Shillong, March 20: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Thursday said climate change and development must be addressed together.
Speaking at the launching of Young People’s Action Group (YPAG) in Shillong, Rymbui said., “As communities continue to face environmental challenges driven by changing practices and urban expansion, young people have a critical role in identifying solutions and taking responsibility for sustainable development. Through initiatives like YPAG and the introduction of Community Integrated Skill Learning in the education system, we are working towards empowering youth to become more resilient and to contribute to both environmental management and economic growth.”
The YPAG – launched by the Meghalaya government in partnership with UNICEF India and the Centre for Policy – is aligned with the Meghalaya Youth Policy 2021 and aims to strengthen youth leadership, civic participation, and environmental responsibility by building capacities in policy understanding, research, advocacy, and leadership among young people.
YPAG creates a structured platform for youth to move beyond consultation and actively co-create solutions across key sectors, including climate resilience, health, education, and community well-being, with a focus on inclusion of rural, tribal, and vulnerable communities.
Dr. Madhulika Jonathan, UNICEF Chief of Field Office for Northeastern States said, “Through our work with communities across Meghalaya, we have seen that solutions are most effective when they are shaped by lived experiences. YPAG represents a shift from listening to young people to working alongside them, enabling them to co-create solutions and influence systems that directly impact their lives.”
The Meghalaya Multisectoral Programme for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment and Resilience (MPOWER) initiative, which is powered by the World Bank, is supporting with the roll out of YPAG in the state. MPOWER aims to strengthen the wellbeing, agency, and future readiness of Meghalaya’s adolescents through a multisectoral approach.
Grazeldiz Lyngdoh, Team Lead, MPOWER, Government of Meghalaya, said, “YPAG marks a significant step in operationalising the Meghalaya Youth Policy by repositioning young people as partners in governance. By building their capacities in research and advocacy and integrating a climate lens across sectors, the platform will enable youth to generate real-time insights and contribute meaningfully to policy and programme design.”
The launch event featured an introduction to YPAG, highlighting its focus on human-centered design, community engagement, and strengthening trust between systems and citizens.
The programme also included a panel discussion on “Harnessing Youth for Climate Action in Meghalaya: Building Resilient Communities and Inclusive Policies,” which brought together diverse perspectives on environmental challenges and youth engagement.
Panelists included Agatha Sangma, Chairperson, Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights; Professor Sandra Albert, Director, Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong; Yusuf Kabir, Programme Specialist – Climate and Environment, UNICEF India; Kartik Verma, UNICEF India Youth Advocate; Baiahunlin Surong, Student; and Jade Lyngdoh, Director, Centre for Policy, who moderated the session.
The discussion highlighted critical issues such as deforestation, changing rainfall patterns, and climate-induced vulnerabilities, particularly among women, children, and marginalized communities. Panelists emphasized the importance of integrating youth voices into decision-making processes and strengthening inclusive, community-driven responses to climate challenges.
Looking ahead, YPAG will generate youth-led insights through consultations, surveys, and analysis to inform state planning processes across climate action, health systems, education, and human capital development.
The initiative also seeks to institutionalize youth participation within governance systems and has the potential to serve as a scalable and replicable model for other sectors and states.
