission on November 24, 2023. This event marked the culmination of a six-month journey celebrating the inspiring stories of 28 changemakers who have made significant contributions to society.

 

Rooted in the collaborative efforts of the High Commission of Canada and the MASH Project Foundation, this initiative thrived since its launch on Earth Day 2023, highlighting the critical role of youth in advancing climate action and sustainability.

 

The 28for28 campaign was tailored to promote youth-led climate action through capacity-building workshops and storytelling sessions, with a key focus on fostering meaningful dialogue among the 28For28 Changemakers and school students. These vibrant discussions took place under the mentorship of esteemed leaders and youth advocates.

 

The event’s agenda was a tapestry of inspiration and action. The day commenced with engaging training sessions led by Youth Mentors, aiming to shape future leaders and drive advocacy in diverse domains. These sessions empowered 28 students from government schools, providing guidance, education, and nurturing leadership abilities.

 

The youth mentors, Pakhi Das, Abhiir Bhalla and Aradhana Rai Gupta spoke about Conservation leadership, climate anxiety, youth advocacy on platforms such as COP, and sustainable menstrual health as a pivotal link in the chain of climate action. They mentioned that, by embracing eco-friendly practices in this aspect of our lives, we build a relationship between individual well-being and the well-being of our planet. Through mindful choices made by young changemakers, we can bring change that honors both our bodies and the planet.

 

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a special flipbook, a creative compilation narrating the extraordinary journeys of these 28 individuals. Each page of this flipbook is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and dedication of these changemakers, who have worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in their communities.

 

“Empowering youth voices through initiatives like the 28For28 campaign is critical in nurturing a sustainable future. Canada is committed to collaborating and amplifying these inspiring young leaders to elevate youth-led climate action on a global stage, igniting a transformative movement for a greener and more promising tomorrow.” mentioned by Cameron MacKay, High Commissioner for Canada in India

 

A few of the 28for28 changemakers also gave TED-style talks, musical performances, and engaging discussions. The event culminated in a networking High Tea and Media Interaction session, fostering collaborations and amplifying the message of youth-led climate action.

 

“28for28 Campaign is a great example of a collaboration among different stakeholders to give a platform to amplify the voices of young changemakers. The initiative has put a spotlight on the inspiring stories of young climate changemakers which will eventually inspire many more young people to come forward and take charge to fight climate change. We look ahead to creating more impact together and seeing their stories at COP 28 this year.” said, Aashish Beergi, Founder & CEO, MASH Project Foundation

 

 

The 28For28 campaign had garnered significant momentum across social media platforms, reaching thousands of individuals and generating engagement from over 500+ people offline. Noteworthy, milestones included impactful engagements during World Environment Day, the G20 Environment Minister’s meeting, ET-Edge’s SDG Summit and the Changemakers20 conference.

 

This event signified a pivotal moment for the 28For28 campaign, setting the stage for the COP28 Summit. By showcasing these 28 exceptional stories and initiatives, the campaign aimed to resonate on a global platform, advocating for meaningful youth participation in climate action and sustainability.

 

For further details and updates on 28For28, visit MASH Project Foundation’s 28For28 page.

 

About 28For28 Campaign:

The 28For28 campaign spotlights young leaders driving climate action and sustainability initiatives. Developed in partnership with the High Commission of Canada and the MASH Project Foundation, the campaign empowers youth by providing a platform to share their voices and initiatives. It aims to engage these young changemakers in dialogue and action, culminating in showcasing their stories before the COP28 Summit.