One Young World at COP
The climate crisis is the greatest challenge of our time. Combatting it requires collaboration, innovation, and bold leadership - leadership which is increasingly seen not from heads of government but from young people.
Young leaders deserve and demand a seat at the table. At One Young World, we are committed to furthering youth representation globally and have worked hard to ensure young people have a presence at COP. These young leaders are from a wide array of sectors, disciplines, and nations and are part of shaping the conversation around much-needed climate action.
Are you working on or do you know of any relevant opportunities for young leaders and One Young World at COP29?
One Young World in numbers at the COP28 Conference
20 +
events in Blue Zone
11 +
events in Green Zone
55 +
One Young World Ambassadors attending the conference
What is the COP Blue Zone?
The Blue Zone is essential to the COP process. It hosts negotiations, delegations and observer organisations to exchange ideas and share their work during panel discussions, side events, exhibits and cultural events. However, not all COP attendees have access to the Blue Zone.
Progress on climate action depends on young leaders' participation, and ensuring our attending Ambassadors have access to the Blue Zone at COP28 enables contribution to decision-making and collaboration with others. This way, they will amplify their contributions to the conversations and drive actionable impact and change
OYW Ambassadors at COP28 events
Blue Zone
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Friday 1st Dec 2023 From 9.00am
Ballroom of St Regis Downtown Hotel, Dubai
A new edition of the Ocean Innovators Platform.
Roundtables on: Great Blue Wall, Oceanic Carbon Dioxide Removal and Green shipping
Ambassadors: Nicholas Kee, Samantha Thian, Oumar Cissé
Hosted by Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
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Friday 1st Dec 2023 9.30am to 10.30am
Singapore Pavilion - Youth Program Led by CA in Singapore, Samantha Thian
Roundtable: What’s the Guide to Navigating Greenwashing?
As the urgency to address climate change grows, the audience heard from the perspectives of a panel of young leaders from around the world on the critical issue of greenwashing. The panel discussed effective communication around greenwashing; as well as the impact of greenwashing on consumer behaviour, corporate responsibility, and policy development. In breakout group roundtable discussions, participants had the opportunity to discuss examples of greenwashing in various forms, and share strategies and best practices to tackle greenwashing in their local communities and contexts.
Ambassadors: Rumaitha Al Busaidi
Hosted by the Singapore Pavilion
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Friday 1st Dec 2023 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Canada Pavilion, located within Building 52 within Zone B5 of the Blue Zone in Expo City Dubai
Facilitating a Gender-Just Transition to Clean Energy to Address Loss and Damage
Ambassador: Kehkashan Basu
Hosted by the Green Hope Foundation
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Saturday 2nd Dec 2023 4.00pm to 5.30pm
Concrete, Alerskal Avenue, Dubai
Roundtable convened by Women for Women International, to launch its new Situational Assessment
Ambassadors: Leticia Meque, Mavis Mainu, Karla Godoy da Costa Lima, Kehkashan Basu
Hosted by Goal House
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Sunday 3rd Dec 2023 3.45pm to 4.45pm
Children & Youth Pavilion, Meeting Room
Round Table Session for OWY ambassadors: Connecting Ideas For A Sustainable Future
A group of 15 OYW ambassadors at COP28 had the chance to have a direct conversation with Kathy Alsegaf; Laila Takeh; Martin Baxter; and Sarah Mukherjee.
The conversation revolved around how One Young World ambassadors can help tackle sustainability challenges and the possible synergies they can create between them and the Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs).Chief Sustainability Officers: Kathy Alsegaf - Global Sustainability Leader at Deloitte; Laila Takeh - Strategy and Innovator Director at Deloitte; Martin Baxter - Deputy CEO at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment; Sarah Mukherjee - Chief Executive Officer at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment; and Jenny Wassenaar - Chief Sustainability Officer & SVP Global R&D at Trivium Packaging
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Monday 4th Dec 2023 9am to 10.30am
Global Alliance for Sustainable Planet Pavilion, Section B7, Building 89
Green Education through Clean Energy Innovation to Implement Climate Justice
Ambassador: Kehkashan Basu
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Monday 4th Dec 2023 11.30am to 1pm
SE Room 5
Climate Change and Mental Health: Understanding Risks and Empowering Opportunities
Ambassador: Kehkashan Basu
Hosted by United Nations University and WHO
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Monday 4th Dec 2023 1pm to 1.45pm
Madagascar Pavilion
Blended Finance for Sustainable Development: Fostering Cross-Sector Collaboration
Ambassador: Federico Perez
Hosted by Madagascar government
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Monday 4th Dec 2023 1.30pm to 2.15pm
Coalition of Rainforest Nations Pavilion
The Business Case for Nature: There is No Net Zero without Nature
With the interest in ESG investing at all-time high, institutional investors are shining a light on a previously sidelined indicator of environmental health: biodiversity. But despite an increasing number of funds being created, natural capital investment opportunities remain limited, and biodiversity needs to be taken into consideration by governments, companies, and the investment community.
