Pallawish Kumar, the founder of the Ocean and Climatic Research Institute (OACRI), recently participated in an extraordinary summit in Malaysia focused on the Asia-Pacific region. This event served as a preparatory platform for the upcoming Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 2024. The Asia-Pacific Regional Convening provided a unique opportunity for young leaders from the region to engage in discussions that will shape the deliberations leading up to this pivotal summit.
During the convening, participants underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to tackle interconnected national, regional, and global challenges. The discussions emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system to address pressing issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and social equity. The Summit of the Future is poised to be a high-level event where world leaders will gather to deliver on the Pact for the Future, which includes initiatives like the Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.
Pallawish played an integral role in these discussions, contributing valuable insights and perspectives that reflect the voice of youth in the region. The forum culminated in the development of a Call to Action for Member States, ensuring that young people are not only informed about the processes leading up to the Summit but also that their voices and perspectives are meaningfully included in the outcomes. This proactive approach is essential for fostering a sense of ownership among young leaders regarding the future they want to shape.
The convening also aimed to create a dedicated regional space for youth engagement, allowing young people to strategize and develop action plans that will influence the outcomes of the Summit of the Future. This collaborative effort resulted in the Asia and Pacific Regional Call to Action, which will guide national, regional, and global advocacy efforts with Member States and relevant stakeholders as the Summit approaches.
Pallawish's participation exemplifies OACRI's commitment to empowering youth and ensuring their active involvement in shaping policies that affect their futures. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, OACRI is contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable approach to addressing the challenges faced by the Asia-Pacific region.
As OACRI continues to champion climate resilience and sustainability, the insights and strategies developed during the Asia-Pacific Regional Convening will serve as a foundation for future initiatives. Pallawish Kumar's leadership in this critical forum not only highlights the importance of youth engagement but also underscores the potential for collaborative action to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.