Watch the talks, interviews and discussions from the virtual Global Launch, and learn more about how you can take action on climate change.
Hosted by:
Winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize, L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Honouree and Canada's Top25 Women of Influence Awardee, 19-year old youth icon Kehkashan Basu, has been impacting the global fraternity with her work on children’s rights, promoting gender equality, mitigating climate change and social upliftment. A United Nations Human Rights Champion and a National Geographic Explorer, Kehkashan is the Founder President of social innovation enterprise, Green Hope Foundation which has 2,038 youth ambassadors working in 15 countries.
Kehkashan Basu
One Young World Ambassador
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PARTNERS
Stefanie Tornow
Political Science Student, Climate Activist
Currently studying a Masters in Political Science, Stefanie, 24-years-old from Germany, has been an instrumental protagonist in YMCA’s Resource Group on Environment since 2015 and its UN Advocacy Group. She has attended United Nations ECOSOC Forums in New York, and COP events as part of YMCA’s delegation.
Dahni-El Giles
Founder, Uprhizer
Presenting ‘The Optimist’s Guide To The Climate Crisis: How To Do More Than Hope’ Dahni-El conveys what you need to know, what makes a difference, and what you can do. Co-founder of the Global Regeneration CoLab, and DonorsChoose.org, a crowdfunding platform that has directed over $875 million to US public school classrooms.
Hemant Ya-u-thai
Volunteer, Teacher, Chiang Mai YMCA
With a PhD in Educational Administration from the North Chiang Mai University, he has been taking action on climate through YMCA Asia Pacific Alliance's Green Ambassadors programme. He has helped to build dams, encourage the use of biofuels on campuses, and helped to save mangroves through the Sao Hin YMCA.
Oliviah Tawarar
Head of Communications, Africa Youth for Nature Network
A communication specialist passionate about environmental conservation and empowering the youth to take action. She worked at WWF Africa for a period of 8 Months and during her stay at WWF she was part of a team able to organise a successful youth conference which gave birth to Africa Youth for Nature Network.
Simangele Msweli
Co-Founder, South African Youth Biodiversity Network
A conservationist with experience in scientific research, policy and community engagement with a Master of Science in Biological Sciences, currently serves in the steering committee of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (a youth constituency in the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity).
Bertine Lakjohn
Environmental Studies student, Marshall Islands
To the Marshall Islands and Kosrae the climate emergency poses severe threats to its security, human rights and way of life. Something Bertine is acutely aware of, having taken part in and led youth leadership camps and dialogues on the subject, which inspired her into taking Environmental Studies at college.
Mathilde Emilie Thue
COO, Norwegian-African Business Association
Serving as World YMCA's Strategy Committee Chair, Mathilde also led the creation of its first global environment initiative. She has taken part in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and to the UNFCCC representing Norwegian Children and Youth Council (LNU) in the Official Norwegian Delegation to the climate negotiations.
Brónach Reilly
Student, Scotland
From Edinburgh, in Scotland, Bónach attends the George Watson’s College in Edinburgh where he is currently studying for her school exams. As well as being involved in YMCA, Brónach is a girl guide, having taken part in the International Poacher camp as well as spending summer 2019 in Switzerland with the Guides. With COP26 taking place in Glasgow next year, Brónach understands the importance of Scotlands role as host.