GUWAHATI: In the midst of Manipur’s ongoing challenges, a 12-year-old activist from the state, captivated global leaders at the United Nations Climate Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai, shedding light on the detrimental impacts of fossil-fuel dependence, on December 11.
In a daring move that disrupted the annual climate summit attended by top leaders and officials, Licypriya Kangujam stormed the stage, holding a sign that read, “End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future”.
The Manipur-born teenager’s bold message echoed through the venue, highlighting the urgent need to cease the usage of fossil fuels to secure the future.
Addressing the gathering, Licypriya urged governments to unite in phasing out coal, oil, and gas, identifying them as the primary contributors to the ongoing climate crisis.
“Your action today will decide our future tomorrow. We are already the victims of climate change. I don’t want my future generations to face the same consequences again. Sacrificing the lives of millions of innocent children for the failures of our leaders is unacceptable at any cost,” she was quoted by the press as saying.
Highlighting the immediate impact of climate change on children’s lives, homes, and families, Licypriya urged leaders to redirect funds from wars to ending hunger, providing education, and combating climate change.
Following her impassioned speech, Licypriya received a round of applause from the audience before being escorted away by security guards.
COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi acknowledged her initiative, expressing admiration for her enthusiasm and encouraging the audience to applaud her once more.
Taking to social media, Licypriya revealed that she was detained for over 30 minutes after the protest.
She highlighted her only “crime” was advocating for the phase-out of fossil fuels, the primary contributor to the climate crisis.
As the COP28 climate talks in Dubai approached their conclusion, negotiators released a draft on the global stocktake. Notably, the draft omitted any mention of the “phase-out of fossil fuels”.
