Empowering Young Ambassadors at The World Sustainable Development Summit 2026: “We Were the Youngest in the Room, But We Didn’t Feel Small”

Plant-for-the-Planet Ambassadors recount their first international conference at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2026:

A few days ago, we found ourselves walking into something completely new—something bigger than anything we had experienced before. We got the opportunity to attend the World Sustainable Development Summit 2026, held from 25 to 27 February 2026, at the Taj Palace. It was our first international conference, and as two school students and mentees of Dharmendra Kapri under the Plant-for-the-Planet Mentorship Program, we were also among the youngest participants present there.

To be honest, we didn’t know what to expect. But somewhere between walking into those grand halls and sitting through our first session, the nervousness slowly turned into curiosity and then into inspiration.

Over the three days, we attended multiple sessions, explored exhibitions, and listened to people who are working every day to protect our planet. One of the most interesting sessions for us was on Net Zero, where representatives from different colleges and universities shared how they are transforming their campuses—installing solar panels, increasing green cover, and focusing on energy conservation. It made us realize that change is already happening, and it can start from places as familiar as our own schools.

We also attended the opening session, where India’s Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, shared his thoughts on environmental challenges and solutions. Listening to him helped us understand how important policies and leadership are in shaping a sustainable future.

Learning was everywhere around us.

As we walked through the exhibition area, it felt like stepping into a world full of ideas. There were models on solar energy, waste management, and eco-friendly innovations. One stall that stayed with us was EIACP: GARPHINI, where we learned a simple but powerful lesson: we don’t need to do big things to make a difference. Even small actions—like reducing plastic use, saving water, or being mindful about electricity—can create real impact.

We also saw beautiful handmade products like Madhubani art, bamboo-based materials, and items made from jute grass. It was inspiring to see how sustainability can be creative, practical, and deeply connected to our traditions at the same time.

And then came the third day, the most memorable of all.

That day wasn’t just about attending sessions; it was about conversations that stayed with us. We had the opportunity to meet and interact with inspiring individuals like Dr. Ash Pachauri, Co-Founder of the Protect Our Planet movement, Vaishali Nigam Sinha, known for her work in Corporate Social Responsibility, and Dr. Shailly Kedia, the curator and director of the WSDS program. We even shared Plant-for-the-Planet chocolates with them, a small gesture that opened the door to meaningful conversations and learning.

One moment that truly inspired us was meeting Dia Mirza. Her journey from being an actor to becoming an environmental advocate made us reflect on our own choices. When she spoke about something as simple as switching from plastic bottles to a steel one, it reminded us that change doesn’t always have to be big to be powerful.

But what made this experience even more special was something beyond the conference halls.

The learning didn’t stop when the sessions ended. Some of our most meaningful conversations happened during the journey and back at our Airbnb, where we spent time reflecting, asking questions, and discussing everything we had seen and heard with our mentor, Dharmendra Kapri. Those informal conversations helped us understand things more deeply, connecting ideas from the sessions to real life, and thinking about what we can actually do in our own schools and communities. In many ways, those moments were just as enriching as the summit itself.

Somewhere during these three days, a thought became very clear to us:
You don’t have to wait to grow up to start making a difference.

Over these three days, we didn’t just learn about sustainability—we understood it. We realized how we can take these ideas back to our school and community: by spreading awareness, encouraging small habit changes, focusing on waste management, conserving water, and planting more trees.

Most importantly, this experience gave us something we didn’t expect: confidence.

We walked into the summit thinking we were the youngest in the room.

But we walked out feeling like we belonged there.

And maybe that’s the biggest takeaway of all, that no matter how small we think our actions are, they matter. That even as students, we have a voice. And that real change begins with simple steps, taken consistently.

We are deeply thankful to Plant-for-the-Planet, our mentor Dharmendra Kapri, and our school, Nanakmatta Public School, for giving us this opportunity and guiding us throughout this journey.

— Harshita & Hema
Plant-for-the-Planet Mentees