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To the people of Sri Lanka

I, Saurabh Kumar, a member of the International Project Congress (IPC), would like to extend my congratulations to the people of Sri Lanka and His Highness ANURA KUMARA taking charge as President of Sri Lanka. As a neighboring country, we've witnessed Sri Lanka's economic, climate, and internal crises. Climate crisis is a biggest issue that requires individual and collective effort, a common goal we all share. Asian countries are facing extreme weather events, resulting in millions of deaths, displacement, and livelihood impacts.

Poor and vulnerable communities, including children and young women, are severely affected. I believe humanity comes first, which is reflected in India's "Neighborhood First Policy" which is India Foreign Policy aimed at protecting and safeguarding humanity on humanitarian grounds. Srilanka is a member of SAARC, BIMSTEC, SCO, ASEAN and others. Sri Lanka's progress is crucial to India.

To combat climate change, we need political support, bilateral, talks, and negotiations. We've achieved success in the past and now require youth, children, and women to join hands with the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY)-Asia Pacific) APAC-2024- Flagship event of Children and Youth Constituency of UNFCCC and other Youth organisation and Civil Society.

I firmly believe Earth is our home, and our actions have led to climate crises. We must shift from Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to Gross Environment Product (GEP) by implementing the latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adoption Policies (NAPs). This requires active participation of children, youth, women, and indigenous communities in decision-making process.

I'm optimistic that sooner or later, we'll realize the need for collective action against climate change is crucial to limit the global temperature below 1.5°C (Paris Agreement goals). Under President Anura Kumara's leadership, I hope Sri Lanka achieves its SDGs target by 2030.

Gracias, Love & warm regards,
SAURABH KUMAR
International Project Congress (IPC)
Delegate RCOΥ ΑΡΑC 2023