2011
The Beginning
Community volunteering and social service activities begin.
About
A journey that started with helping people.
Abhishek Panwar is a youth leader, social activist and climate action advocate from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. This page tells the story in order, with the documents that go with it.
Biography
Who he is
Abhishek Panwar was born on 6 September 1997 and lives in Indore. He began volunteering at around the age of 14 with Nek Karya Seva Samiti, a local social welfare organisation, starting with food distribution and basic support for people in need.
Over the years the work grew into youth empowerment, climate action, sustainable development and public participation. He has represented India at the UN Climate Change Conference of Youth in Dubai (COY18, 2023) and Baku (COY19, 2024), and took part as a youth delegate and civil society representative at the UN Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha in November 2025.
He is the founder of the Green Governance Leaders Program and the Global South Movement for Climate Justice, National General Secretary (Organisation) at The GEG Global Foundation, and Climate Action Ambassador for the Asia region of the Commonwealth Youth Council. He has been Convener of Chetna Atal Yuva Mandal since 2021 and In-charge of Programmes and Coordination at Nek Karya Seva Samiti since 2019.
His areas of work are climate action and climate justice, youth leadership, sustainable development, community development, governance and public participation, Global South advocacy, the SDGs, and interfaith harmony and peace.
- Name
- Abhishek Panwar
- Positioning
- Youth Leader · Climate Action Advocate · Social Activist · Community Mobiliser
- Location
- Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Date of birth
- 6 September 1997
- Education
- M.A. Political Science, Devi Ahilya University, Indore; BBA Hospitality Management, MISM College
Climate ActionClimate JusticeYouth LeadershipSustainable DevelopmentCommunity DevelopmentGovernancePublic ParticipationGlobal South AdvocacySDGsInterfaith Harmony and Peace
Early journey
It began with service, at fourteen.
The earliest document in the archive is a Bharat Scouts and Guides certificate from February 2011 for a nine-day seva shivir at the Bijasan Mata and Annapurna temples in Indore.
Through school and college he volunteered with the NSS, served as Chief Volunteer of the student council in 2014–15, and kept working with Nek Karya Seva Samiti on food distribution at government hospitals. In July 2018 the Samiti made him its Food Distribution In-charge.
During the COVID-19 lockdown he took critical patients to hospital on his own two-wheeler when ambulances were not available, distributed food, medicines and sanitisers, and ran a mask-awareness rally with NSS volunteers. In 2023, the Samiti started a monthly ration kit programme for families affected by cancer.
Education and professional development
Academic and learning journey
Degrees, the parliamentary internship, fellowships and training programmes, oldest first.
2010–11 · Training
Nine-day seva shivir
Bharat Scouts and Guides, Indore district
Service camp at the Bijasan Mata and Annapurna temples, Indore. Certificate dated 22 February 2011.
2014–15 · Programme
Chief Volunteer, NGS Student Council
New Golden Higher Secondary School, Indore
2015–2018 · Degree
BBA Hospitality Management
MISM College, affiliated to Devi Ahilya University, Indore
Student representative on the college NSS coordination committee; campus ambassador for several youth events.
2019–2021 · Degree
M.A. Political Science (International Relations)
School of Social Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Indore
Aug 2020 – Feb 2021 · Internship
Parliamentary Internship
Office of the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Indore
Six-month internship on the role of a Member of Parliament in the constituency, with special reference to Indore. Research on pending bills and government schemes, letters for the PM and CM relief funds, visa and nationality-related correspondence, and a rural campaign tour during a by-election.
Oct 2021 · Programme
7th World Parliament of Science, Religion and Philosophy (online)
MIT World Peace University, Pune
On the theme 'To promote the culture of peace in the world', 2 to 5 October 2021.
Mar 2023 · Training
Advait Jagran Shivir (ten-day youth camp)
Acharya Shankar Sanskritik Ekta Nyas, Government of Madhya Pradesh, at Shivanand Ashram, Ahmedabad
5 to 16 March 2023. An introduction to Advaita Vedanta through study of the Tattvabodh.
Jun 2023 · Training
Training programme on Disaster Risk Reduction
Disaster Management Institute, Home Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh
For NGO and CBO representatives of Indore district, 1 to 2 June 2023, as a representative of Chetna Atal Yuva Mandal.
Jul – Aug 2024 · Fellowship
Climate Change Champions Fellowship 2024
Mind Works International and the Brown Network
Introduction to climate change, mitigation strategies, adaptation and resilience, climate justice and equity, and advocacy and communication.
Mar – Apr 2025 · Training
Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) Bootcamp
Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP
Environmental governance and international policy frameworks.
2025–26 · Programme
The Good Politician Program, 2025 cohort
Indian School of Democracy
Ethical governance, democratic institution-building and principled political leadership rooted in constitutional values and Sarvodaya.
