Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
“We have seen young people on the front lines of climate action, showing us what bold leadership looks like.””
Young people are a driving force of change. Their creativity, innovation and ambition can help to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackle current issues, including the climate emergency.
The UN Youth Advisory Group was organized by the UN Secretary-General in July 2020 with the support of the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UN Partnerships). The seven members help the Secretary-General amplify youth voices and engage young people in an open and transparent dialogue as the UN gears up to raise ambition and accelerate action to combat climate change.
The Group brings the voices of young people into high-level decision making and advises the Secretary-General on the implementation of his 2020-21 Climate Change Strategy.
The members of the Youth Advisory Group are:
NISREEN ELSAIM
Nisreen Elsaim (Sudan) is a climate activist and junior negotiator at intergovernmental climate change platforms with experience across a range of environmental topics. She was part of the social movement that brought about democratic change in Sudan.
ERNEST GIBSON
Ernest Gibson (Fiji) was the co-coordinator for 350 Fiji, a regional youth-led climate change network, driven by young climate leaders. He advocates for non-extractive partnerships with indigenous communities to utilize their local traditional knowledge and practices to protect the planet.
VLADISLAV KAIM
Vladislav Kaim (Moldova) is a young economist committed to ensuring green and decent jobs for youth; he brings deep expertise in international trade and migration.
SOPHIA KIANNI
Sophia Kianni (United States) has helped organize nationwide strikes and is the founder of Climate Cardinals, an international nonprofit working to translate climate information into over 100 languages.
NATHAN METENIER
Nathan Metenier (France) is the founder and coordinator of Generation Climate Europe and spokesperson for Youth and Environment Europe.
PALOMA COSTA
Paloma Costa (Brazil) is a lawyer and human rights defender who has coordinated the youth delegations to several climate conferences.
ARCHANA SORENG
Archana Soreng (India) is experienced in advocacy and research, and she is working to document, preserve and promote traditional knowledge and cultural practices of indigenous communities.