Licypriya likely to miss C0P28
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 18 2023: Manipuri climate and environmental activist Licypriya Kangujam is likely to miss the upcoming United Nations Climate Conference 2023, also known as COP28, due to lack of funds.

The conference, scheduled to take place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, will be attended by leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, who will collectively decide the future course of action for the planet and the activation of the loss and damage funds established in COP27 for vulnerable countries.

With approximately 60,000 delegates from 190 countries expected to attend the event, Licypriya is the sole representative from Manipur.

Efforts to secure funding from the government have not been acknowledged by authorities, in-spite of her contributions made in the fight against climate change recognised by the international community since her address at COP25 in Madrid.

In previous years, Licypriya received sponsorship from the European Climate Foundation (ECF) to attend COP25 in Spain, COP26 in the UK, and COP27 in Egypt.

Unfortunately, ECF was unable to sponsor her this year due to fund depletion.

Licypriya, who actively lobbies world leaders to adopt agreements such as the creation of loss and damage funds, has turned to social media for support.

In a Facebook post, she appealed for financial contributions to cover her travel expenses for COP28, stating that approximately Rs 2 lakh out of the required Rs 4 lakh have been raised through crowdfunding.

It is worth noting that Licypriya has utilised her savings to assist those affected by the ethnic violence between Kukis and Meiteis in Manipur, providing aid to displaced individuals and education for victimised children.

While UN events are generally self-sponsored, Licypriya's situation highlights the challenges faced by individuals without financial backing.

Her impactful efforts have not gone unnoticed, as her life journey has been included in the CBSE syllabus for Class 3 and Class 7 English textbooks, dedicating six pages to her story under the title "Child Hero" .

The President of India enacted a new air pollution law in 2021 following Licypriya's week-long protest in front of the President s residence in New Delhi.

Licypriya's campaigns include addressing air pollution, promoting climate education, reducing plastic waste, and advocating for climate justice.

In addition to her global efforts, Licypriya has taken a stance on the Manipur conflict by meeting with world leaders, from King Charles III of the UK to His Holiness Pope Francis, and addressing the impact of deforestation caused by the conflict on the global climate crisis.

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