Jan – Jun 2026 · Fellowship
Diplomatic Research Fellowship 2026, Fellow and Team Lead (Pod Coordinator)
The Diplomatic Club
Mentored fellows and coordinated pod activities; completed a final research report. Received a letter of recommendation from the Global President.
Mar 2026 · Programme
BRICS International School: New Generation 2026
BRICS Expert Council–Russia and HSE University, with Russian House, New Delhi
5 to 6 March 2026, New Delhi. BRICS geopolitics, sustainability and global governance during India's BRICS 2026 chairship.
Mar 2026 – present · Fellowship
Ambassador, Inner-Led Systems Change, 2026 cohort
Centre for Young and Rising, The Mindfulness Initiative (UK)
An eight-month global leadership programme on self-awareness, systems change, advocacy and community, ending with a capstone project in the community.
Parliamentary internship
Six months inside a constituency office.
From August 2020 to February 2021, during his M.A., Abhishek interned with the office of the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Indore. The topic was the role of a Member of Parliament in the parliamentary constituency, with special reference to Indore.
The work included research on pending bills and government schemes, drafting letters for the Prime Minister's and Chief Minister's health relief funds, correspondence on visa and nationality matters, and a rural tour with the MP during a by-election campaign. The research report was later released by the MP.
Youth and climate work
From awareness drives to a national outreach team.
Local work came first: cleanliness drives, tree plantation, seminars in colleges and a youth-led community action team in Indore. In 2023 he presented a paper on climate change and the G20 at Devi Ahilya University, attended LCOY India in Kerala, and represented India at COY18 in Dubai.
After COY19 in Baku in 2024 he formed a 12-member national team to take the Global Youth Statement to young people across India. In 2025 came the Commonwealth Youth Council's 'Voices for Our Planet' campaign, the Global Day of Action as QS ImpACT Ambassador for India, the launch of the Global South Movement for Climate Justice and the Green Governance Leaders Program.
Journey
Fifteen years, one direction.
International engagement
Representing youth and civil society perspectives.
Abhishek has participated in and represented youth and civil society perspectives at a number of national and international platforms. The events are listed plainly, with what he did at each.
COY18, Dubai
26–28 November 2023. Representative from India under YOUNGO, UNFCCC.
COY19, Baku
7–9 November 2024. Delegate of India; launched the national outreach programme.
UN Second World Summit for Social Development, Doha
4–6 November 2025. Youth Delegate and Civil Society Representative for Angels in the Field.
UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025
Virtual delegate (CSIF and UN MGCY); featured speaker at the JWF side-event.
World Bank Group Youth Summit
Virtual delegate in 2024 and 2025.
BRICS-related programmes
'BRICS To You' (2023), InterYES 4.0 (2024) and BRICS International School: New Generation 2026, New Delhi.
South Asia youth platforms
3rd Model Youth SAARC Summit 2021; Bangladesh's 50th Victory Day celebration 2021; South Africa–India Bilateral Youth Forum 2022.
Memberships
YOUNGO; Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN); Indian Youth Biodiversity Network (IYBN); Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organisation (NAMYO).
Current leadership roles
Where he serves now.
Since 2025
Founder & Convenor
Green Governance Leaders Program (GGLP)
National initiative working towards 1,000 climate-ready public leaders by 2030, from Panchayat to Parliament.
Since 2025
Founder & President
Global South Movement for Climate Justice (GSMCJ)
Youth-led climate justice movement. Not a registered organisation.
Since 2025
National General Secretary (Organisation)
The GEG Global Foundation
National youth-led organisation working on sustainable development, climate action and environment.
Since 2025
Climate Action Ambassador, Asia Region
Commonwealth Youth Council
Representing Asia's youth voice in Commonwealth climate policy dialogues and campaigns.
Since 2025
Deputy Campaign Director, SDG 5
Global Youth Voices for Gender Equality Delegates Campaign
An initiative led by a United Nations Gender Equality Ambassador.
Since 2025
Participant
The Good Politician Program 2025–26, Indian School of Democracy
Ethical governance, democratic institution-building and principled political leadership.
Since 2021
Convener & Executive Committee Member
Chetna Atal Yuva Mandal (NYKS Indore)
Youth-led organisation working on grassroots initiatives, youth and women's empowerment.
Since 2019
In-charge, Programmes & Coordination
Nek Karya Seva Samiti
Social welfare organisation working on food distribution and health support.
Vision and values
An inclusive, sustainable and people-centred India.
“My life mission is to build an inclusive, sustainable and people-centred India where development reaches every section of society, especially the last person.”
From the CV, 2026
The work draws on Mahatma Gandhi's idea of Sarvodaya and on constitutional values. Real change, in this view, begins at the grassroots through community participation, youth leadership and public responsibility.
Through the Green Governance Leaders Program and youth-led climate initiatives, the aim is to prepare 1,000 climate-ready and socially responsible public leaders by 2030, and to strengthen youth participation in governance, community development and climate action.
