Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development: The Journey of Kehkashan Basu
In a world grappling with environmental crises, it’s often the youth who step up as catalysts for change. Kehkashan Basu’s story epitomizes this narrative—a tale of a young girl from Dubai whose encounter with a dead bird filled with plastic ignited a passion for environmental conservation. Born on World Environment Day, Kehkashan’s journey towards becoming a global environmental activist is both inspiring and emblematic of the power of youth engagement.
At the tender age of seven, Kehkashan was confronted with a haunting image that would shape her future. Witnessing the stark reality of plastic pollution stirred something within her—a deep concern for the environment. Her transformative moment came during a lecture by environmentalist Robert Swan, where she heard the poignant words: “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” These words struck a chord within her, propelling her towards action.
Realizing that waiting for others to solve the world’s environmental problems was not an option, Kehkashan planted her first tree at the age of eight—a symbolic act marking the beginning of her journey as an environmentalist. This act of individual action paved the way for the establishment of the Green Hope Foundation—a global initiative aimed at teaching and implementing the UN’s sustainable development goals through grassroots action.
Raised in a family that values compassion and empathy, Kehkashan’s upbringing played a crucial role in shaping her worldview. Instilled with a sense of moral responsibility to give back to both people and the planet, she embarked on a mission to make a difference. Her early initiatives, such as the no-plastic campaign in the UAE, laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.
Elected as the UN Environmental Programme’s global coordinator for children and youth at the age of 12, Kehkashan recognized the need for inclusive dialogue in the sustainable development process. Feeling marginalized in discussions about her own future, she launched Green Hope in 2012—a platform designed to empower children and youth to actively participate in building a sustainable future.
Through environment academies utilizing music, art, dance, and sport, Kehkashan aims to engage and empower marginalized youth worldwide. Her unwavering commitment to social equity and inclusivity underscores her belief that sustainable development cannot be achieved without considering the rights and needs of every individual.
For Kehkashan, age is merely a number—capability knows no bounds. She believes in instilling an interest in sustainable development from a young age, empowering youngsters to become stewards of the environment. Over the years, Green Hope Foundation has grown into a global enterprise, with over 2000 members working tirelessly across 28 countries.
Having moved to Canada to expand her nonprofit’s reach, Kehkashan continues to advocate for change. Through education and localized action, she believes in the power of collective efforts towards human and planetary well-being. Her journey—from a concerned young girl to a globally recognized activist—serves as a testament to the transformative potential of youth engagement.
As Kehkashan aptly puts it, “Taking care of our planet is no longer a choice; it’s a responsibility.” Her message rings clear: the time to act is now. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Kehkashan Basu inspires us all to take a stand and make a difference—for the sake of our planet and future generations.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/bKxckiMIP0Q?si=OCbK3VwbPcn6JtQq
- https://www.globalindian.com/youth/story/global-indian-exclusive/kehkashan-basu-the-eco-warrior-empowering-youth-for-sustainable-development/
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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