Model G20 Discussion on Youth for LiFE: Guiding Principles for Environmental Sustainability

The Model G20 Discussion – ‘Youth for LiFE’ was an event held in Delhi, India, aimed at discussing the role of youth in the mission for Lifestyle for Sustainability, or LiFE. The event was attended by G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant and United Nations Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp, who provided valuable insights on the topic.

Kant emphasized the role of the Sherpa in arriving at a declaration at the end of the Sherpa talks, which would be accepted by the leaders of the world. He mentioned that the delegates’ declaration would be the guiding principles for youth-led mission LiFE, which would be handed over to the Chair of the G20’s youth Engagement Group (Youth 20 or Y20) for consideration at their official Y20 meeting.

The meeting involved a simulation exercise of a G20 meeting, where high school students essayed the roles of delegates, guest countries, and international organizations. More than 60 students from eight schools, including international schools, private schools, and Kendriya Vidyalaya from Delhi/NCR, participated in the event. The students represented 12 nationalities, including 10 G20 countries, which made for a diverse group of participants.

The theme of the Model G20 event was “Youth for LiFE,” which aimed to deliberate on the leading role that global youth can play in making LiFE a mass movement for Climate Action. During the event, the students exchanged views on how to become agents of climate change, such as switching off lights, taps, using fossil fuel-based vehicles less, walking, and cycling.

The students negotiated and adopted an outcome document titled “Guiding Principles for Youth-led Mission LiFE.” The outcome document aimed to create and nurture a global network of individuals, namely ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3), who would have a shared commitment to adopting and promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles. The document would be handed over to the Chair of the G20’s youth Engagement Group for consideration at their official meeting.

The LiFE movement was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. The movement aims to promote an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on ‘mindful and deliberate utilization’ instead of ‘mindless and wasteful consumption.’ The movement seeks to leverage the strength of youth and social networks to influence social norms surrounding climate.

The Model G20 Discussion – ‘Youth for LiFE’ was a successful event that brought together a diverse group of students from different schools and countries to deliberate on the role of youth in the mission for Lifestyle for Sustainability. The students adopted an outcome document that aims to create and nurture a global network of individuals committed to promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles, which would be considered at the official meeting of the G20’s youth Engagement Group. The LiFE movement presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) aims to create a global network of individuals committed to promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle.