In April 2025, the Grand Palais in Paris transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration during ChangeNOW. Marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, the summit convened over 40,000 participants from 140 countries, including 1,000 solution providers, 10,000 businesses, and 1,200 impact investors. The event spotlighted 22 critical themes ranging from biodiversity and circular economy to AI for impact and sustainable fashion, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and real-world strategies. This powerful gathering highlighted how collective action is key to addressing global environmental challenges and shaping a regenerative future.
At just 12 years old, Prasiddhi Singh stepped onto the global stage at ChangeNOW 2025 as the youngest keynote speaker, representing the voices of children and youth in the fight against climate change. With quiet determination and youthful clarity, she shared her journey of planting over 1.5 lakh native saplings in India, aiming to grow ten million trees. Her presence at the Grand Palais in Paris highlighted the importance of including young changemakers in global conversations about sustainability and environmental action. Prasiddhi’s participation underscored the belief that age is no barrier to making a significant impact on our planet’s future.
Representing The Green Pillar and Prasiddhi Forest Foundation, Prasiddhi brought the spirit of grassroots action to the heart of Paris. From co-creating ideas in the Circle of Working Groups to inspiring global audiences on stage, her presence reflected The Green Pillar’s mission of youth-led, purpose-driven action. Sharing real stories from the ground and bold dreams for the future, she reminded the world that meaningful change begins with intention, action, and community.
On the Collective Stage, Prasiddhi delivered a stirring keynote titled “Children and Biodiversity: Solutions to a Thriving Planet.” Speaking for The Green Pillar and Prasiddhi Forest Foundation, she shared a call to reimagine biodiversity with children not as passive inheritors, but as active stewards of our ecosystems. Her words, rooted in real-world action, offered hope and clarity, reminding all present that the path to planetary healing must include the wisdom and will of the youngest among us.
At ChangeNOW 2025, Prasiddhi’s Amazon Rainforest Adventure found a home in the hearts of thousands. Showcased across all three days of the summit, the book became more than just a story, it became a global symbol of imagination, action, and regeneration. Visitors from over 50 countries, from Brazil and the USA to France, South Africa, and the Philippines, picked up copies for their children, nieces, friends, and even the child in themselves. Authors, activists, researchers, and changemakers alike were moved by the promise of planting one tree for every copy. Each page turned into a step toward Prasiddhi’s dream of growing 10 million trees.
At ChangeNOW 2025, the “Women for Change” recognition at the Grand Palais highlighted inspiring stories of leadership, action, and real-world impact. Among the changemakers was Prasiddhi Singh, honoured in the Biodiversity category for her work with the Prasiddhi Forest Foundation. She joined women from across the globe who are driving meaningful change in their communities, whether through grassroots efforts or innovative solutions. This recognition was not just about individual achievements, but a collective message that women play a critical role in building a more sustainable and equitable future.
Soil took centre stage as the Soil Working Group helped shape the Riyadh Action Agenda for COP16. Prasiddhi Singh, the youngest speaker in the room, contributed to discussions on soil regeneration and sustainable land use. Alongside 20 non-state actors, she explored innovative solutions to strengthen the agenda. Her voice brought a much-needed perspective of clarity, optimism, and urgency. The experience marked a meaningful step toward collective action for land restoration and climate resilience.
Our impact partner, Prasiddhi Forest Foundation, collaborated with the ChangeNOW Summit and showcased the power and potential of youth-led environmental action on a global stage. As a symbolic yet impactful gesture, Prasiddhi planted one tree for every speaker at the summit, turning ideas into tangible action. This initiative not only honored the voices shaping the future but also reinforced the foundation’s core belief that every step toward sustainability counts.
