Youth Sabha 2047: Students, policymakers & social influencers discuss India’s future

During the event, students participated in breakout sessions to discuss India's priorities as it approaches its centennial in 2047. Topics of discussion included the country's energy and food systems, health priorities, sustainable urban development, future workforce trends, and the role of artificial intelligence.

A dynamic assembly of students gathered for Youth Sabha 2047, an intergenerational town hall organized by the United Nations Foundation and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) as part of the Next Generation India Fellowship. This event is a key component of a series of national town halls supported by the Unlock the Future coalition, aimed at mobilizing young people globally in anticipation of the UN Summit of the Future in September.

Students Discuss India’s 2047 Vision

During the event, students participated in breakout sessions to discuss India's priorities as it approaches its centennial in 2047. Topics of discussion included the country's energy and food systems, health priorities, sustainable urban development, future workforce trends, and the role of artificial intelligence. Prachi Shevgaonkar, Lead Fellow of the Next Generation India Fellowship, launched the first session, ‘Young India’s Role in Shaping the Next Agenda.’

Voices of Leadership

Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and Next Generation India Advisor, emphasized the importance of youth engagement, stating, “Over 50 percent of India’s population is below 25 years. Investing in young people is crucial as they bring curiosity, boldness, and innovation. Most will be there when India turns 100.” He commended CEEW and the UN Foundation for their efforts to bring together young leaders.

Ambassador Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the UN Foundation, highlighted the role of young people in addressing both current and future challenges, saying, “Young people are an unmatched force for building a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous nation. Youth Sabha 2047 showcased their potential to drive progress and foster innovation.”

Celebrity and Expert Contributions

Dia Mirza, actor, producer, and UN Secretary-General’s SDG Advocate, addressed the pressing environmental issues, stating, “The triple planetary crisis—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—is impacting us all. We need to explore how individual actions can drive change.”

Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator, echoed the sentiment that youth should be integral to policy-making, noting, “Young people are not ancillary; they are the here and now. Engaging them in solutions is more feasible today, thanks to social media.”

The event featured contributions from notable figures including Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Rakesh Sharma, India’s first cosmonaut; Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of CEEW; and Richa Gupta, UN Young Leader for the SDGs and CEO of Labhya Foundation.

Unveiling Artistic Vision

Youth Sabha 2047 also showcased a visionary art installation, "Fabric of the Future," by Chandigarh-based artist Gurjeet Singh. The installation, made from fabrics collected across India, symbolizes the aspirations of the youth. Singh’s work will be part of the upcoming youth-led dictionary, India in Future Tense, and the 2025 Our Future India report.

Fellowship Background

The Next Generation India Fellowship, a collaboration between the UN Foundation’s Our Future Agenda programme and CEEW, was launched in 2023 during India’s G20 Presidency. It aims to position young people at the forefront of addressing global challenges and shaping India’s future, working alongside global changemakers to build a consensus on a forward-looking agenda.

Read More:

• ISB executive education launches product management programmes