CLIMATE INNOVATORS CHALLENGE FOR YOUTH (CLICY) INAUGURAL CEREMONY AND LAUNCH – CLICY INNOVATION BOOTCAMP

The Climate Innovators Challenge for Youth (CLICY) was formally launched on 9 March 2026 at the Bangalore International Centre, Bengaluru, marking the beginning of a three-day Innovation Bootcamp designed to foster youth‑led climate solutions, creative problem‑solving, and collaborative innovation. The inaugural ceremony brought together 105 students from 16 colleges across Karnataka, signalling strong youth participation and enthusiasm.

Organised by the Strategic Communication for Sustainability (SCS) Area under TERI’s Environment Education and Awareness (EEA) Division, the programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and an invocation, symbolising a thoughtful and auspicious beginning in the presence of esteemed dignitaries.

Setting the context for CLICY, Dr Livleen K Kahlon, Director, EEA, TERI, underscored the urgency of equipping young people with relevant skills and platforms to engage meaningfully with climate challenges. She highlighted the importance of nurturing innovation, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking among youth, noting that initiatives such as CLICY are designed to inspire collaboration, sharpen critical thinking, and translate ideas into impactful climate action.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the CLICY digital portal, unveiled by Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI. The platform represents a significant step toward expanding the reach and accessibility of the initiative for aspiring young climate innovators. In her special address, Dr Dhawan emphasised the evolving dimensions of climate change, remarking that “climate change is no longer just an environmental issue—it is a technological challenge, an economic question, and a social justice issue.” She reiterated the need for interdisciplinary approaches and youth‑driven innovation. This was followed by the formal release of programme brochures by dignitaries from TERI and HCLFoundation.

Dr Santanu Basu, Project Director, Harit by HCLFoundation, highlighted sustainability initiatives under the Harit vertical and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment. He noted that today’s youth are actively shaping their own pathways through ideation, innovation, and leadership in pursuit of a sustainable future.

The ceremony also included the felicitation of winners of the “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities” competition and participants of the Nukkad Natak competition. An impactful street play titled “Voice of Earth”, performed by students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, captivated the audience with its powerful depiction of environmental degradation and the urgent need for behavioural change.

A panel discussion titled “Youth Voices: A Panel Discussion on Climate Action” featured students from colleges across Bengaluru, offering reflections on climate responsibility, innovation, and the role of youth in driving change. The interactive session captured the motivations, aspirations, and concerns of emerging climate champions.