Key Highlights
- National Seminar on #NowForClimate held on World Environment Day 2026.
- Padma Shri Uma Shankar Pandey attended as Chief Guest.
- Experts discussed climate action, environmental justice, youth engagement, and natural resource conservation.
- VYK announced a Nationwide Environmental Awareness Campaign from June 5 to July 5, 2026.
- VYK CEO Uday Shankar Singh and the organization were felicitated for their contribution to youth development and social empowerment.
Vishwa Yuvak Kendra’s #NowForClimate National Seminar was held on World Environment Day 2026 in New Delhi. The event featured addresses by Padma Shri Uma Shankar Pandey and Padma Shri Sethpal Ji, alongside experts from WWF India, UNDP, and the National Institute of Urban Affairs. A key outcome was the launch of a Nationwide Environmental Awareness Campaign running from June 5 to July 5, 2026, aimed at grassroots climate action across India.
New Delhi, June 6, 2026: Vishwa Yuvak Kendra (VYK) successfully organized a National Seminar on “#NowForClimate” on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, bringing together environmental experts, policymakers, academicians, development professionals, youth leaders, and representatives of civil society organizations from across India.
The seminar served as an important platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collective action aimed at building a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Grassroots Action Essential for Environmental Change
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Padma Shri Uma Shankar Pandey, widely known as the Water Warrior, emphasized that meaningful environmental change can only be achieved through grassroots action and active community participation.
He urged citizens to become active partners in environmental conservation and strengthen public engagement through local initiatives.
Climate Challenges Require Collaborative Solutions
The seminar commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director of the National Institute of Urban Affairs, who highlighted the growing urgency of climate change and stressed the need for collaborative approaches and innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges.
Focus on Environmental Justice
Prof. Neera Agnimitra of the Delhi School of Social Work addressed the issue of environmental justice and climate inequalities, emphasizing that vulnerable and marginalized communities often bear the greatest burden of climate-related challenges.
She called for inclusive and people-centric policies to ensure equitable climate action.
Community Participation Key to Conservation
A special session titled “The Foundation of a Developed India: Water, Forests, Land and Public Participation” featured Padma Shri Sethpal Ji, who underscored the importance of community involvement in conserving natural resources and transforming environmental protection into a mass movement.
Youth Must Lead Sustainable Innovation
Dr. Heera Lal, IAS, Secretary, National Integration Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, encouraged young people to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship as powerful tools for environmental conservation.
He highlighted the role of youth as solution providers and change-makers capable of addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Expert Insights on Climate Education and Partnerships
The technical session was moderated by environmentalist and former UNEP Environmental Education Adviser Dr. Gayatri Raghava, who stressed the need for a holistic approach to environmental education.
The session featured expert presentations from:
- Ms. Neha Raghav (WWF India) on the importance of partnerships among governments, businesses, NGOs, and citizens.
- Mr. Yogendra Singh Dagar, International Cyclist, on redefining humanity’s relationship with nature.
- Ms. Soumya Bhatt (UNDP) on empowering youth to move beyond climate anxiety and become active climate leaders.
VYK Launches Nationwide Environmental Awareness Campaign
One of the major highlights of the event was the announcement of a Nationwide Environmental Awareness Campaign that will run from June 5 to July 5, 2026.
The month-long campaign aims to promote environmental awareness, community participation, and grassroots climate action through collaboration with partner organizations and networks across the country.
VYK Leadership Honoured for Social Contribution
On the occasion, Padma Shri Uma Shankar Pandey and Padma Shri Sethpal Ji appreciated the significant contributions of Vishwa Yuvak Kendra in youth capacity building and strengthening voluntary organizations.
They felicitated Mr. Uday Shankar Singh, CEO, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, along with the VYK team, with a ceremonial stole and traditional coconut in recognition of the organization’s contribution to social development and youth empowerment.
FAQ Section
Q1. What is the theme of VYK’s World Environment Day 2026 seminar ?
The theme of Vishwa Yuvak Kendra’s seminar was #NowForClimate, emphasizing urgent and immediate climate action at all levels — from policy to grassroots communities.
Q2. Who was the Chief Guest at the VYK #NowForClimate seminar ?
Padma Shri Uma Shankar Pandey, a renowned Water Warrior, served as the Chief Guest and called for community-led environmental conservation.
Q3. What campaign was launched at the VYK seminar on World Environment Day 2026 ?
A Nationwide Environmental Awareness Campaign was announced, running from June 5 to July 5, 2026, to promote climate awareness and grassroots action across India.
Q4. Which organizations participated in the VYK #NowForClimate seminar ?
Experts and representatives from WWF India, UNDP, National Institute of Urban Affairs, Delhi School of Social Work, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh participated in the seminar.
Q5. Where was the VYK World Environment Day 2026 seminar held ?
The seminar was held at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi on June 5, 2026.
Conclusion
Vishwa Yuvak Kendra’s #NowForClimate National Seminar on World Environment Day 2026 emerged as a powerful platform for collective climate dialogue, bringing together the best minds from policy, academia, and civil society. With the announcement of the Nationwide Environmental Awareness Campaign (June 5 – July 5, 2026), VYK has once again demonstrated that youth-led, community-driven climate action is not just possible — it is already underway. The time to act is #NowForClimate.







