Children Spotlight of the Week: Licypriya Kangujam

Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old climate activist from India, has been making waves across the globe with her powerful voice advocating for climate action. Since she was just six years old, Licypriya has been at the forefront of the battle against climate change, determined to protect our planet for future generations. Her relentless efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues have earned her recognition as one of the youngest climate leaders globally.

At the tender age of 6, Licypriya began speaking out on climate change, and today, she stands as an inspiration to millions around the world. Her activism reached the global stage when she addressed world leaders at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP25) in Madrid, Spain, in 2019, urging immediate action to fight climate change. She also attended the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2022, demanding climate justice and accountability.

Licypriya has never shied away from confronting powerful leaders. She has spoken out on behalf of the most vulnerable communities who bear the brunt of climate change, particularly in the global south. One of her major campaigns calls for world leaders to take responsibility for the loss and damage caused by the climate crisis.

What makes Licypriya’s activism truly extraordinary is her ability to inspire and empower others. In 2020, she launched the “Child Movement” campaign, encouraging children worldwide to join the fight against climate change. By giving children a voice, Licypriya is building a global movement of young climate leaders who are determined to create change.

Her efforts to tackle plastic pollution have been equally remarkable. Licypriya transformed the iconic Taj Mahal into a plastic-free monument in June 2022, showing the world the importance of preserving historical landmarks and reducing plastic waste. She also opened the “Plastic Money Shop” in Delhi, where people can exchange single-use plastic waste for goods such as rice, stationery, and saplings. This initiative has been widely recognized and has won numerous international awards for its innovative approach to recycling and waste management.

Licypriya’s commitment to clean air and a sustainable future led her to a remarkable protest in 2020. She spent a week protesting alone in front of the President’s House in India, calling attention to the air pollution crisis in Delhi. Her efforts paid off when, just days after being detained by the police, the President of India signed an ordinance to enact a new law addressing air pollution. Licypriya’s activism played a crucial role in bringing about change for the people of Delhi.

Her influence doesn’t stop there. Licypriya has campaigned for climate education in schools, urging institutions across India to incorporate climate change into their curricula. As a result, thousands of schools now teach students about the environment and the importance of climate action, a direct impact of her tireless advocacy.

Licypriya has gained global recognition for her work. She is a World Children Peace Prize Laureate, a Rising Star of Earth Day 2019, and has received prestigious awards such as the Global Child Prodigy Award and CNN News18’s Water Hero Award. She has even addressed TEDx talks and appeared in documentaries, including “Earth for All,” which she co-produced with Pope Francis.

Her work has earned her the admiration of many world leaders and activists. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised her in 2019 as a reminder of the world’s responsibility to future generations. Licypriya has met with leaders like Pope Francis and has been featured in major global platforms, including Sky News London, where she works as one of the youngest female wildlife documentary presenters.

Beyond her activism, Licypriya’s compassion shines through in her humanitarian efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she raised over $100,000 to provide free oxygen concentrators to those in need, saving countless lives across India. In 2024, she launched a project to build 100 free houses for victims of violence and climate disasters in her home state of Manipur. These efforts reflect her dedication to improving the lives of people affected by both climate change and conflict.