Bollywood actress and environmental activist Dia Mirza took centre stage at the Youth Sabha 2047 event, delivering an impassioned speech on the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation. The event, which was part of the International Youth Day celebrations, was organized by the United Nations Foundation and the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) in New Delhi. It aimed to bring together young leaders, policymakers, and civil society to discuss India’s path toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Dia Mirza, who serves as a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development, has long been a vocal advocate for environmental issues. Her presence at the Youth Sabha 2047 was a significant moment, as she used her platform to highlight the urgent need for sustainable practices in India, particularly in the face of the global environmental crisis.
The Core of Dia Mirza’s Message
During her speech, Dia Mirza emphasized the concept of Earth Overshoot Day, a stark reminder that humanity is consuming more resources than the planet can regenerate in a year. She pointed out that in August 2024, the world had already surpassed the Earth’s annual resource capacity, meaning we are borrowing resources from future generations. “This happened in August…we have four more months left in this year, and we have already surpassed our consumption of what the Earth provides. This means we are stealing from our own children and grandchildren what they will require to live, to be healthy, to be happy,” she stated.
Mirza’s message was clear: the current rate of consumption is unsustainable, and immediate action is needed to prevent further damage to the planet. She urged the youth to take responsibility and make conscious choices that would contribute to a more sustainable future.
Rejecting Single-Use Plastics: A Simple Yet Powerful Step
One of the key points in Dia Mirza’s advocacy was the rejection of single-use plastics. She called on individuals to make simple changes in their daily lives, such as refusing plastic bottles, cutlery, and crockery and instead opting for reusable alternatives. “Change occurs when we make individual choices. So, refuse single-use plastics. The simple things that we can refuse are bottles, cutlery, crockery—use your own,” she urged.
Mirza also highlighted the innovative practices being adopted in some Indian villages, where steel banks have been set up to host large functions without creating plastic waste. These initiatives, she said, are a return to the sustainable practices of our ancestors, who understood the importance of living in harmony with the Earth. “We are the land that serves food on leaf plates, that served water in metalware and in clay pots. We need to go back to the basics and go back to our roots because our ancestors knew that we needed to be less harmful to the Earth,” she explained.
Youth Sabha 2047: A Platform for Change
The Youth Sabha 2047 event was not just a platform for speeches but also an opportunity for young leaders to engage in meaningful discussions and interactive sessions aimed at shaping India’s future. The event brought together 11 Next Generation India Fellows, students, policymakers, government officials, civil society leaders, and diplomats. These participants engaged in high-level panels and discussions focused on various aspects of sustainable development and how India can lead the way in global environmental efforts.
Mirza’s speech was a highlight of the event, resonating deeply with the young audience. Her call to action was a reminder that while governments and organizations play a critical role in shaping policies, individual actions are equally important in driving change. “Everything we use in our daily lives comes from the Earth and has to go back to the Earth in a form and shape that is healthy for Earth and people,” she said, reinforcing the idea that sustainability begins with personal responsibility.
The Path Forward: Sustainability as a National Priority
As India looks towards its 100th year of independence in 2047, the need for sustainable development has never been more critical. Dia Mirza’s advocacy at the Youth Sabha 2047 event serves as a powerful reminder that the choices we make today will determine the future of our planet. By rejecting unsustainable practices and embracing environmentally friendly alternatives, individuals can contribute to a larger movement that ensures a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations.
In conclusion, Dia Mirza’s participation in the Youth Sabha 2047 event was more than just an appearance; it was a call to action for every individual to take responsibility for the planet. Her message of sustainability and environmental stewardship is one that resonates not just with the youth of India but with people around the world who are committed to making a positive impact on the environment.
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