Ambassador: Jason Salgado
Hosted by Deloitte in partnership with Coalition for Rainforest Nations
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Wednesday 6th Dec 12.00pm to 1.00pm
Business Pavilion
‘Resilience through a whole system lens’
Ambassador: Anjatiana Radoharinirina
In partnership with National Grid
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Wednesday 6th Dec 1.00pm to 2.30pm
Singapore Pavilion - Youth Program Led by CA in Singapore, Samantha Thian
Workshop: Crafting Climate Communications #GreenGrams #ClimateTok
How can we communicate effectively on the issue of climate change? In this workshop, hear from climate communicators on how they are amplifying their messages through different platforms, from LinkedIn to TikTok. Participants will have the chance to work with each other and tackle problem statements in breakout groups, to develop a creative item of their choice to communicate the importance of the climate problem to the public. Let your imagination run wild – the best creations will win prizes!
Ambassador: Samantha Thian
Hosted by the Singapore Pavilion
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Friday 8th Dec 2023 9am to 10.45am
Azerbaijan Pavilion
“Science of Networks”: Financing Youth Lead Climate Action in SouthCaucasus, “Analysis and UN-Compliant Strategies”
Ambassador: Sagar Kalra
Hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sport, The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and YOUNGO
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Friday 8th Dec 2023 10am to 11.30am
Colombia Pavilion
Young Changemakers: From Advocacy to Ecosystems – Crafting Holistic Solutions for Systemic Change
Ambassador: Federico Perez
Hosted by Colombia government
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Friday 8th Dec 2023 11am to 12pm
OPEC Fund Pavilion
Scaling up Social Safety Programs: Lessons learned from COVID-19
Ambassador: Jason Salgado
Hosted by the OPEC Fund / World Bank
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Friday 8th Dec 2023 3pm to 4pm
Trade House Pavilion
Keeping cool at 1.5 degrees: Intergenerational Dialogues for the Future We Want
Ambassador: Federico Perez
Hosted by International Trade Centre (ITC)
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Friday 8th Dec 2023 5pm to 6pm
UN Climate Change - Global Innovation Hub Pavilion
Financing the Green Energy Transition
Featuring: Freedom-Kai Phillips, a Director within our Deloitte Center for Sustainable Progress
Ambassador: Jason Salgado
Deloitte in partnership with UNFCCC
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Saturday 9th Dec 2023 10.00am to 11.00am
U.S. Center Pavilion, Section B5, Building 59, Large Meeting Room 5, Second Floor
Mentorship Session with Abby Finkenauer, Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues of the U.S Department of State
Five One Young World (OYW) ambassadors had an opportunity to engage in an informal conversation with Abby Finkenauer. She is the Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues at the Office of Global Youth Issues in the U.S. Department of State. During their chat, they discussed their respective projects and careers as climate leaders. They also exchanged knowledge and experiences related to their work.
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Saturday 9th Dec 2023 5pm to 6pm
Land and Drought Pavilion
Let’s Talk Land: Indigenous Perspectives on Land Restoration, Conservation, and Rights
Ambassador: Federico Perez
Hosted by UNCCD/G20 Global Land Initiative
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Sunday 10th Dec 2023 1.00pm to 2.30pm
Youth Climate Champion Pavilion - Youth Program Led by CA in Singapore, Samantha Thian
Meaningful Activism: Exploring Personal Stories To Drive Social Change
Young people are taking action on climate change all over the world. The audience heard from young leaders who are making a meaningful difference in their individual ways. As “human books”, they shared their personal stories of driving social change, and answered questions in small group discussions. These diverse “books” showcase the complexities of climate change and the diverse perspectives that exist on what meaningful activism is.
Ambassadors: Samantha Thian, Max Han, Kenly Kenneth
Hosted by the Singapore Pavilion
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Monday 11th Dec 2023 10.00am to 11.30am
Singapore Pavilion - Youth Program Led by CA in Singapore, Samantha Thian
Can Youth Entrepreneurship Make a Difference?
A deep dive into the powerful role that youth entrepreneurs are playing to tackle climate change. Young founders and entrepreneurs shared about the companies and organisations they run, the inspiration for their journeys, and how they are making a difference from the private sector. In breakout groups, participants discussed diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship, funding for youth initiatives, and the power of collaboration.
Ambassadors: Moliehi Rethabile Mafantiri, Nicholas Kee
Hosted by the Singapore Pavilion
Green Zone
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Sunday 3rd Dec 2023 2.00pm to 3.00pm
Extreme Hangout Session
Optimism, Hope, Leadership and the Climate Crisis
This session outlined from the perspective of young leaders, why climate change is not a lost cause, how we can rethink this crisis, and the steps we need to take, despite polarisation, to work better together.
