PISFCC Campaign Director, Vishal Prasad receives Global Citizen Prize

Written By Sonia Jit

Photo Credit: @glblctzn Youtube

We're excited to share that Vishal Prasad, our Campaign Director, is a recipient of the esteemed Global Citizen Prize this year.

He received this prize from the Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Honourable Philip Brave Davis, in New York City on 2nd May, 2024. Prime Minister Davis remarked, "Vishal amplifies the voices of the most vulnerable, including those from the Bahamas, in global dialogues on climate change and human rights. His dedication is truly admirable."

Vishal's journey towards becoming a champion for climate action traces back to year 4, in school when he first learned about the pressing issue of climate change. Since then, he has been driven by a deep sense of responsibility to address the challenges facing the Pacific and the world. 

His commitment only grew stronger during his years at the University of the South Pacific, where he studied politics and law, gaining valuable insights into the urgency of taking action against climate change.

In 2019, Vishal joined PISFCC after he became inspired by a group of fellow students from the University of the South Pacific who were advocating for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, on state obligations regarding climate change from a human rights perspective.

Recognising the importance of their cause, Vishal joined the campaign as a full-time Campaigner, utilising his expertise and passion to drive the campaign forward. After years in this role, in 2023 he took on the role of PISFCC’s Campaign Director.

Since assuming the role of Campaign Director, PISFCC has led the charge for demanding the inclusion of youth voices in written state submissions, focusing on securing the demands for protecting current and future generations from the adverse effects of the climate crisis. His recognition as one of 2024’s Global Citizen Award winners, highlights his exceptional efforts in climate advocacy. 

This award not only honours Prasad's efforts but also spotlights Pacific Islanders' resilience against the climate crisis. As custodians of vast oceans, our voices demand global solidarity. Prasad's recognition inspires collective action, emphasising the urgency of our shared responsibility in safeguarding the planet.

He expressed his gratitude towards the recognition from the Global Citizen Prize award, stating, "When I was first told that I was selected for this award, I realised that the achievements that I've made would not have been possible without the people who have been supporting us. The people who have made this true, so I always make it a point to mention that this award and the role of this award essentially belong to everyone who has been part of the ICJ advisory opinion. This isn't just mine, but something that belongs to a lot of people you might not see around, and so I think a lot of credit goes to these people."

-Ends- 

Watch Vishal Prasad, Hon Philip Davis, and Andrew Zimmern on 'Surviving the Storm: Climate Leadership on the Frontlines of Rising Seas,' hosted by Global Citizen.
Vishal’s Panel starts at: 5.14.39

Sonia Jit https://pisfcc.org
Previous

ITLOS AO & What It Could Mean for the Climate ICJAO
Next

International Court of Justice (ICJ) Receives The Highest Number Of Written Submissions For An Advisory Opinion