Licypriya praised at UN with standing ovation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 21 2023: In a powerful speech, Licypriya Kangujam, 12-year-old climate activist from India and special envoy for the president of Timor-Leste, highlighted the urgent need for developed nations to divert funds from wars to address global issues like hunger, education, and climate change.

Licypriya received a standing ovation for over 2 minutes from the world leaders attending the United Nations World Food Forum 2023 in Rome at the closing ceremony.

She underscored the interconnectedness of nature, food security, and our future, urging governments to transition away from fossil fuels and calling for immediate action to prevent further harm to future generations and advocate for the basic rights of clean air, clean water, and a clean planet.

Michael D Higgins, president of Ireland, praised the Licypriya's words that got her a standing ovation at the plenary, and addressed the importance of truth and authenticity in addressing the global crises of climate change, food security, and inequality.

He emphasized the need for a new approach to sustainable development, involving deep understanding, innovation, and inclusivity.

The president stressed the significance of empowering young people to be partners in policymaking and advocate for gender-inclusive land and labour policies.

Licypriya personally met the president of Ireland and briefed him about the root cause of the ongoing Manipur violence.

They discuss fighting climate change with innovation and giving education to the armed conflict victims children of the world.

Licypriya said, "We will not allow history to be written by big polluters, and greedy politicians who choose profits ov,er the planet.

It is our duty to protect our mother nature from those who refuse to see her beauty.

You can call me crazy but I believe we should have the basic rights of clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and clean planet to live".

"Our leaders still don't panic about the climate crisis.

What they panic about is throwing a tomato soup on sunflower art and arresting, silencing the voice of the environment and indigenous rights activists who are defending our planet.

There is no value in expensive art, our luxurious car, our beautiful home or lots of money on a dead planet," she added.

Later, she addressed the press that the international community should work neutral at the time of conflicts.

Taking side in a war or conflict will only escalate the situation, adding, "We need to stop this double standard of the west".

Notably, Licypriya Kangujam also addressed the people of Europe in Paris, France last week and also tabled the ground report of Manipur 's ongoing violence at the European Parliament.

She was invited as a special guest by the United Nations to address the closing ceremony of the UN World Food Forum 2023 in Rome on Friday.

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