Recognition
Recognition Along the Way
Listed in order, with the certificate or press report where the archive has one. Items without a scan are listed from the CV.
January 2026
Pride of Young Hindustan Award 2025–26
Youngistan Foundation, Kalyan
Recognised among 15 young leaders from across India for social impact and community service, during the National Youth Exchange Programme 2026.
2025
Changemaker Spotlight Feature
Global Activists Network
Featured for work on Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Climate Action (SDG 13).
August 2025
QS ImpACT Climate Ambassador, Global Day of Action 2025
QS ImpACT (UK)
Served as Ambassador for India during the Global Day of Action, 28 July to 3 August 2025, and submitted a detailed impact report. Certificate of Achievement and Youth Ambassador Badge.
June 2025
Certificate of Achievement, 'Voices for Our Planet: From Echoes to Impact'
Commonwealth Youth Council, Asia Region
For completing the Youth Climate Action Week campaign around World Environment Day 2025.
February 2025
Certificate of Appreciation, International Mother Language Day 2025
The Bangladesh House, Tomsk State University, Russia
For a native-language video contribution promoting linguistic diversity and intercultural understanding, 21 February 2025.
2025
Certificate of Appreciation, Generation Restore Talk Series
Climate Cardinals, UYC India Chapter
Youth speaker at the first edition of the Generation Restore Talk Series.
July 2024
Malwa Ratna Award 2024
Rashtriya Masik Patrika Indore Dhara Samuha
For work on youth leadership and climate change. Presented on 14 July 2024 at Abhinav Kala Kendra, Gandhi Hall, Indore.
January 2023
Letters of appreciation for representing Indore at the 26th National Youth Festival
Shri Shankar Lalwani, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Indore; Shri Sawan Sonkar
For representing Nehru Yuva Kendra, Indore district, at the 26th National Youth Festival in Hubballi-Dharwad, Karnataka, 12 to 16 January 2023.
April 2022
South Asia Regional Brilliance Award 2022
World Book of Star Records, India, and Vaikalpik Chikitsa Paddhati Vikas Sanstha
Honour certificate in the social work category at the South Asian Regional Countries Brilliance Award and Cultural Summit, Nepal Tourism Board Auditorium, Kathmandu, 13 to 16 April 2022.
April 2022
Certificate of Recognition, Peoples Global Leaders' Summit 2022
Peoples University, Bhopal, and The Indian Conclave
For serving as Vice-Chairperson of the AIPPM committee, 1 to 3 April 2022.
December 2021
Certificate of Appreciation and Letter of Thanks, Bangladesh's 50th Victory Day celebration
Youth Parliament Bangladesh
For contributing as an Indian youth delegate speaker at the virtual celebration.
September 2021
Delegate of India, 3rd Model Youth SAARC Summit 2021
Youth Parliament Bangladesh
Two-day summit on 'Youth Prosperity and Empowerment of the South Asia Region', 24 to 25 September 2021.
June 2021
Honourable Mention, Youth Parliament
The Indian Conclave
5 to 6 June 2021. The Indian Conclave also issued a letter of appreciation for management and leadership performance during the internship.
2021
'Main Corona Volunteer' certificate
Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad, Government of Madhya Pradesh
For volunteer work in Indore under the 'Main Corona Volunteer' campaign during the COVID-19 lockdown, April to May 2021.
2021
Corona Warrior Honour
Nehru Yuva Kendra, Indore
Certificate of appreciation for service during the lockdown period. Chetna Atal Yuva Mandal also issued a certificate for the COVID-19 volunteer programme.
April 2021
Special Honorary Mention, Abhivyakti National Youth Parliament
Abhivyakti, the debating society of Satyawati College, University of Delhi
17 to 18 April 2021.
2021
Indore Swachhta Jagrukta Award 2021
Nehru Yuva Kendra, Indore
For work in Swachhta awareness programmes in Indore under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
2021
Best Parliamentarian Award, The Voice of New India (Lok Sabha session)
Think India, H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai
Think India also recognised volunteer work during its Youth Relive Initiative in the COVID-19 period.
2021
Letter of Appreciation for the parliamentary internship
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Indore
For performance during the six-month internship, August 2020 to February 2021.
July 2018
Promoted to Food Distribution In-charge
Nek Karya Seva Samiti, Indore
Letter of promotion dated 10 July 2018, after several years of volunteering, with responsibility for daily food distribution at government hospitals.
2015–2018
College-era recognitions
MISM College and partner events
Best Student Award for extra-curricular contribution; Certificate of Excellence as NSS core committee member; campus ambassador certificates from ATHARV (IIM Indore), Youth International Summit MUN and Youth Online MUN 4.0; Special Mention Delegate at the Youth of India MUN.
Also: Recognised by Youth Parliament Bangladesh for translating the UNESCO World Documentary Heritage 'Historic 7th March speech' of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Year not recorded in the source material.