Updated on: Nov 09, 2025

New Delhi: Twenty-eight young Indian changemakers took center stage at the ninth 1M1B Impact Summit held at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, showcasing their innovative projects focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability. The summit, organised by the UN-accredited non-profit 1M1B, highlighted the vital role of youth-led initiatives in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering climate diplomacy.

This year, the summit’s theme, “Powering the Future with Green Skills and Youth Climate Diplomacy: Ground-Up Action for 1.5°C,” emphasized the urgency of youth-led action to limit global warming and drive sustainable solutions. The keynote address was delivered by Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, who underscored the significance of empowering young innovators to create measurable impact in climate action, sustainability, and technology.

The event featured 28 Indian delegates, alongside participants from the UAE and the US, who presented transformative projects spanning AI, climate resilience, health, education, clean water, and circular economy solutions. Delegates hailed from Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, reflecting the breadth of innovation across India.

Among the projects showcased, several stood out for their practical solutions and social impact:

• Aadya Kanchan presented “NIRI”, an IoT-focused platform designed to promote water conservation by tracking individual water usage and encouraging sustainable habits.
• Ayaana introduced “Bhoomi”, an AI-based, affordable smart soil testing solution aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices for smallholder farmers.
• Sudiksha showcased “Khlore”, a fashion platform that connects conscious consumers with verified sustainable fashion brands, combining environmental awareness with lifestyle choices.
• Samaira Christie Daniel from Gurugram unveiled “Unboxed”, a project reimagining everyday packaging to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.
• Yashvi Trivedi from Vadodara highlighted “Bloom”, an initiative empowering adolescent girls with inclusive menstrual health education and fostering gender equality in health awareness.

The summit also marked the formal launch of the “Youth Climate Diplomacy Program”, a flagship initiative under 1.5 Matters, a global movement curated by Manav Subodh, founder of 1M1B, and supported by the 1M1B Green Skills Academy. The program is aligned with the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and it aims to equip youth with the skills and knowledge to represent India in international climate forums, bridging local action with global climate policy.

During the summit, Ambassador Muhammadou M O Kah, Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the UN in Geneva, lauded the young innovators, stating, “The next generation is charting the path toward a just, sustainable, and inclusive future. Platforms like 1M1B are vital catalysts, empowering youth to develop green skills, master AI, and become climate diplomats who influence policies and drive both local and global solutions.”

Manav Subodh highlighted the growing influence of youth in shaping global climate action. “Through 1.5 Matters, the Green Skills Academy leveraging AI, and Youth Climate Diplomacy, we are empowering youth to tackle global challenges. These changemakers represent India’s new generation—innovators solving complex problems while advancing India’s soft power and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

The summit further emphasized the intersection of technology, sustainability, and diplomacy, underscoring how youth-led initiatives can accelerate climate solutions. Delegates demonstrated that leveraging AI, smart technologies, and community engagement could provide scalable solutions for pressing environmental and social challenges, from sustainable agriculture and water management to circular economy innovations and gender-sensitive health interventions.

Through their participation, Indian delegates not only showcased cutting-edge solutions but also highlighted India’s leadership in green innovation and youth-driven climate action. The initiatives exemplify how young innovators are combining technical expertise with social responsibility, translating ideas into actionable projects that align with global SDGs.

The summit also served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange, enabling delegates to interact with international peers, policymakers, and climate experts. By fostering collaboration and mentorship, 1M1B aims to expand the reach and impact of these projects, ensuring that local solutions can be scaled for global benefit.

Several projects presented at the summit exemplify the integration of AI with sustainable development:

• AI-powered soil and crop monitoring solutions for precision farming, reducing chemical use and water consumption.
• IoT-enabled water conservation platforms to monitor household and community water usage, promoting responsible consumption patterns.
• AI-driven circular economy platforms that connect eco-conscious consumers with sustainable brands, creating traceable supply chains and reducing waste.

The summit reinforced the notion that empowering youth with green and AI skills is critical to achieving climate targets. It highlighted the role of education, mentorship, and institutional support in nurturing innovators who can tackle complex, multidisciplinary problems.

As the Youth Climate Diplomacy Program rolls out, Indian participants will have opportunities to represent their country at global forums, advocate for sustainable policies, and implement community-based climate solutions, positioning India at the forefront of international climate engagement.

With initiatives like NIRI, Bhoomi, Khlore, Unboxed, and Bloom, young Indians demonstrated creative, scalable, and socially impactful solutions, showing how technology and sustainability can go hand-in-hand to drive meaningful change. Their work reflects the power of youth-driven innovation in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.

The ninth 1M1B Impact Summit thus provided a platform to celebrate these innovators, reinforce global climate commitments, and highlight the potential of India’s next-generation leaders in contributing to sustainable development, AI adoption, and climate diplomacy.

By combining technical ingenuity, social consciousness, and environmental stewardship, these young changemakers are not only advancing the SDGs but also exemplifying the role of youth as catalysts for global transformation. Their participation underscores the importance of empowering young leaders, investing in skill development, and fostering international collaboration to address the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainability in the 21st century.