DUBAI // A teenage environmental advocate has been recognised for her work with an award that honours the memory of the UK’s Princess Diana.
Kehkashan Basu, 15, a Year 10 pupil at the Deira International School, was given the International Diana Award, which was set up to recognise the Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better.
Kehkashan was nominated by the World Future Council environmental policy organisation, of which she serves as a youth ambassador.
“This is a well-recognised international award and it means a lot to me to have received this honour,” Kehkashan said.
“The Princess of Wales was an iconic figure and to receive this award is a matter of great pride. This award is a recognition of the advocacy work that I have been pursuing for the last several years to empower young people in the field of sustainability.
“It will motivate me to work even harder to pursue my cause,” said Kehkashan.
“My parents were delighted, but, as always, told me to focus on the work and advocacy activities. While it is really nice to receive awards, it is not something I work for.”
Kehkashan was formerly global coordinator for children and youth at the United Nations Environment Programme. At the time, she was the youngest person and the only child in the world to hold this position.
She founded her own youth organisation, Green Hope UAE, which provides a platform to young people to engage in sustainable development.
Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the International Diana Award, said: “We are delighted that the dedication of Kehkashan Basu can be celebrated with a Diana Award. With a growing network of over 44,000 award holders, we are building a force of young people committed to take social action and improve their communities all over the world.”
arizvi2@thenational.ae