The Government of Meghalaya, in partnership with UNICEF India and the Centre for Policy, today officially launched the Young People’s Action Group (YPAG) at a curtain-raiser event in Shillong under the MPOWER (Meghalaya Multisectoral Programme for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment and Resilience) initiative. Supported by the World Bank, MPOWER aims to strengthen the wellbeing, agency, and future readiness of Meghalaya’s adolescents through a multisectoral approach. YPAG is being introduced as part of this effort, realising the programme’s vision by positioning youth as partners in decision-making and drivers of change.
The YPAG is aligned with the Meghalaya Youth Policy 2021 and aims to strengthen youth leadership, civic participation, and environmental responsibility by building capacities in policy understanding, research, advocacy, and leadership among young people. The initiative creates a structured platform for youth to move beyond consultation and actively co-create solutions across key sectors, including climate resilience, health, education, and community well-being, with a focus on inclusion of rural, tribal, and vulnerable communities.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, said, “Climate change and development must be addressed together. As communities continue to face environmental challenges driven by changing practices and urban expansion, young people have a critical role in identifying solutions and taking responsibility for sustainable development. Through initiatives like YPAG and the introduction of Community Integrated Skill Learning in the education system, we are working towards empowering youth to become more resilient and to contribute to both environmental management and economic growth.”
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