The India Youth Summit 2024 wasn’t just another conference—it was a powerful gathering of young change-makers, activists, and leaders committed to tackling plastic pollution. Held in Bangalore from October 2 to 4, this summit brought together youth from across the country to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore ways to strengthen collective action against plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution is not just about waste—it is deeply intertwined with climate change, biodiversity loss, and social injustices. The summit was designed to address these connections while also exploring advocacy strategies, policy interventions, and grassroots campaigns to counter plastic pollution effectively. Organized by Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) in collaboration with the National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS), the event provided a space for young environmentalists to learn, engage, and develop a collective vision for change.
The Summit kicked off with a warm welcome and context-setting session, where organizers Aswathy from BFFP, Anil from NCAS, and Pinky Chandran from BFFP shared the objectives of the summit. Following rapid introductions, where each participant briefly introduced their work and organization, the first session of the day focused on the life cycle of plastic. Experts including Siddharth from CSE, Vishvaja from the Centre for Financial Accountability, and Geo Damin from Poovulagin Nanbargal, took participants through the journey of plastic from extraction to disposal, explaining how it exacerbates the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Discussions explored how corporate-driven plastic production continues to expand, despite its environmental consequences.
In the afternoon, participants broke up into smaller groups for an interactive exercise where they brainstormed campaign ideas that connected to their own work. This session was facilitated by Skye and Aswathy from BFFP, who encouraged participants to think critically about gaps in the narrative around plastic pollution. This led to thought-provoking discussions on justice, equity, and corporate responsibility. The first day concluded with a screening of "Plastic People," a film that illustrated the everyday struggles of communities affected by plastic waste, followed by an engaging discussion on how storytelling can drive awareness and policy change.
The second day was focused on action. The morning began with a field visit to a Dry Waste Collection Centre (DWCC) in Ward 82, where participants conducted a plastic brand audit using the BFFP Brand Audit framework. This activity provided first- hand experience in tracing the brands most responsible for plastic pollution. Guided by Bianca and Goutam, the exercise helped participants understand corporate accountability and the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies.
After returning from the field visit, participants gathered for a panel discussion on "Plastics, Livelihood, and Just Transition." The discussion featured Mansoor, a dry waste collection center operator, and Indira, a waste picker and community leader. They shared personal experiences on the challenges faced by informal waste workers, highlighting issues such as unsafe working conditions, lack of recognition, and the need for policies that prioritize waste pickers’ rights. This session provided an important perspective on how plastic waste management intersects with social and economic justice.
Later in the day, breakout groups explored the human rights implications of plastic pollution, focusing on vulnerable communities. Facilitators Vishvaja, Skye, Geo, Pinky, and Arpita guided participants through discussions on how plastic pollution disproportionately affects waste workers, women, indigenous communities, and marginalized groups. Participants reflected on the role of corporations in perpetuating environmental injustice and discussed strategies for meaningful accountability. The day ended with a poster-making session where attendees used creative expression to advocate for a plastic-free future.
On the final day, the focus shifted towards policy and advocacy. The morning began with an introduction to India’s plastic policy framework and its connection to the Global Plastic Treaty. Experts Dharmesh (joining virtually) and Arpita provided insights into the legal landscape of plastic regulation, including recent PILs (Public Interest Litigations) on plastic waste and their impact on environmental governance. Participants explored how youth advocacy could play a role in influencing national and global plastic policies.
This session led into a brainstorming exercise on movement-building and campaign planning, facilitated by Skye and Aswathy. Participants discussed potential ways to mobilize communities through petitions, workshops, media stories, and public awareness campaigns. They also explored the possibility of forming an alliance, tentatively named "India Youth for Addressing Plastic Pollution" (IYFAP). Working groups were formed, and commitments were made to sustain engagement beyond the summit.
The event closed with a feedback session and a final reflection circle, where participants shared their key takeaways and moments of inspiration. Many spoke about how the summit helped them build new connections, refine their advocacy strategies, and deepen their understanding of the systemic nature of plastic pollution.
The summit brought together a diverse group of participants, each contributing their own perspectives and expertise. Some of the key organizations represented and their members included Greenkeepers (Sabique Hasan Ahmed), Zero Waste Himalaya (Kapil Chettri), Youth for Justice (Daniya Dabre), Waste Warriors (Kiran Bisht), Ocean Students Community (Febin Fredy), Dakshin Foundation (Abhishek Chakraborty), There Is No Earth B™ (Dhrstadyumn Khera), Hasiru Dala (Kiran A), Sustera Foundation (Agnus Mariya Antony), Alliance of Indian Waste Pickers (Vignesh Shiva Subramaniam M), Further and Beyond Foundation (Pempa Tashi), Visai (Saravanan), The Midway Journey (Jita Moni Hazarika), Coastal Students Cultural Forum (Neethu C), Delhi Young Artists Forum (Nandini), Kachrewaale Foundation (Garima Poonia), Blue Green Resource Centre (Renjith Joy), Poovulagin Nanbargal (Sarojini K), and Little Green World (Preeti Chauhan). This diversity of backgrounds and experiences enriched the discussions, making the summit a dynamic and collaborative space.
This summit was not just about discussions—it was about action. It strengthened the network of young environmental leaders working on plastic pollution, equipping them with tools, knowledge, and a sense of solidarity. The fight against plastic pollution is not an isolated battle, and this summit proved that when youth come together, they can drive real change. As participants return to their communities, they carry with them the energy, ideas, and alliances formed in Bangalore. Their advocacy, campaigns, and on-the-ground efforts will continue to challenge corporate polluters and push for systemic change.
The India Youth Summit 2024 was just the beginning of something much bigger—a growing movement of young leaders determined to build a future free from plastic pollution. With a commitment to collective action, these youth leaders are ready to take the next steps in shaping a more just and sustainable world.
