Mumbai/Hyderabad, India – July 3, 2024 – The G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI) at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in collaboration with the Heartfulness Institute, successfully concluded the “Youth Acts – Planting for a Sustainable Future” event at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the global headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute in Hyderabad. The event brought together 2,500 enthusiastic students from across the region for an enriching day dedicated to environmental conservation and land restoration.

The event provided these young participants with a hands-on experience in environmental conservation, focusing on the vital role of land restoration in combating climate change and enhancing biodiversity. In the face of escalating environmental challenges, educating and empowering the next generation is crucial. “Youth Acts – Planting for a Sustainable Future” was more than just a tree-planting initiative; it was a comprehensive program that included interactive sessions, expert talks, and engaging activities designed to instill a deep sense of environmental stewardship in participants. By fostering a connection to nature and providing practical knowledge, the event aimed to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet.

Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative at UNCCD, emphasized the significance of youth involvement in environmental efforts: “Engaging young people in land restoration activities is not just beneficial but essential. They are the future custodians of our planet, and their active participation and commitment can drive substantial positive change. This event is a step towards building a sustainable future, one sapling at a time.”

Dr. V. Ramakantha, IFS (Retd), Chairman of Forests by Heartfulness, added: “The Heartfulness Institute is honored to partner with the G20 Global Land Initiative, UNCCD for this pivotal event. Our goal is to inspire and equip young minds with the knowledge and passion needed to restore and protect our natural environment. Through initiatives like these, we can collectively work towards a greener, healthier world.”

This event represented a significant stride towards global land restoration efforts. By involving youth in meaningful environmental activities, we not only restored degraded land but also sowed the seeds of a sustainable future. Each sapling planted and each lesson learned during this event contributed to the broader goal of combating desertification and promoting ecological balance.