The world is getting younger! And that’s not a vague assumption, but a statement backed by various facts, reports and assessments by reputed and trustworthy institutions like the UN. The world is, in fact, getting younger and if there’s one region in the world that’s the biggest contributor to this phenomenon, it’s South Asia!
India especially, has an unrivalled youth demographic: 65% of its population is 35 or under, and half the country's population of 1.25 billion people is under 25 years of age and that is a huge number, a number big enough to justify the fact that for any positive step that the region takes, in any field, it has to have youth playing a big role in it, be it the economy, health or the environment!
While the number of youth in the region is on an upswing, the environment, which has a direct impact on not just the current generation, but even more on the generations to come, is on a decline and it is a huge challenge for us to not just ensure a healthy environment for ourselves but also for generations to come.
It is with this belief that the South Asia Youth Environment Conclave, sponsored by the American Center, in partnership with the Earth Day Network, South Asia youth Environment Network (SAYEN) and the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) has been envisaged. The conclave is aimed at developing leadership skills among youth in the region, since they are ready to take on leadership roles and guide the region into the future, it is also very important that they understand the value of sustainability and why we must move forward in a sustainable manner, so that the youth of tomorrow have a future, just as bright as them, if not brighter!