Youth Leadership Programme at Dibrugarh University Focuses on Climate Action and Social Change

GUWAHATI, July 20, 2026 — Thirty-five young people from across Upper Assam participated in a three-day residential learning programme on youth leadership, climate action and social transformation at Dibrugarh University from July 16 to 18.

The programme, titled From Awareness to Action: Youth Leadership for Social and Environmental Transformation, was jointly organised by the Rural Volunteer Centre (RVC) and the Centre for Social Work Studies (CSWS), Dibrugarh University.

Participants included students, researchers, young social workers, community leaders and volunteers from Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and neighbouring districts.

The sessions focused on climate change, disaster risk reduction, environmental conservation, mental health, education, gender equality and youth leadership. Organisers said the programme aimed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to resilient and inclusive communities.

The inaugural session was addressed by Dr Monuj Dutta, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Social Work Studies, and RVC Director Luit Goswami, who highlighted the role of youth in addressing emerging social and environmental challenges.

Tirtha Prasad Saikia, Director of the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS), delivered a keynote address on climate change and community resilience in Northeast India. He discussed the growing impacts of floods, erosion, biodiversity loss and livelihood insecurity in Assam, and stressed the importance of community-based disaster risk reduction and youth participation in climate action.

Other sessions covered education and social transformation, mental health, disaster preparedness, leadership and active citizenship. Participants also took part in discussions on local disaster experiences and future community responses.

A field visit to Dihing Patkai National Park and nearby villages provided participants with an opportunity to learn about biodiversity conservation, climate change, sustainable livelihoods and community resilience.

On the concluding day, participants prepared community action plans focusing on climate action, environmental conservation, disaster preparedness, volunteerism and social inclusion.

The programme concluded with the adoption of the Dibrugarh Youth Declaration 2026, through which participants pledged to promote environmental sustainability, social justice and active citizenship. The organisers also announced the formation of the Youth Leadership Network of Upper Assam, intended to support collaboration and youth-led initiatives across the region.