12-year-old Indian Activist Storms COP28 Summit in Dubai, Protest Against Fossil Fuel
A fervent environmental champion from Manipur, holding a key role as a Special Envoy of Timor Leste, fearlessly disrupted a crucial plenary session with a resounding message: “Put an end to fossil fuels. Preserve our planet and ensure the well-being of future generations.”
In a remarkable display of courage, 12-year-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam seized the global spotlight at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai.
As a dedicated environmentalist from Manipur and a Special Envoy of Timor Leste, Licypriya interrupted a high-level plenary session with a resounding message: “Put an end to fossil fuels. Safeguard our planet and secure our future.
Kangujam’s protest earned applause from certain delegates, yet it resulted in her detention for over half an hour.
After her demonstration, she was escorted out and informed that her conference accreditation had been revoked. Outraged, Kangujam took to social media, expressing frustration and appealing for support from UN officials, including Secretary-General António Guterres and COP28 President Simon Stiell.
In a tweet, she questioned the rationale behind revoking her badge for protesting against fossil fuels, emphasizing that true opposition to fossil fuels requires support for her cause. Kangujam argued that the actions taken against her constituted a “gross violation and abuse of Child Rights in the UN premises,” challenging the UN’s commitment to its principles.
The young activist’s plea underscores the delicate balance between the imperative for free expression and the stringent regulations governing protests at the summit.
Her actions unfold at a crucial juncture when the debate over phasing out fossil fuels takes center stage in climate discussions, involving nearly 200 countries striving to address this paramount issue.
Licypriya Kangujam, a fervent advocate for climate action since the age of seven, has garnered recognition and awards, including a World Children’s Peace Prize. Her recent protest at COP28 shines a spotlight on the pressing need, particularly felt by the younger generation, for immediate and resolute measures to combat the climate crisis.