National Environment Youth Parliament 2026 Set for Nagpur on February 14-15
The fourth edition of the National Environment Youth Parliament (NEYP) 2026 is scheduled to take place at the Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur on February 14 and 15. This significant event is being jointly organized by Vikasarth Vidyarthi and the Environment Conservation Activity (PSG), with the primary goal of encouraging environmental awareness, cultivating green leadership, and facilitating policy dialogue among young participants from across India.
Distinguished Guests and Organizers
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar will attend as the chief guest on Sunday, February 15. The keynote address will be delivered by Devdutt Joshi, National Co-Organisation minister of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), on February 14. Among the co-organizers is Manali Kshirsagar, Vice Chancellor of Nagpur University. Additionally, vice chancellors from various universities across the country are expected to be present, underscoring the event's national importance.
During a press conference, Payal Rai, the national convenor of Students For Development, shared comprehensive details about the event. Also present were Nagpur Mahanagar secretary Virendra Paunikar and state media convenor Vaishnavi Pandey, highlighting the collaborative effort behind NEYP 2026.
Vikasarth Vidyarthi's Environmental Mission
Vikasarth Vidyarthi, an organization dedicated to addressing environmental issues on university campuses throughout the year, focuses on developing a positive approach centered around five core themes: water, people, forests, land, and animals. Since its inception in 2022, the organization has conducted the National Environment Youth Parliament to provide a crucial platform for students to understand environmental challenges and actively contribute to discussions on policy solutions.
Three-Phase Structure of NEYP 2026
The NEYP 2026 is being conducted in three distinct phases to ensure broad participation and effective deliberation:
- First Phase (University Level, September 2025): This initial stage witnessed participation from over 50,000 students representing nearly 400 universities, demonstrating widespread interest in environmental issues among the youth.
- Second Phase (Climate Zones): Approximately 4,000 students took part in each of the 10 climate zones, from which the best participants were carefully selected based on their contributions and insights.
- Final Stage (Nagpur, February 14-15): Around 200 shortlisted students will gather in Nagpur for the two-day Environment Parliament to deliberate on national environmental concerns and explore possible solutions.
Session Themes and Focus Areas
The sessions at NEYP 2026 will concentrate on key themes integral to the Vikasarth Vidyarthi movement, including water conservation, forests, land, animals, and people. The first session, titled "Five-Change and Climate Governance: Reviving India's Ecological Wisdom in Modern Policy Frameworks," will focus on integrating traditional ecological values into contemporary climate governance. The second session, "India and the World at COP30: Can Indian Civilisational Sustainability Values Shape Ethical Leadership for Global Climate?" will explore India's potential role in global climate discussions, emphasizing ethical leadership.
Additional Features and Expected Outcomes
An exhibition at the venue will highlight environmental values and tribal traditions of the Vidarbha region, providing cultural context to the discussions. A cultural programme showcasing the region's heritage will also be organized, enriching the event's experience. Participants are expected to act as environmental ambassadors on their respective university campuses, contributing to ongoing environmental awareness and policy engagement efforts nationwide.
This event represents a significant step in empowering youth to address pressing environmental issues through informed dialogue and collaborative action.
