The world is at a crossroads with unparalleled levels and extent of the climate crisis. Young people are particularly at the forefront of combatting the climate crisis by demonstrating exceptional leadership.
At One Young World, we are committed to furthering youth representation globally by empowering and developing young leaders to build a sustainable future for all. These young leaders within the One Young World global community are from a wide array of sectors, disciplines, and nations and are part of shaping the conversation around much-needed climate action.
Our goal for COP29 is to have One Young World Ambassadors at the table, debating important issues relating to climate action, innovation and solutions. It is our primary purpose to have young leaders part of the decision-making process that will not only affect this present generation but as important stakeholders for future generations.
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 COP29 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
One Young World Ambassadors at COP29 events
Blue Zone Highlight Sessions
Green Zone Highlight Sessions
Green Zone OYW Panel Sessions
Elevating Perspectives in Climate Action
The Importance of Centering Diverse Voices
Location: Baku Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan (Green Zone)
Moderator(s): Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa - Executive Director, Helen’s Daughters
Panellist(s): Samantha Thian - UN IPCC - Deputy Head of Operations, Technical Support Unit, WGII
While youth play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, it is essential that multiple perspectives are considered when engaging in meaningful climate action. This panel will explore perspectives from professionals who work with different groups including women, indigenous peoples and other communities who are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. This fireside chat will identify effective ways to prioritise these diverse viewpoints and implement impactful action.
Guardians of the Environment
AI, Innovation and Tradition in Climate Action
Location: Baku Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan (Green Zone)
Moderator(s): Dr Gurleen Kaur, Technology and Solar Specialist, International Solar Alliance (ISA) - Moderator
Panellists: Hikaru Wakeel Hayakawa (OYW Ambassador), Executive Director of Climate Cardinals; Nicholas Kee (OYW Ambassador), Co-founder and CEO of Kee Farms; Nathaniel Diong (OYW Ambassador), Founder & CEO of Future Minds Network
Combining emerging technological advancements and traditional wisdom can enhance efforts to protect the planet and combat climate change. Achieving a balance of the two will allow for technologically advanced solutions that are also culturally informed. This session will explore how we can harness emerging technologies, such as AI, while still being guided by traditional wisdom and the opportunities and challenges within this. Attendees will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges of merging innovation and traditional wisdom and how these contribute to a sustainable future.
An Inclusive Move
Harnessing Intersectional and Intergenerational Cooperation for the Just Transition
Location: Baku Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan (Green Zone)
Moderator(s): Mary Robinson (OYW Counsellor), Former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Panellists: Rza Aliyev (OYW Ambassador), Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) Ricardo Pineda (OYW Ambassador), Founder of Sustenta Honduras Serena Bashal (OYW Ambassador), Youth Climate Activist
Effective solutions to tackle climate change require effective engagement and participation from the Global South. Within this, specific challenges faced in the Global South must also be taken into account in order for there to be a ‘just transition’. Therefore, an equitable and inclusive approach needs to be taken in regard to transitions within our global energy systems. This session will highlight how youth in particular play a key role in ensuring a just transition and how they are uniquely positioned to drive this change. Attendees will gain insights into how youth perspectives can shape energy transitions in an inclusive and equitable way.
One Young World Ambassadors at COP29
- Samantha Thian, UN IPCC - Deputy Head of Operations, Technical Support Unit, WGII
- Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa, Executive Director, Helen’s Daughters Inc.
- Bodhi Patil, Founder & CEO of Inner Light
- Rza Aliyev, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC)
- Nathaniel Diong, Founder and CEO of Future Minds Network
- Serena Bashal, Youth Climate Activist
- Ricardo Pineda, Founder of Sustenta Honduras
- Hikaru Wakeel Hayakawa, Executive Director of Climate Cardinals
- Nicholas Kee, Co-founder and CEO of Kee Farms
- Sara Rajabli, Founder of Rajabli.co
- Mejda Khaled, CEO / Co-Founder, AGARUW
- Karla Godoy da costa Lima, Executive Secretary of Sustainability, State of Pernambuco
- Oliver Rieche, Director of Legal Affairs, Carbon Procurement & NDC Partnership, Balance Eco Ltd
- Antonio Díaz Aranda, Carbon Markets Specialist/Policy & Strategy Associate Consultant, South Pole
- Christine Mhone, Founder and Managing Director, Caring Hands Center
- Dr. Gurleen Kaur, Technology and Solar Specialist, International Solar Alliance
- Enkhuun Byambadorj, Co-Founder and Director of Operations, Breathe Mongolia - Clean Air Coalition
- Leider Andres Tombe Morales, Cauca Territorial Coordinator for Project: NupirƟ, Mamik, Ɵsikwareik