New Delhi, February 27, 2023: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the NITI Aayog hosted ‘LIFEathon’, a hybrid hackathon with young people from across the world to contribute ideas and innovations to promote sustainable living and climate positive behaviour – as part of the Government of India’s Mission LiFE.

The LiFE campaign aims to bring individual action to the forefront of climate action. These nudges are as small as encouraging individuals to consume less plastic, waste less food, and prefer public transport. Mission LiFE was launched by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres in Gujarat last year.

The hackathon was inaugurated by UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner and NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Bery in the presence of UNDP India Resident Representative Shoko Noda and Mission Director LiFE, NITI Aayog Yugal Joshi.

Launching the ‘LIFEathon,’ Mr. Bery said, “Mission LiFE aims to create and nurture a global network of Pro-Planet People committed to adapting and promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles. Through this event, we look forward to receiving excellent ideas on how to nudge people to adopt sustainable living. NITI Aayog is committed to making Mission LiFE a global movement.”

The hybrid event saw the participation of over 400 youth from 60+ countries. Youth participants learned about Mission LiFE and shared ideas and best practices from their countries toward sustainable living. Hundreds of ideas were brainstormed and submitted during the event.

Appreciating the efforts of the Government of India and NITI Aayog to promote climate conscious behaviour through Mission LiFE, Mr. Steiner said, “Climate change is a global emergency, and we have no time to lose. Through this LIFEathon, I look forward to the leadership of the world’s young minds in promoting and adopting sustainable lifestyles, nudging behaviour change, and embracing innovation for climate action. My thanks to NITI Aayog for their partnership. UNDP remains committed to a more sustainable future for people and the planet.”

Top ideas received through the ‘LiFEathon’ will be tested/piloted in India and will also be presented at the LiFE Global Conference, slated for June 2023.

UNDP is partnering with NITI Aayog to make Mission LiFE a global movement.

About UNDP in India

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational governments to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. UNDP is committed to supporting the Government of India's national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

For more information, please contact:

Amrah Ashraf

Head, Communications, and Partnerships

amrah.ashraf@undp.org

Ankita Bhalla

Communications Officer

ankita.bhalla@undp.org