Ambassadors: Anna Stanley-Radière, Imogen Napper
Counsellor and Moderator: Paul Polman - Business Leader, Former CEO of Unilever, Climate and Equality Campaigner.
Former president of Costa Rica - Carlos Alvarado
Adolescent and Youth Manager at UNICEF: Fabio Friscia
In partnership with Extreme and El Club de Madrid
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Sunday 3rd Dec 2023 3pm to 5pm
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Monday 4th Dec 2023 4.00pm to 5.00pm
Extreme Hangout Session
Why We Can’t Fight Climate Change Without Fighting for Gender Equity
This session underscored the connection and interdependence of climate action and gender equality and the need for simultaneous consideration.
Ambassadors: Mavis Mainu, Kehkashan Basu, Karla Godoy da Costa Lima, Renata Koch Alvarenga
Counsellor and Moderator: Leon Pieters - Global Consumer Industry Leader and Consumer Products Sector Leader for Deloitte
In partnership with Extreme
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Tuesday 5th Dec 2023 10.30am to 11.30am
Extreme Hangout Session
AI, Clean Technologies, and Climate Change
This session explored the role of AI in advancing clean and sustainable solutions, delving into its potential impact on mitigating environmental challenges. Safe and effective implantation will require cross-sector collaboration with input from every sector. Attendees gained insights into the innovative opportunities and challenges of AI and the role clean technologies will play in contributing to a more sustainable future.
Ambassadors: Abideen Olasupo, Rana Hajirasouli, Federico Perez, Pearly Ingkakul
Counsellor and Moderator: Iván Duque Márquez - Former President of Colombia
In partnership with Extreme
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Wednesday 6th Dec 10.30am to 11.30am
Extreme Hangout Session
Imagining a Century of Sustainable Development
This session explored strategies for long-term environmental, social, and economic well-being. Participants gained insights into the challenges and opportunities inherent in shaping a lasting and equitable future.
Ambassadors: Joy Egbe, Karla Godoy da Costa Lima, Abideen Olasupo, Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Leticia Meque
In partnership with Extreme
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Friday 8th Dec 2023 to Tuesday 12th December 2023
Start-up Village
Exposition of the start-up OOYOO
Ambassador: Ralph Nicolai NasaraWinner of Lead 2030 OYW Programme
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Friday 8th Dec 2023 3.00pm to 4.30pm
Terra Auditorium
ActNowFilm: youth climate leaders in conversation with climate experts
A youth film produced by the University of Bath Institute for Policy Research (IPR) and Cambridge Zero, supported by the UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN). See the trailer hereThe film, showcased at COP28, is based on 1-2-1 conversations between youth climate leaders and world-leading climate experts. We filmed with 30 pairs, from every continent, except Antarctica, with representation from 33 countries. Participants include leaders from indigenous communities, business, policy, activism, academia, the third sector and international organisations.
Ambassadors: Samantha Thian, Moliehi Mafantiri
In partnership with the University of Bath
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Friday 8th Dec 2023 11:45am to 12.45pm
Greening Education Hub
SUAD Youth COP Panel of Winning Students at COP28: Declaration of SUAD for Climate Change
Ambassador: Beatriz Azevedo
Hosted by Youth COP
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Friday 8th Dec 2023 3pm to 4.30pm
Terra Pavilion
#ActNowFilm
Hosted by The University of Bath Institute for Policy Research (IPR) and Cambridge Zero, and supported by the UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN) and in partnership with One Young World.
Ambassador: Moliehi Mafantiri
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Monday 11th Dec 2023 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Green Education Pavilion
Unlocking Youth's Potential in Advancing Climate Action through Capacity Building Programs
Ambassador: Sagar Kalra
Hosted by the Hassan II International Center for Environmental Training
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Tuesday 12th Dec 2023 12pm to 1.30pm
Climate Live Pavillion
From Summit to Action: Outcomes and Next
Ambassador: Moliehi Mafantiri
Hosted by YOUNGO Nature Working Group
COP28 International Youth Climate Delegates
OYW Ambassadors featured at COP
The COP28 Presidency UAE announced the selection of 100 delegates for the International Youth Climate Delegate Program to embed within the COP process, with a priority for delegates from countries on the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Indigenous Peoples and other minority groups around the world.
From the 100 selected, 6 were One Young World Ambassadors.
News and Media
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Channel News Asia
Kehkashan Basu is a 23 years old, President of the Green Hope Foundation, One Young World Ambassador and a Canadian environmental and human rights activist. Kehkashan had a Broadcast interview by the Channel News Asia where she elaborated on the significance of young people in the UN-led talks, as well as the importance of the implementation of the Loss & Damage fund.
Learn more about One Young World at COP27
Contact us for COP28
One Young World is committed to climate action and ensuring that young leaders are at the heart of the decision-making process. Ahead of COP28, we are eager to continue to forge impactful partnerships. If you are working on or know of any relevant opportunities for young leaders and One Young World at COP28, please get in touch: