Licypriya Kangujam: A young voice leading global advocacy through action and innovation

Licypriya Kangujam, born on 2 October 2011 in Bashikhong, Manipur, is widely recognised as one of the youngest environmental activists in the world. From the age of seven, she has been advocating for urgent climate action and disaster risk reduction policies in India and internationally. Her contributions have been acknowledged through several prestigious awards, including the International Children's Peace Prize, the India Peace Prize, and the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Children’s Award, all received in 2019.

That same year, she was spotlighted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) alongside Greta Thunberg and Jamie Margolin as one of the most prominent young voices fighting climate change. The Times of India has referred to her as “India’s youngest climate activist,” a title that reflects both her early engagement and her national impact.

Urging legal reform: Climate policy in India

Kangujam’s activism has focused particularly on the absence of national legislation on climate change in India. In June 2019, she staged a solo protest outside the Indian Parliament, calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to introduce a comprehensive Climate Change Act. Her demand is rooted in the fact that India remains one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters globally, contributing approximately 7.3% of global emissions as of 2022, yet lacks a dedicated legal framework for climate governance.

Globally, only a few countries namely the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, and Peru have enacted national climate legislation. According to the Climate Change Laws of the World database (Grantham Research Institute, LSE), fewer than 50 countries have comprehensive climate laws, while more than 140 countries lack enforceable legislation on emissions and adaptation. Kangujam's campaign calls for India to join the ranks of nations legally committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.

Speaking before world leaders: The Biennale of Luanda

In September 2019, Kangujam was invited by UNESCO, the African Union, and the Government of Angola to speak at the Biennale of Luanda – Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace. During her visit from 14–24 September, she led a large-scale climate strike in Luanda involving over 50,000 children and young people, making a direct appeal to world leaders for immediate action.

Addressing the Presidents of Angola, Mali, Malawi, and the Republic of the Congo, as well as UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege, Kangujam called for Africa-wide youth inclusion in climate decision-making. Her presence at the forum symbolised the growing global role of young voices in climate diplomacy, aligning with the UN’s emphasis on intergenerational equity in the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The October 2019 march: Climate justice in India

On 21 October 2019, Licypriya launched the “Great October March” in New Delhi, mobilising thousands across India until 27 October to demand urgent national climate legislation. In Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, more than 12,000 local residents joined the march in solidarity.

In interviews, Kangujam highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on India’s rural populations. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021 (Germanwatch), India ranked seventh among the countries most affected by climate-related extreme weather events between 2000 and 2019. The country has experienced a 150% increase in extreme weather events over the past two decades, severely affecting agriculture-dependent regions and exacerbating poverty, food insecurity, and school dropouts among children.

Sukifu: An innovative response to air pollution

One of Kangujam’s most notable contributions is the development of SUKIFU—Survival Kit for the Future—a low-cost, symbolic air purification backpack. Introduced on 4 October 2019, SUKIFU uses a live plant placed in a transparent container to provide clean air to the wearer in heavily polluted environments. Constructed using waste materials, it serves as an educational model to raise awareness of air pollution, which is a growing crisis in India.

According to the World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir, India is home to 39 of the world’s 50 most polluted cities, with Delhi consistently ranking among the most hazardous. Air pollution contributes to nearly 1.67 million deaths annually in India, as reported by The Lancet Planetary Health. Kangujam presented SUKIFU at the Punjab and Haryana Legislative Assembly, urging lawmakers to take immediate action against the air quality crisis.

Awards and global recognition

Licypriya Kangujam’s efforts have been widely recognised both in India and abroad. In addition to the International Children’s Peace Prize and the India Peace Prize, she was named a "Rising Star" by Earth Day Network (Washington D.C.), acknowledging her leadership in global climate advocacy. She also received the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Children’s Award from the Khwaad Foundation and was honoured at the World Youth Summit by the International Youth Committee.

Her recognition aligns with the increasing acknowledgement of youth participation in the realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

A catalyst for change

Licypriya Kangujam stands as a compelling example of how young individuals, equipped with conviction and creativity, can influence global climate policy and civic engagement. Through peaceful protest, technical innovation, and strategic communication, she has emerged as a formidable climate leader proving that age is no barrier to action.

As the climate crisis intensifies, voices like Kangujam’s are essential in pushing institutions, governments, and corporations to accelerate their commitments. Her work not only inspires a new generation of activists but also challenges policymakers to recognise the urgency and act decisively before it is too late.

More information: https://www.licypriyakangujam.com/