The Horizon of Inclusion
I spent September 2, 2025, at the Climate 11 Summit, held at IMT Ghaziabad, and it was a day that resonated with a profound sense of purpose. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of academic rigor and on-the-ground practicality. We were a diverse group of thinkers, doers, and creators, all united by a single, powerful mission: to forge a meaningful link between the world of sport and the pressing challenges of sustainability. My role in the day’s proceedings—speaking as a panelist and moderating a session—gave me a unique vantage point from which to absorb the energy and insights of the room. It was clear from the outset that this was not a summit for abstract theorizing. Our collective focus was on tangible, people-centred steps that could be taken right away.
The weather outside was a constant, almost physical, reminder of what we were there to discuss. While we were safely cocooned inside a comfortable, air-conditioned hall, it rained continuously, a heavy presence that hung over the landscape. Our conversation was perpetually drawn to the athletes, spectators, and communities out in the open, those who live and breathe in this ever-changing world. It made me reflect on the simple yet profound impact of climate on our lives, a reality where even the clouds—both in the sky and the ones in the “cloud” that power our digital world—tested our plans. The point was simple: athletes need more than just a place to play; they need a place to breathe, to compete, and to thrive without compromising their health or safety. For many, this isn’t a new concern. It’s a lived reality, a constant negotiation with the elements.
My own work has shown me this again and again. My lens is often on the world of para-sport and my experiences working with communities in Jammu & Kashmir. In a mountainous region like J&K, where the seasons dictate everything from daily routines to travel, every change in the climate can directly affect people’s lives. It can be something as simple as a sudden change in temperature or air quality, a heavy downpour or an unseasonal spell of heat. What we were discussing in Delhi wasn’t an abstract concept; it was a deeply personal one, rooted in the lives and experiences I’ve had the privilege to witness. The vulnerabilities are real, whether from a physical disability or a harsh environmental reality, and they demand our attention.
This is where my biggest takeaway from the summit emerged, a simple truth that connects all these threads into a powerful, guiding principle: Inclusion isn’t charity—it’s strategy.
Think about it. When we build a stadium or a training facility that is fully accessible for a para-athlete, we’re not just being kind. We’re being smart. The ramps we install for a wheelchair? They also provide a smooth and easy path for a parent pushing a stroller, a child on a scooter, a vendor with a cart, or an elder using a walker. A smooth, accessible path through a park or a sports venue isn’t just for some people; it’s for all people. It’s a universal design that improves the experience for everyone who walks through that space. When we design a cooling station or a heat-resistant surface for a para-athlete who might be more sensitive to high temperatures, we are making the entire venue safer and more comfortable for everyone else too.
The same principle applies to our larger climate efforts in sport and beyond. We talked about how many sports organizations are starting to look at their carbon footprint, from athlete travel to the manufacturing of gear. But when we approach sustainability through the lens of inclusion, the solutions get even more powerful and lasting. Many venues now have better ventilation or water systems not just to be green, but to ensure that everyone—from a senior citizen in the bleachers to a young kid on the sidelines—is comfortable and safe. The needs of the most vulnerable often reveal the most effective and elegant solutions for all, providing a ripple effect of benefits far beyond the initial target group. It is an approach that sees vulnerability not as a liability, but as a catalyst for creative problem-solving.
This isn’t just about sport, of course. It’s a mindset we can apply everywhere. We can stop thinking of sustainability as a grand, distant goal and start seeing it as a series of small, people-centred steps. It’s about building things that work better for everyone because we started by thinking about those on the margins. It’s about asking ourselves, “Who is most affected by this challenge?” and then letting their specific needs guide our universal solutions. This is the essence of a truly strategic and forward-thinking approach.
In my session, we talked a lot about the importance of just starting. We don’t need to solve everything all at once. We need to take one step. Maybe that’s a new water fountain at a sports facility to reduce plastic waste. Maybe that’s a community-led program to plant trees around a playing field to provide shade and improve air quality. We celebrate practical, everyday wins. Every step, no matter how small, counts. The sum of these small efforts can, and will, lead to a larger transformation.
The summit ended on a powerful note with a public unveiling and signing of the Delhi Declaration on Sports and Climate Action. It was more than just a document; it was a shared signal, a promise to keep this conversation going and to hold ourselves accountable. It’s a commitment to a measurable and human approach, a way of saying that we are in this together, and we are going to do this together. It’s a testament to the power of collective action, to the idea that when we formalize our intentions, we make them real.
That’s the essence of what I took away from the day. It’s a shift from a mindset of charity—where we help others out of a sense of obligation—to a mindset of strategy—where we realize that by truly including everyone, we build a better, more resilient, and more innovative world for ourselves. We can stop seeing inclusion as an add-on or a burden and instead see it as a powerful tool for progress.
The conversations in Delhi were a testament to the fact that when we listen to the voices that have often been ignored, we learn the most. We find the most inventive solutions. We build a better, more resilient world for everyone.
The first step is always the same.
Listen first, co-create next.
Arhan Bagati is a youth leader from Kashmir and the founder of KYARI, a non-profit organization addressing critical issues in the region. He is also the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India and is currently pursuing a Master in Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His commitment to social change was recently acknowledged when he was named a Hindustan Times “30 Under 30 – Social Impact Leader”. He was also conferred with the prestigious ET Indo Global Leaders Award for “Excellence in Social Impact” for his impactful work through KYARI. Additionally, he has co-produced the movie Ground Zero.
