13-Year-Old Odisha Girl Joins UN Nuclear Disarmament Youth Panel: A Rising Voice for Peace and Climate Justice
In a remarkable achievement that has brought pride to Odisha and India, 13-year-old Dhriti Moksha Panigrahi has been selected to join the prestigious United Nations Youth Group on Nuclear Disarmament. This global platform, formed under the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), brings together youth leaders from around the world who are committed to building a peaceful and nuclear-weapon-free world.
Dhriti is the only student from Odisha to have earned a place on this international body, reinforcing her status as a rising star in global youth activism.
A Voice from Bhubaneswar for the World
Currently a Grade VIII student at SAI International School in Bhubaneswar, Dhriti’s appointment to the CTBTO youth group is more than just an individual success—it’s a reflection of how young voices from diverse and often underrepresented regions can influence global discourse.
“I’m deeply honoured to be part of this global initiative. I hope to amplify the voices of children and youth from rural and vulnerable regions, advocating for a world that is peaceful, just, and safe for all,” Dhriti said in response to her selection.
Her words echo the core vision of the UN initiative: to create platforms where youth from all backgrounds can shape policies and public awareness around nuclear disarmament, peacebuilding, and sustainability.
An Activist Since Age Six
Dhriti’s activism began not recently but when she was just six years old. Since then, she has grown into a dedicated advocate for both climate action and peace initiatives. Her impressive resume includes active membership in global youth-led organisations like:
- The Earth Again Movement
- The Child Movement
Both groups focus on climate justice, disaster risk reduction, and children’s rights. Through these platforms, Dhriti has led numerous environmental awareness campaigns, clean-up drives, and grassroots mobilizations across cities and towns in Odisha—including Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Parlakhemundi, and several areas in western Odisha.
By engaging hundreds of schoolchildren and community members in her efforts, she’s made environmental responsibility a shared mission across generations and social divides.
How She Earned Her Spot on the Global Stage
Dhriti applied to the CTBTO Youth Group in September 2024, backed by her long track record of activism and her demonstrated impact at the community level. Her selection to the youth panel recognizes not only her past contributions but also her potential to influence international discussions on nuclear disarmament from the lens of a young Indian changemaker.
The CTBTO Youth Group, initiated by the UN to amplify youth perspectives on disarmament, particularly values grassroots leadership—an area where Dhriti has excelled. Her work has consistently bridged local action with global issues, focusing on both environmental health and human security.
Looking Ahead: Clean Schools and a Cleaner Future
Despite her new global responsibilities, Dhriti remains deeply committed to her home state. She has already outlined a clear vision for how she wants to bring change at the local level.
“If given the opportunity,” Dhriti said, “I would initiate a statewide cleanliness drive in schools across Odisha, encouraging students to take responsibility for their surroundings and promote a clean, green learning environment.”
Her plan aligns with her broader mission to combine climate action with civic responsibility, empowering students to act as stewards of both their environment and their communities.
Why Her Selection Matters
Dhriti’s appointment to the CTBTO youth panel is a landmark moment for several reasons:
- Representation: She brings the voice of a young Indian girl from eastern India to a global platform where policy and advocacy intersect.
- Youth Leadership: Her journey proves that young people—regardless of age or geography—can play critical roles in global problem-solving.
- Intersectional Advocacy: Dhriti represents an inspiring combination of peace activism, climate advocacy, and educational leadership, highlighting how these issues are deeply interconnected.
Her story is not just a personal triumph but a signal to governments, educational institutions, and international bodies that the future of diplomacy, sustainability, and peace depends on youth engagement.
Reactions and Recognition
Across Odisha and beyond, Dhriti’s achievement has been widely celebrated. From environmental groups and education leaders to community organizations and citizens, the consensus is clear: she is an emerging leader to watch.
For India, her inclusion in this international panel strengthens the country’s reputation as a source of young, visionary leaders committed to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.
A Message for the Next Generation
Dhriti’s story carries an empowering message for other children and teenagers: you don’t have to wait to grow up to make a difference. Whether it's cleaning a local park, starting a school club, or speaking up for justice, every small action matters.
Her success shows that with dedication, curiosity, and courage, youth can influence even the most complex global issues—including nuclear disarmament and sustainable development.
In Summary:
- Who: Dhriti Moksha Panigrahi, 13-year-old from Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- What: Selected for the UN’s CTBTO Youth Group on Nuclear Disarmament
- Why It Matters: Only student from Odisha; active in climate and peace advocacy since age six
- Achievements: Member of Earth Again Movement and The Child Movement, led clean-up campaigns across Odisha
- Future Plans: Statewide school cleanliness initiative to promote green campuses
- Impact: Amplifies rural youth voices on a global stage, merging climate justice and peace advocacy
Dhriti Panigrahi’s appointment to the CTBTO Youth Group is a reminder that young leaders are not just the future—they are the present. And with voices like hers shaping the conversation, the world has good reason to hope.
