Vinisha Umashankar, UNICEF India Youth Advocate

(3 May 2024 - 2 May 2025)

Vinisha Umashankar
UNICEF

(3 May 2024 - 2 May 2025)

Vinisha Umashankar, at the young age of 17, has emerged as a globally recognized champion for climate action and innovation. Her dedication to environmental sustainability has been recognized with several prestigious awards.

Among these, she received the National Youth Award 2020-2021 from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Award 2019, honouring innovative young minds. Her achievements have crossed national borders, earning her the RISE Global Winner 2023 title. She has also received The Diana Award 2023 for her efforts to enhance the lives of others and the Tamil Nadu Green Champion Award 2022 for her local environmental initiatives.

Vinisha's compelling address at COP26 left a lasting impression on global leaders. Her innovative Solar Ironing Cart project not only showcased her ingenuity but also secured her a finalist spot in the Clean Our Air category of The Earthshot Prize 2021.  

As a UNICEF India Youth Advocate, Vinisha symbolizes the dynamic potential of young innovators and their unwavering commitment to achieving a more sustainable future through her passions for Innovation, promoting Girls in STEM, and addressing Climate Change.

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UNICEF Join us in our latest podcast episode with Vinisha Umashankar, UNICEF India Youth Advocate, an innovator, student, and artist from Tamil Nadu. Discover her journey from creating the Solar Ironing Cart at just 12 years old to speaking at the COP26 conference. Vinisha shares her insights on balancing academics with her passion for innovation, overcoming challenges in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and her advice for young girls aspiring to make their mark in science and technology.