Applications Invited for Climate Action Champions Network
The deadline for submitting completed applications is July 15th, 2022 at 11.59 pm IST.
An IPCC Working Group’s publication report was termed a ‘code red’ for humanity. The evidence of climate change and its effects worldwide is damning, but the Global South bears the largest brunt. Countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, in the Indian subcontinent, account for a significant chunk of the world’s population and biodiversity, but face a sharp trade-off between other domestic goals and climate action. They are combating a myriad of multi-dimensional challenges caused by climate change, leaving them particularly vulnerable to the loss of life, habitat and livelihood.
The region’s future success or failure lies in combating these stern challenges. However, actions essential to meet the global goals on climate are not only the prerogative of world leaders but of all stakeholders, most importantly, the youth. South Asia’s numerous aspirational youth must take the lead in shaping climate action and the public policy debate on climate change in the region. The co-implementers and funders of the program aim to launch the Climate Action Champions Network Program to build conversation among future climate champions about possible shared pathways for the countries of the region that combine strategic autonomy, sustainable urbanization, growth and livelihoods, and low-carbon transformations.
The Climate Action Champions Network aims to harness the potential of the youth in the region by bringing together 100 individuals from the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, over 30 months to discuss and deliberate about creating a climate action vision for South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
The objective of the program is to inspire the South Asian young leaders to champion an ambitious climate action agenda in their respective countries and in the wider Indo-Pacific region using an in-depth thematic understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation. The selected climate champions should be actively engaged in and advocating for climate action and creating a network of individuals/organizations that works towards climate change mitigation and adaptation. A collaborative framework for a cohesive vision on climate action can help in shaping national and regional policies and in bringing about innovative youth-led solutions.
Time Commitment
The Climate Action Champions Network will include a few surveys, virtual and in-person sessions, and a group project with a small grant for the teams with the best ideas.
Duration
The Climate Action Champions Network program will run from August 2022 for a period of 12 months and includes a virtual icebreaker session, two in-person sessions, one virtual session and a small grants program.
Who should apply?
Prospective climate champions between the ages of 18 and 35, who are passionate about climate action, are encouraged to apply. The selected cohort will hail from across a range of roles and industries, bringing together individuals from the public sector, private industry, academia, media, and civil society, to form a truly diverse cohort that can learn from varied perspectives.
Eligibility Criteria
- The candidate must be between the ages of 18 and 35
- The candidate must be a citizen of one of the five countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) that are a part of the program
- The candidate must be motivated to further the cause of climate action.
- The candidate must be possess good analytical skills
- The candidate must be demonstrate leadership abilities
- The candidate must be an innovative thinker
- 50% of the final cohort members will be United States Government Program alumni
- 50% of the final cohort members will be women
- Must be willing to travel internationally
Applications are open! Click on this link (https://www.orfonline.org/climate-action-champions-network/application-checklist/) to start the application process.
For any queries, please contact suyash.das@orfonline.org.
