Manipuri Licypriya Kangujam‘s Courageous Stand at COP28
A Call to End Fossil Fuels for a Sustainable Future
ARABINDA RABHA

The conclusion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai marked a historic moment in the global fight against climate change.
Amidst the critical negotiations and landmark agreements, one powerful voice emerged from the crowd – that of 12-year-old climate activist Licypriya Kangujam.
Licypriya, a passionate advocate for climate action, took the stage during a high-level meeting, using her platform to call for an immediate end to the use of fossil fuels.
The Spark of Youthful Activism
Hailing from Manipur, India, Licypriya has become a prominent figure in the youth-led climate movement. Known for her unwavering commitment to environmental causes, she embarked on a mission to make her voice heard at COP28.
The conference, attended by representatives from nearly 200 countries, presented a crucial opportunity to address the pressing issue of climate change and the role of fossil fuels in exacerbating the crisis.
A Spontaneous Act of Defiance
Licypriya’s moment in the spotlight unfolded during a high-stakes meeting at COP28. Armed with a poster that carried a clear message – “End fossil fuels; save our planet and our future” – she boldly stepped onto the podium.
Chanting, “Leaders lie, people die… act now,” Licypriya paraded from one end of the stage to the other for close to a minute, capturing the attention of the audience and making a powerful statement about the urgency of climate action.
In an interview following her bold act, Licypriya expressed her frustration with the perceived inaction of world leaders.
“I jumped onto the high-level podium as I was completely frustrated with our leaders doing actually nothing about it (fossil fuel cuts)… Only lip service and blah blah blah; and I acted spontaneously,” she explained.

A Symbolic War Cry: “Stop Fossil Fuel”
Licypriya’s protest resonated as a symbolic war cry, echoing the sentiments of many climate activists and concerned citizens worldwide. The phrase “Stop fossil fuel” became a rallying call at COP28, emphasizing the imperative to phase out fossil fuels to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Licypriya’s act received immediate applause from those present in the meeting room, signifying the resonance of her message.
However, the bold move came at a cost. Licypriya’s registration batch, along with her mother’s, was seized, and she was denied further entry into COP28. Undeterred by the consequences, she emerged as a symbol of youthful determination, willing to challenge the status quo for the sake of a sustainable future.

Global Impact of Licypriya’s Protest
Licypriya’s activism extends beyond the borders of her home country. As one of the youngest climate activists globally, she has actively participated in climate conferences worldwide.
Her previous addresses to world leaders at the Madrid and Sharm El Sheikh COPs demonstrated her commitment to urging decision-makers to prioritize urgent climate action.
The global impact of Licypriya’s recent act of civil disobedience was evident on social media, where fellow activists expressed solidarity and support.
Despite facing consequences for her protest, Licypriya remains undeterred, vowing to continue participating in future climate summits. Her courage has sparked discussions on the role of youth activism in shaping the global climate agenda.

Challenges Faced by the Young Activist
Licypriya not only brought attention to the critical issue of fossil fuel dependence but also highlighted the challenges faced by activists, particularly those from younger demographics.
In a video broadcast, she shared her experience of being detained for over 30 minutes after the protest. She alleged a violation of her rights, with UN officials seizing her badge and removing her from the COP premises.
“They even warned that I would not get a badge in any future COP,” she stated, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of activists to express their views within the UN framework.
The incident sparked a conversation about the balance between maintaining order and allowing dissenting voices to be heard in global forums.

The Larger Context: COP28 and the Fossil Fuel Debate
Licypriya’s protest unfolded against the backdrop of the broader debate on the phase-out of fossil fuels.
COP28 saw nearly 200 countries engaging in intensive negotiations to reach a consensus on this critical agenda. The global stocktake, a central outcome of COP28, underscored the urgent need for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.
The debate on fossil fuels remains a point of contention, with differing perspectives on the pace and scale of the transition. Licypriya’s protest injected a sense of urgency into the discussions, compelling leaders to confront the existential threat posed by continued reliance on fossil fuels.

A Youthful Call for Urgent Action
Licypriya Kangujam’s courageous act at COP28 serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency needed to address climate change.
The young activist’s decision to use her platform to advocate for the end of fossil fuels reflects the growing frustration among the youth with the perceived inaction of global leaders.
As the world grapples with the complex challenges posed by climate change, Licypriya’s protest symbolizes the power of youth activism in driving meaningful change.
The consequences she faced underscore the need for a more inclusive and supportive environment for young voices within the UN framework.
Licypriya’s call to “Stop fossil fuel” echoes the sentiments of millions who recognize the need for immediate, tangible action to secure a sustainable future.
Her courage reverberates as a call to leaders and citizens alike, urging them to prioritize the well-being of the planet and future generations over short-term interests.
The incident involving Licypriya Kangujam at COP28 serves as a catalyst for broader discussions on the role of youth in climate activism, the challenges they face, and the imperative for global cooperation to address the climate crisis.
As the world reflects on the outcomes of COP28, Licypriya’s voice stands out as a powerful reminder that the time for action is now, and the youth will not be silent in the face of a climate emergency.

14-12-2023
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