Eleven students from Delhi Public School Bangalore East are heading to the United Nations Office at Geneva this November. They will take part in the ninth annual 1M1B Impact Summit, presenting their research on responsible consumption and the circular economy. The summit, organized by the non-profit 1M1B (One Million for One Billion), brings together young innovators working on climate and sustainability projects.
From classroom ideas to real-world impact
The students were selected after months of research and project work under the 1M1B Youth Climate Diplomacy Program. Their initiative focuses on how local communities can reduce waste, recycle materials, and make sustainable choices every day. One of their campaigns, called Why 1.5 Matters, highlights the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius through practical circular economy solutions.
Their studies include topics like cutting down plastic use, improving textile recycling, and creating awareness about electronic waste. Instead of sticking to theory, they designed small local actions school-wide recycling drives, waste audits, and repair workshops. These steps helped them show how circular thinking can start within schools and families, not just industries.
Teaching the next generation of problem solvers
The 1M1B Impact Summit gives young people a chance to speak directly to global policymakers and experts. This year’s event will focus on how education, technology, and youth leadership can drive sustainability goals. By participating, the Indian students are not just representing their school but also the growing youth voice in climate discussions.
According to Manav Subodh, the Founder and CEO of 1M1B, the program trains students to connect global goals with local action. He said that this generation’s creativity and willingness to act are “key to building a circular and sustainable future.”
Circular economy lessons from India to the world
India has long faced challenges with waste management and resource use, but it is also home to many grassroots recycling and reuse initiatives. The students’ projects mirror this balance acknowledging the problems while offering practical, community-based solutions.
Their participation at the Geneva summit is a sign that the circular economy is not just an industrial or policy issue. It is also about education, awareness, and changing habits early.
The summit will take place on 7 November, where the students’ presentations will stand alongside projects from other countries working toward sustainability. Their goal is simple but powerful: to show that real change can start in classrooms, one small circular step at a time.
