SwitchON Foundation organises Youth Citizens’ Jury to tackle Climate Change and map solutions for a Sustainable Future
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Bhubaneswar: Sulochana Das, Mayor, BMC Odisha flagged off a cycle ride and mass rally organised by SwitchON Foundation in partnership with NGO Prerna on Tuesday in Bhubaneswar. 200 people participated in this cycle ride and mass rally which commenced from The Odisha State Bharat Scouts & Guides and ended at Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar, to create environmental awareness and inspire Climate Action.
SwitchON Foundation also organised a Youth Citizens’ Jury to tackle Climate Change and map solutions for a Sustainable Future, in association with Socratus. This unique event was held at Gita Gobinda Sadan today in the presence of Dr. K. Murugesan, IFS, Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board, Odisha.
To mark its 15th year, SwitchON Foundation has launched Move for Earth – a movement to celebrate and inspire climate action. The initiative aims to help build a smarter and brighter future for ourselves, our children, farmers and life on earth. The Move for Earth cycle yatra saw a Citizens’ Jury wherein a group of youth interacted with experts to deliberate and decide on the future course of climate action.
The Citizens’ Jury was organised to empower people to actively participate in shaping their communities by leveraging the values of democratic decision making. Eminent speakers and experts shared their thoughts, suggestions and ideas in various sessions scheduled throughout the event.
Through the course of this event, the jury heard from a range of expert witnesses, community leaders, and stakeholders, and engaged in deliberations to arrive at a decision for an inclusive and effective list of recommendations to climate change.
The focus throughout this endeavour was on including the collective voice and vision of communities who are already facing the brunt of climate challenges in their daily lives, and offering them a seat at the policy making table.
Vinay Jaju, MD of SwitchON Foundation, began the Move for Earth campaign with a cycle yatra through Bengal. He will now be covering 500 kms across Odisha and connecting with thousands of farmers, women and youth to address issues related to clean air, sustainable mobility and agriculture, and renewable energy.
The verdict of the Citizens’ Jury will be made public in a report that will be released to the community in the coming weeks. The report will provide a comprehensive overview of the jury’s findings and recommendations, and will be made available to local government officials, policymakers and community members.
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