UYT 6
Youth Role in Disaster Resilience & Environmental Protection in Uttarakhand
Empowering young minds in disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, and ecological resilience in the Himalayas.
Date & Time
11 July 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location
Dehradun
Uttarakhand, India
Organiser
Free Smile Foundation
Format
One-day Conclave & Dialogue Forum
About the Conclave
Uttarakhand Youth Talk 2026
Uttarakhand Youth Talk is a youth-centric dialogue platform focusing on the critical theme “Youth Role in Disaster Resilience & Environmental Protection in Uttarakhand.” The initiative aims to actively engage young minds in meaningful conversations around disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, and the unique ecological challenges of the fragile Himalayan region.
By bringing together youth, experts, and practitioners, the conclave fosters informed dialogue, encourages innovative and practical solutions, and strengthens youth participation in building resilient and sustainable communities. Through keynote talks, expert panel discussions, and position paper presentations, UYT 6 seeks to empower young individuals to contribute effectively towards environmental safety and disaster risk reduction.
Review of the State of the Art
Uttarakhand, a highly sensitive Himalayan state, faces growing challenges including climate change impacts, frequent natural disasters, ecological degradation, and increasing pressure on its fragile environment. These interconnected issues highlight the urgent need for disaster resilience, environmental protection, and informed community action, especially with active youth involvement.
Recognising this gap in consistent, youth-driven platforms connecting local realities with practical knowledge and solutions, Free Smile Foundation launched the Uttarakhand Youth Talk series in 2021. With five successful editions, the initiative has evolved into a dynamic forum where young people engage directly with scientists, policy makers, and community leaders.
Core Mission
Conclave Objectives
Youth Engagement
Actively engage youth between the ages of 18 and 35 in a structured dialogue on disaster management and environmental sustainability specific to Uttarakhand.
Policy-Oriented Thinking
Cultivate analytical thinking among participants by encouraging them to research, analyze, and present policy-focused solutions through formal Position Papers.
Advocacy & Impact
Identify the top five most practical youth perspectives, document them, and submit them directly to concerned government departments for policy-level consideration.
Who Can Attend
Target Participants
Age Criteria
18 to 35 years old.
Minimum Qualification
Above 12th standard.
Eligibility Open To
Activists, members of any organisation, students, and researchers.
Registration Mode
Exclusively online via the official website portal.
Thematic Focus
Key Discussions & Conclave Themes
Focused, action-oriented thematic approaches center on youth leadership in addressing Uttarakhand's environmental vulnerability.
Environmental Conservation
Protecting biodiversity, natural resources, and the fragile Himalayan terrain.
Climate Change Adaptation
Developing youth-driven action plans to adapt to rising climate risks.
Disaster Risk Reduction
Enhancing community preparedness, early warnings, and mitigation action.
Sustainable Development
Balancing economic progress with conservation inside fragile mountain ecosystems.
Community Resilience
Strengthening local grassroots networks and disaster-response capabilities.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Advocating waste minimization, recycling, and sustainable living standards.
Sustainable Livelihoods
Encouraging local green entrepreneurship, organic farming, and eco-tourism.
Science & Technology
Leveraging scientific research and technologies to analyze and mitigate climate risks.
Conclave Panels
Keynote & Expert Discussions
The keynote address will focus on “Youth Role in Disaster Resilience & Environmental Protection in Uttarakhand”, emphasizing climate adaptation, participatory governance, and sustainable resource management.
Panel Discussion Topic
“Balancing Development, Disaster Preparedness & Environmental Conservation”
A moderator-led panel discussion including policy gaps, media responsibility, environmental governance, and disaster mitigation frameworks. Followed by a 10-minute audience Q&A.
Distinguished Panel Speakers
Prof. (Dr.) Jog Bhatia
Senior Consultant (Disaster Management) cum Director Training, Government of Punjab
Ex-Commandant, ITBP
Chandan Nayal
Environmentalist
Independent Expert
Col. Pratyul Thapliyal
Commanding Officer
127 ETF, Garhwal Rifles
Event at a Glance
Event Schedule
Registration
Inaugural Session
Keynote Address
Expert Panel Discussion
Interactive Q&A Session
Position Paper Presentation
Cultural Performance
Networking / Lunch
Certificate Distribution
Vote of Thanks
Post-Event Action
Action and Reporting
- Preparation of a comprehensive conclave summary report documenting youth voices.
- Documentation of policy recommendations, policy gaps, and youth-led solutions.
- Sharing outcomes with educational institutions, development agencies, and departments.
Proceedings & Dissemination
Knowledge Resources
Official Report
A comprehensive report titled “Uttarakhand Youth Talk 2026: Youth Voices from Dehradun” will be developed and shared in print and digital formats.
Youth Booklet
Shortlisted youth perspectives, position paper findings, and reflection essays will be curated into a dedicated youth-focused booklet showcasing mountain-based action.
Event Documentation
Official Report
Documentation Coming Soon
Detailed event documentation, session recordings, and the official UYT 6 conclave report will be published here after the event concludes on 11 July 2026.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions regarding participation, submissions, and timeline.
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