YUVA MEET 2014
The Educating Youth for Sustainable Development Division, TERI in association with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized its flagship event, the YUVA (Youth Unite for Voluntary Action) Meet from 3-4 February 2014. Being sixth in the series, YUVA Meet witnessed participation from 200 participants across 9 nations.
Dr R K Pachauri, Director General, TERI during his inaugural speech at the Meet stated, "The only way to bring about change is to move quickly to a manner through which we can ensure sustainability and this is what innovation is all about". He also urged the youth by stating, "The world needs radical change and the only way to bring about change is to change the pattern in which we use resources. There is a need to reorient and refashion our attitude. The youth of the country is very important and the entire globe is in their hands and they have to take care of it."
The two-day meet's sessions revolved around its theme, 'Innovations for a Sustainable Future: Transforming Learning into Action'. Four parallel thematic sessions were organized for the participants on Innovations in Food, Energy, Water and Knowledge Systems. Various experts deliberated on these issues as a result of which, participants came out with pragmatic action plans in each of these sectors. Amongst different sessions, a session focusing on the Role of Media broadcasting sustainable development through innovations was held on day 1 having representations from the print, electronic and social media. In addition a special session was organized by the British Council on day 2 focusing on Innovations in Social Entrepreneurship. The three young panelists in this session really inspired and motivated the youth participants.
A Young Achievers session was held on day 2. Mr Moraad Ali Khan, Indian Shooter and Ms Puja Bahri, Artist shared their journeys to success with the young participants.
As part of the meet a band performance was also organized for the participants at the Amphitheatre, IHC on day 1. Selected Photographs of the participants on the theme of YUVA Meet 2014 were also exhibited at the venue on both the days.
Mr Rajeev Gupta, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports graced the occasion during the Valedictory session along with Dr Ligia Noronha, Executive Director, TERI. Mr Gupta in his speech stated, "It is only the youth who can really bring real change and real leadership in the society". 22 most active participants were selected to participate at DSDS 2014 as youth delegates.