Shaping Community-led Climate Justice Pathways: Reflections from an Inspiring Learning Experience

Shaping Community-led Climate Justice Pathways: Reflections from an Inspiring Learning Experience

31 July 2026 |

Jacaranda Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

Climate change is no longer only an environmental concern—it is fundamentally a question of justice, equity, livelihoods, and sustainable development. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires solutions that are rooted in local realities and led by communities themselves.

It was a privilege to participate in the workshop "Shaping Community-led Climate Justice Pathways", organized by Vaagdhara at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The workshop brought together policymakers, researchers, scientists, development practitioners, civil society organizations, and grassroots leaders to exchange ideas and explore pathways towards climate-resilient and community-led development.

The programme featured three thought-provoking technical sessions:

Understanding Pathways to Climate Justice and Development

Rooting Climate-Resilient Farming, Food Security and Local Economies in Agroecological Transformation

Advancing Climate and Energy Justice through Indigenous Pathways

The discussions emphasized that climate justice can only be achieved by empowering communities, strengthening local institutions, promoting

agroecological farming systems, ensuring food and nutrition security, expanding access to clean energy, and recognizing the value of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices.

The workshop benefited from the insights of several distinguished experts, including Dr. A. K. Singh (ICAR), Dr. S. K. Bandyopadhyay (IARI), Mohammad Rohan (Director General, National Institute of Solar Energy - NISE), Narendranath Damodaran (National Collaboration of Natural Farming), Mr. Ramdas, R. P. Singh (Retd. IFS), Bhavani R. V. (CFNS), Sanjay Patil (BAIF), Dr. D. K. Singh (Former Principal Scientist, IARI), Tanmay Jain (Ram Astha Mission Foundation), Umesh Gupta (Former Chief Engineer, JVVNL), Aashiyana Mishra (MacArthur Foundation), Shelly Permettant (Mlinda Charitable Trust), and Manoj Kumar Jain (Renewable Energy Strategist & Former Project Director, NRED Haryana). Their diverse experiences highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to create effective and inclusive climate solutions.

Representing Anmol Foundation, I had the opportunity to participate in these enriching discussions and interact with experts and practitioners working at the forefront of climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and community development. The workshop provided valuable insights that will strengthen our ongoing efforts to promote community-led climate action, sustainable livelihoods, natural resource management, and environmental stewardship.

My sincere appreciation goes to the entire Vaagdhara team, especially Jayesh Joshi, Sudip Sharma, Majid Khan, and all the organizing members, for curating such a meaningful platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.

As climate challenges continue to intensify, building resilient communities requires partnerships that combine scientific innovation, policy support, and indigenous wisdom. Workshops like this reaffirm that lasting climate solutions emerge when communities are placed at the center of decision-making and development processes.

I look forward to continued collaboration with organizations, institutions, and practitioners committed to advancing climate justice and creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

#ClimateJustice #CommunityLedDevelopment #ClimateResilience #Agroecology #NaturalFarming #RenewableEnergy #FoodSecurity #IndigenousKnowledge #Sustainability #ClimateAction #AnmolFoundation #Vaagdhara #IndiaHabitatCentre #SDG