Shillong, March 20: Meghalaya has launched the Young People’s Action Group (YPAG), a structured youth-engagement platform aimed at enhancing the participation of young people in policymaking and governance, with a focus on climate action, health, education and community wellbeing.
Rolled out in March 2026, the initiative is being implemented by the state government in collaboration with UNICEF India and the Centre for Policy. It aligns with the Meghalaya Youth Policy 2021 and is intended to institutionalise youth input in state planning processes.
Welcoming the initiative, UNICEF India said the platform offers a “vital” opportunity for young people to contribute to areas such as climate resilience, health, education, water and nutrition. YPAG is designed to equip youth with skills in research, leadership and advocacy, while enabling their participation in consultations, surveys and policy discussions.
The government expects these engagements to shape decision-making across sectors including climate resilience, public health systems, education and broader human-capital development. The programme also places strong emphasis on inclusion, particularly targeting rural, tribal and climate-affected communities to ensure broader representation.
YPAG is supported under the Meghalaya Multisectoral Programme for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment and Resilience (MPOWER), funded by the World Bank, with UNICEF India and the Centre for Policy serving as key implementation partners.
The groundwork for the initiative was laid during a youth consultation held on March 11, bringing together stakeholders from government and civil society. The official launch on March 19 featured panel discussions on youth engagement in climate action and inclusive policymaking, with participation from officials, academics and youth representatives.
