Young people share on their journey on climate and biodiversity action

My name is Christian Todota.

As a young Beninese with a deep passion for sustainability and human-nature interactions, I have been fortunate to embark on an enriching journey. Currently, I am a scientific assistant at CoKnow Consulting, specializing in environment, development, and capacity building. Our mission revolves around fostering knowledge coproduction for sustainability, which is close to my heart.

Before joining CoKnow, I was part of the second batch of the SPIBES masters' programme on Managing Science Policy Interfaces on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Development. This initiative, funded by the IKI, aimed to boost West African contributions to IPBES.

During SPIBES, I had captivating lectures, engaging extracurricular activities, and interdisciplinary research opportunities. These experiences deepened my appreciation for environmental challenges.

One impactful moment during the WABES project was my interaction with the UN World Conservation Monitoring Centre staff. Witnessing the contributions of young individuals in sustainability motivated me to make a positive mark.

WABES expanded my knowledge and accelerated my professional development, providing invaluable connections. I am humbled by the support and pride from family and friends, and is eager to inspire the younger generation.

When I initially embarked on the SPIBES programme, I set ambitious goals for myself, including gaining a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem services, achieving outstanding academic results, co-authoring a scientific publication, and collaborating with an international organization. Looking back at my journey, I am immensely proud to have achieved all of these aspirations.

To fellow IKI participants and passionate youth, congratulations. Let us continue our efforts to create a sustainable and brighter future for generations to come. Together, we can shape the world for the better, leaving a lasting legacy.

My name is Thanh Tam Dao, and I come from Viet Nam's vulnerable Mekong Delta region. Witnessing the socio-economic impacts of climate change on our communities, I became dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability through social activities.

In 2022, I, along with Hoai Ngoc and Man Nghi, founded the Kien Eco project, aiming to raise awareness among students in architecture and urban planning in Ho Chi Minh City. Our goal was to inspire them to build energy-saving structures and sustainable cities for Vietnam's greener future. The project gained recognition, winning the "Youth contest for innovation and a socially equitable energy transition" under Germany's IKI program. This achievement marked a turning point for us, and we were proud to see more students becoming aware of the urgency of energy conservation.

With the support of IKI and other stakeholders, the Kien Eco project attracted over 120 on-site participants and gained more than 520 followers on our media platform. The experience was humbling, and we are grateful for the trust and encouragement that motivated us to complete the project successfully.

Looking ahead, we aspire to learn from Germany's expertise in sustainability and prosperity. We eagerly anticipate participating in an on-site learning trip organized by IKI, where we can engage with the practices and success stories of a clean energy leader like Germany.

For other young fellows, we encourage you to join IKI if you share a passion for contributing to society's sustainability and personal development. Together, we believe in creating a better, greener vision for our world.

As the Kien Eco project continues its journey, we are committed to expanding our impact and fostering sustainable practices across Vietnam. Our dream is to see a society where environmental consciousness is ingrained in everyday life, leaving a legacy of hope and prosperity for future generations. With the support of IKI and like-minded partners, we are inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, let us pave the way for a world that thrives in harmony with nature.

My name is Hania Muhammed Muhammed Mohier Selim, a graduate from Cairo University, working as a teaching assistant and actively involved in organizations addressing Climate Change. Additionally, I serve as CEO Technical Assistant at Estdamaa, a research company, and work as a deputy project manager in an NGO. I am also an intern at the Policy and Business Development Unit of the Minister of Youth and Sports.

A crucial milestone in my journey was participating in IKI and YLE's "Building the Capacities of Civil Society Organizations in the Field of Climate Change" initiative. This program deepened my understanding of climate change, policy, and decision-making. It transformed my perspective, showing me the power of collective action and youth engagement in climate advocacy.

The experience bridged the gap between academia and practical climate action, enhancing my research, analytical, and communication skills. I successfully proposed effective policies, positively impacting my community by raising awareness of sustainable practices.

Through IKI, I connected with like-minded individuals, improving my public speaking and leadership abilities, empowering me to contribute more to climate policy discussions.

My message is simple: Each of us has the power to create positive change, no matter how small our actions may seem. Let's educate ourselves, engage in initiatives, and share our passion to build a more sustainable world for future generations. I'm grateful to IKI for their support and urge them to continue empowering young people in climate action. Together, we can make a difference.

I am Angelo Graziani, a 16-year-old environmental activist from Panama. I am proud to be part of the Guardianes Del Manglar de la Bahía de Chame (Chame Bay Mangroves Guardians) movement on the Pacific coast.

Our journey began during school when we decided to get involved in protecting the mangroves, despite the challenges of sand-flies and mud. We learned about marine life, plants, and wetlands while cleaning up the trash we found. Collecting and planting seeds to restore cut-down mangroves became our mission.

Our goal is to preserve and safeguard the mangroves while educating others about their role in mitigating climate change and providing refuge for people, marine species, and migratory birds, benefiting the health of our oceans.

Mangroves are vital for our community's economy, as they provide resources for construction, cooking, and fishing. Through our project, we have taught our community how to help the mangroves recover and use their resources sustainably.

One significant experience was participating in the CONCAUSA initiative in 2021, where youth actions for the 2030 Agenda were promoted by UNICEF. It was inspiring to share our work as Guardianes del Manglar and learn from other young activists who share our concerns and desire to act.

This journey has taught me the importance of alliances with like-minded organizations and individuals. I have collaborated with Youth and Climate Change, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama, UNDP, MiAMBIENTE and UNICEF Panama to create a roadmap for fulfilling the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action.

I have realized that our stories have the power to inspire others, and education is a key tool in driving climate action. UNDP has been a valuable ally, supporting us in raising our voices and providing opportunities for Panamanian youth to make a difference.

Our voices must be heard, felt, and amplified. We need active participation spaces and support to turn our ideas into tangible actions. Together, with determination and cooperation, we can protect our environment and create a sustainable future for all.