Nurturing a Generation of Climate Leaders
At a time when the climate crisis looms large over the future of our planet, youth engagement has never been more critical. Recognizing this urgency, Janathakshan, in collaboration with five leading Sri Lankan universities, launched the Climate Change Action Ambassadors project (CCAA), an ambitious initiative designed to cultivate a new generation of climate leaders.
The CCAA project is rooted in a powerful belief, that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but change-makers of today. By equipping university students with scientific knowledge, practical tools, and a platform for innovation, the project empowers them to confront climate challenges with creativity and confidence.
Structured in three dynamic phases, the project began with a strong foundation, awareness and capacity-building sessions focusing on climate science, adaptation strategies, and national policy frameworks. Hundreds of undergraduates from diverse disciplines, agriculture, science, engineering, and more, engaged in these sessions, expanding their climate literacy and developing a systems-thinking approach to environmental issues.
In the second phase, selected students underwent advanced training under thematic focus areas such as climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, and ecosystem restoration. With mentorship from experts and guidance from Janathakshan’s project team, they developed innovative proposals to tackle real-life environmental challenges in their own universities and communities.
Now entering its third and final phase, the most promising youth-led proposals are set to receive funding and technical support to bring their ideas to life. These pilot interventions, ranging from campus greening to community-based adaptation initiatives, will not only demonstrate scalable solutions, but also serve as living laboratories for climate resilience and social innovation.
“Being part of the capacity-building and awareness sessions organized by Janathakshan under the CCAA project has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As an undergraduate in agriculture, the knowledge and insights I gained have been invaluable and will undoubtedly support my future endeavors in the field. I wholeheartedly encourage other youth to join us on this vital journey toward climate action.”
~ Isuri Pathiratne Undergraduate Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya. ~
The CCAA project aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s National Adaptation Plan and international commitments under the Paris Agreement, advancing climate goals through education, engagement, and empowerment.
More than just a project, CCAA is a movement that fosters leadership, amplifies youth voices, and inspires societal change from the grassroots. By investing in young minds today, Janathakshan is building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tomorrow.
