Jaipur, 29 January 2026.
The Youth Eco Summit 2026, hosted by the Bajaj Foundation with in association with the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, UNICEF YuWaah and TECNO,Asia’s largest youth-powered sustainability platform turned a spotlight on the energy, ideas, and determination of India’s young climate leaders. From students presenting bold solutions to celebrity voices sharing insights, the day was a masterclass in inspiration and action. The Youth Eco Summit 2026 brought together students from 66 cities across India, marking the coming together of a year-long national movement that has engaged over 3 lakh young people through schools and community-led initiatives. In the program organized in Jaipur, more than 2,500 children from 63 schools participated.
The summit opened with students from Rawat Senior Secondary School delivering “The Last Call from Planet Earth,” a reminder that our planet’s challenges are urgent and real. Shohini Dutta, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Bajaj Foundation, took the stage to frame the problem, giving context and clarity to the issues at hand. Then, student delegates stepped up for a MiniCOP30, identifying key crises, and Gen Alpha climate leader Prasidhi Singh shared her vision for how young people can take charge.
Pankaj Bajaj, Director of the Bajaj Foundation, said, “India’s youth are not just talking about the future; they are shaping it. They are doing it with energy, creativity, and courage. They are taking charge and turning a spotlight on the growing crisis of climate change, energy, ideas, and more.”
ArijeetTalapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India, said, “Every generation gets a moment to shape the future, and this one has AI in its hands. What excites me most is seeing young people use technology not just to create, but to care. When AI meets purpose, it can help us reduce waste, protect our planet, and rethink how we live. At TECNO, we are proud to stand with these young changemakers at the Bajaj Youth Eco Summit, because the green leaders of tomorrow are not waiting for permission; they are already building change today.”
Reflecting on India’s responsibility in a shared world and the broader environmental system advocated ViraanshBhanushali, Chief of Staff of the Oxford Union. Students from Subodh Public School explored “The Cost of Convenience,” while climate highlighted India’s role on the global stage. A lively panel discussion followed, with Neha Raghav (WWF-India), Surendra Gotherwal (MeitY), and ex ISRO scientist Pankti Pandey exploring how AI can help tackle climate challenges, all moderated by the ever-engaging Param Banana.
Youth voices were front and center throughout the day. Rohit Saraf, actor and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree, joined Raul John, India’s AI prodigy, in a candid conversation moderated by Pankaj Bajaj. The spotlight then shifted to Jaipur, as a young voice from the city shared insights on the sustainability-led changes taking shape locally, offering a grounded, on-the-ground perspective of how climate action is unfolding in real time, followed by a lively Green Beats performance from Neerja Modi School. The Mini COP30 resolutions adopted by student delegates gave the discussions tangible outcomes and a sense of real impact.
Beyond the main sessions, the summit buzzed with activity across the venue. Interactive AI experience zones, meme-led climate awareness installations, and a dedicated Green Education Corner allowed participants to engage with sustainability in immersive and accessible ways, extending the conversation far beyond the auditorium.
The summit also offered moments of reflection and inspiration. Sanjana Sanghi, UNDP India Youth Champion, joined Nelson Paes, combat athlete and mentor, and students to discuss hope, influence, and commitment. A fireside chat with Pankaj Bajaj, Milind Soman, and designer Nikhil Mehra explored actionable solutions, creativity, and environmental responsibility. The day wrapped up with the Youth Eco Awards, recognizing exceptional young changemakers who are already driving meaningful change.
By the end of the summit, one thing was clear. India’s youth are not just talking about the future; they are shaping it. If this summit was any indication, they are doing it with energy, creativity, and courage.
