A policy framework developed by young people through the HCA-supported ACT Indore: Adolescents for Climate Transformation project is set to be adopted by the Indore Municipal Corporation, marking a major milestone for youth participation in urban climate governance in India.
Over 8 months, 50 young people participating in the Indore Climate League conducted the city’s first youth-led ward-level survey, documented community stories, ran 10 community campaigns and worked directly with ward councillors and the Indore Municipal Corporation on issues including water, waste and heat.
From community experiences to city-level action
The fellows’ work came together at the ACT Indore National Convening on 22 August 2026, which brought young people together with city officials, partner organisations, academic institutions and civil society organisations. This event marked the culmination of the ACT Indore project.
The fellows hosted the convening and contributed their perspectives to discussions, sharing what they had learned from their work with communities across Indore on how Indore can respond to climate challenges. The event showcased storytelling and arts-based approaches that the fellows were trained in during the project. The event also saw the launch of the ACT Indore Framework, which translates their experiences and ideas into a youth-led approach to urban climate resilience.
Shri Sumit Asthana, Executive Engineer at Indore Municipal Corporation, highlighted the importance of connecting young people more closely with urban governance: “Indore’s goal today is not just to remain the cleanest city, but also to become a climate-resilient and future-ready city. We need to connect the energy, technical understanding, innovative thinking, and local experience of young people with urban governance.”
The convening also explored how youth participation in climate action could continue beyond the project, including through campus climate cells, student research to generate local data and stronger links between citizens and the city administration.
Moving beyond consultation
The adoption of the ACT Indore Framework takes youth participation beyond simply being heard, giving young people’s experiences and ideas a place in urban decision-making.
Dr Debolina Kundu, Director of the National Institute of Urban Affairs, described the framework as an important milestone in strengthening youth participation in urban development and governance: “This initiative demonstrates that young people are not merely beneficiaries of urban policy, they are key partners, knowledge holders, and change-makers in shaping their cities.”
For Healthy Cities for Adolescents, ACT Indore is an important example of how sustained youth participation can lead to real influence on the decisions shaping cities.
ACT Indore was led by Youth Ki Awaaz in collaboration with SHEDO Sansthan, AAs – Aim for the Awareness of Society, Start Up! and the National Institute of Urban Affairs, with support from Healthy Cities for Adolescents.
Explore the ACT Indore Framework and learn more about the journey behind it:
https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/actindore/
