10-11 September 2024, Colombo, Sri Lanka
The CANSA Annual Regional Meeting, held this year 10-11 September 2024 in Colombo, #SriLanka was a defining moment for climate action in South Asia. Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, a wave of excitement filled the air as delegates from across South Asia including civil society organizations (CSOs), board members of CANSA, and, most importantly, an inspiring number of #Youth leaders gathered for a highly anticipated climate change workshop.
As the sun kissed the Indian Ocean right outside the hotel, we were greeted with bright smiles and a resounding “Good morning, welcome to Sri Lanka!” From the very first moment, there was an undeniable buzz of energy and hope in the room. Here, the 40+ participants, hailing from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan were at the heart of the conversation. What made this year’s gathering truly remarkable was the overwhelming presence of young leaders, marking a shift towards youth-oriented climate action. The generational shift in the room was evident, and the enthusiasm was contagious. It was a powerful reminder that the future of climate action belongs to the youth — and they are ready to lead.
This year’s meeting featured a series of thematic sessions that covered pressing climate issues affecting the region such as loss and damage, migration, urban resilience, and climate finance. One of the standout discussions was around “Climate Change Impact and Its Correlation with Modern Slavery”, a concept that was new to many participants. The event was packed with powerful discussions, strategic updates, and thematic sessions that delved into the most critical issues facing the region today.
A key highlight of the meeting was the review of the CANSA Colombo Strategy, which was formulated last year in Sri Lanka. Participants were eager to understand how the strategy was being executed across South Asia and what gaps still remained.
Sanjay Vashist, Director of CANSA, emphasized that climate justice and equity must be central to all actions, highlighting the importance of inclusive spaces for youth and marginalized communities. He stressed that a #JustTransition in sectors like energy involves not only technological changes but also addressing the social impacts, such as supporting workers displaced by #ClimatePolicies like coal plant closures. His remarks reaffirmed the need for holistic solutions balancing environmental and social concerns.
As part of the proceedings, I had the opportunity to present CANSA’s Communications update, sharing the progress made in amplifying the network’s voice across the region. It was an exciting moment to showcase how we’ve strengthened our outreach, leveraged #DigitalPlatforms, and worked to engage more stakeholders in our collective climate advocacy efforts.
Several youth-led initiatives were presented, including community-based projects from all across South Asia that are already making strides in combating the local impacts of climate change. These young leaders stressed the importance of intergenerational solidarity, highlighting how partnerships between youth, CSOs, and governments can create more #Resilient communities. A dedicated session focused on Youth Engagement for Climate Change, identifying existing gaps and exploring potential solutions. This youth-oriented gathering signalled a shift in climate dialogue, with younger voices taking centre stage, advocating for innovative solutions and meaningful action. They included Prakash Lama from Clean Energy Nepal (CEN), Achintya Ghosal from Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN), Umesha Handapangoda from the Green Movement of Sri Lanka, Upama Acharya from Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA), and Sohanur Rahman, a prominent climate activist from Youth Net, Bangladesh.
As the sun set over the Indian Ocean, one thing was certain — the youth had not only found their voice but had seized the opportunity to lead. This year’s meeting wasn’t just about reviewing policies or exchanging ideas — it was about building a movement. A movement where young people, civil society organizations, and regional stakeholders work together to confront the climate crisis head-on. As we move forward, the path is clear: we need collective, bold action.
Rober Swan once said “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
