Last week, the Geology Department of Patna University served as the vibrant backdrop for a transformative event aimed at fostering resilience and empowerment within communities. The We4Resilience Conclave Youth Conclave, organized under Caritas India’s Global Program, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including esteemed academics, dedicated volunteers, and passionate youth leaders. Held on the 16th and 17th of March 2024, this event marked a significant step towards building a more resilient society, highlighting the crucial role of youth in mitigating disaster risks, and promoting social inclusion.

Hosted at the Department of Geology auditorium, the event aimed to harmonize actions for building resilience among NSS volunteers from 10 colleges of Patna University. The Conclave, inaugurated by Prof KC Sinha, the Vice-Chancellor of Patna University, underscored the crucial role of youth in mitigating disaster risks, particularly in Bihar, a region prone to various calamities.

Most Rev. Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura, Chairman of Caritas India, welcomed the distinguished guests, setting the tone for a collaborative and impactful event. Dr. Jaison Varghese, Senior Programme Manager at Caritas India, elucidated the significance of We4Resilience, highlighting its three-tier campaign aimed at fostering behavioral change and spontaneous actions among communities in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

The global program aimed to improve access to government social benefits, enhance self-help capacity, and foster collaboration between civil society initiatives and government agencies to increase the resilience of marginalized populations, particularly in disaster-prone areas. The We4Resilience Youth Conclave, aligned perfectly with this overarching objective. By bringing together students, faculty members, experts, and civil society representatives, the Conclave served as a platform to educate and empower youth to take proactive steps in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience building. The event facilitated knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking, fostering a sense of volunteerism and community engagement among participants.

The interactive sessions, discussions, and insights shared by distinguished guests not only raised awareness but also inspired action at the grassroots level. By instilling a sense of responsibility and mobilizing youth towards collective efforts in DRR, the event contributed directly to the program’s goal of promoting social integration, enhancing food security, and building resilience among marginalized communities, beyond program geography. This is the step that reflects the program’s commitment to creating a model that is scalable and sustainable. This conclave provided a platform that has the potential to amplify the impact so far the program has created in its geography.

The Conclave saw active participation from various stakeholders, including Prof Atul Aditya Pandey, Director of Malaviya Mission Teacher’s Training Center, Patna, who instilled a sense of volunteerism among the participants. Professors Anil Kumar and Birendra Prasad from Patna University, along with Prof Suhaili Mehta, Programme Coordinator of NSS, emphasized the integration of resilience-building initiatives into the annual action plan of NSS. They also stressed the importance of student engagement in educating society on DRR.

With around 150 participants, including students, faculty members, Caritas India National and State team, Global Program Partner team members, and think tanks, the Conclave provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Global Program Team shared the campaign strategies and highlighted their significance. They also share their experiences and challenges on various DRR issues, highlighting the organization’s commitment to addressing these pressing concerns with NSS volunteers of different colleges.

The highlight of the event was the mock session, during the mock session at the We4Resilience Youth Conclave, students showcased their learning and innovative approaches to organizing the campaign, focusing on themes such as Nutrition Food Security (NFS), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and Social Inclusion. With enthusiasm and creativity, participants presented a variety of ideas ranging from interactive workshops on promoting healthy and safe practices to enhancing the nutritional outcome to community-based emergency response simulations. Through engaging presentations and discussions, students demonstrated their commitment to addressing pressing issues faced by their communities and highlighted the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in building resilience. The mock session served as a platform for students to exchange ideas, learn from each other’s experiences, and inspire collective action toward creating a more resilient future.

In line with the vision of empowering youth as change-makers, a campaign calendar was decided during the event. This calendar outlines a series of initiatives and activities aimed at raising awareness, fostering community engagement, and implementing practical solutions for building resilience. From educational workshops to community outreach programs, each activity is designed to empower youth to take proactive steps toward creating a safer and more resilient society.

Looking towards the future, the We4Resilience Youth Conclave concluded with a forward-thinking plan for implementation at the ground level. Each college represented at the event committed to developing a tailored action plan to roll out the campaign within their respective communities. These plans will encompass a range of initiatives, from educational workshops and awareness campaigns to practical demonstrations and community engagement activities. By mobilizing students and leveraging their collective energy and enthusiasm, these grassroots efforts will play a pivotal role in building resilient communities and empowering fellow students to become agents of positive change. With a shared vision and commitment to action, we are poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most vulnerable to disaster risks and social challenges, paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive society.

 

The We4Resilience Youth Conclave stands as a testament to the collective resolve to empower youth and communities in the face of adversity. This two-day conclave has promised to harness the momentum generated by this event to drive meaningful change and build a more resilient future for all.

Moreover, the Global Program initiative focuses on promoting social inclusion and increasing resilience in high-risk areas directly contributes to sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as ending hunger, reducing inequality, and combating climate change. By addressing these pressing issues at the grassroots level, the Global Program is making a sustainable contribution to fostering resilient communities and promoting social integration.