Young Voices Leading the Fight Against Climate Change

Meet the Youth Participants

A passionate group of young people from across Africa and Europe

Maguette Ba, 20, Senegal

Maguette is a young student in industrial electricity and an active member of the NGO JVE Senegal (Young Volunteers for the Environment). She supports the organization with its advocacy and education efforts and also created the concept #MyGreenBirthday; a project to encourage youth to plant a tree on their birthday.

Virginia Maria Barchiesi, 19, Italy (Moderator)

Virginia is an activist for the inclusion of young people in international affairs. She is a youth ambassador for UNICEF Italy, a member of the Young Advisory Board of UNICEF ECARO to the Italian Ministry of Families and Equal Opportunities and of the Youth Sounding Board for International Partnerships of the EU

Oumou Hawa Diallo, 22, Guinea (Co-Rapporteur)

Hawa is a young web developer from Conakry who is passionate about protecting the environment.  ,She co-founded the non-profit, Acting Against Climate Change (ACOREC), in 2008 and works to raise awareness on the effects of climate change, deforestation and how people can help through every aspect of their daily lives.

Morgan Janowicz, 24, Poland (Co-Rapporteur)

Morgan is the Partnership Coordinator at the Green REV Institute.  She is a passionate advocate for food system transition with respect to human and animal rights and climate change.  She is also a Representative of the Future Food 4 Climate Coalition (FF4C), which unites CSOs in the collective action for system change.

Cyril Otabil, 23, Ghana

Cyril is a graduate of the University of Ghana where he studied philosophy and political science.   He has 8 years’ experience in graphic design, videography and photography - with much of his work focusing on youth empowerment and meaningful youth engagement and participation.

Zainab Yunusa, 26, Nigeria

Zainab is a 26-year-old advocate for gender equality, social justice and meaningful youth engagement.   In addition to supporting many local projects in Nigeria, she is also a member of the UNFCCC’s Youth Constituency (YOUNGO).   She currently works as a Project Assistant at the ‘Feminism Lab’ project of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Nigeria Office.

Jonas Nitschke, 26, Germany

Jonas is currently studying Political Science (M.A.) with a focus on International Politics & Development and Eastern Europe at the University of Vienna and Conflict and a Development Studies (MSc) at Ghent University.   Jonas is especially interested in youth representation at international climate conferences to give activists a voice and speak up about the climate-related catastrophes in their communities.

David Joseph, 20, Italy

David is currently studying for his BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Central European University of Vienna.  He volunteers for UNICEF as a U-Report Ambassadors and also hosts the Griot Podcast series.  David is particularly passionate about the impacts that climate change are having on access to education and jobs for young people.

Anar Ahmad-zada, 27, Slovakia

Anar was born in Azerbaijan and lives in Slovakia.   He has supported previous debates with NGOs in Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Bratislava. He is a passionate climate change advocate, particularly in relation to humanitarian action.  Also due to my positions where I have been working, I am always supporting organisations or individuals who are trying to deliver the real understanding of Climate change.

Alexandru Draghia, 17, Romania

Alex is a 17-year-old student from Romania, who is currently studying in Michigan, US.  He is passionate about climate change and gender equality. He hopes to eventually hopes to go on to study international law at University and enjoys supporting community projects in his hometown.

Ayesha Khuele, 20, Lesotho

Ayesha is a 20-year-old digital and television production student at Limkokwing University Lesotho.  She is also an internationally recognised film writer and director who acts and does voice-overs in her spare time.

Daouda Gassamba, 17, Mali

Dauda is a student at the Institute of the Blind of Mali in Bamako.  He is passionate about protecting the environment and advocating for climate action. He has participated in many reforestation projects in the regions of Koulikoro and Segou.

Ngeh Pavert Njodzeka, 24, Cameroon

Pavert is from Bamenda and currently works as both a biogas technician for the non-profit, Royal Renewable Energy Cameroon and is also in charge of coordinating training programs for the Royal Renewable Common Initiative Group.  He is passionate about tackling climate change using renewable energy solution

Nikos Therapos, 27, Greece

Nikos is an economist and policy analyst focused on green & blue economy and sustainability.  He studied at both Athens University of Economics and Business and at Bocconi University. He is currently the Head of Policy & Finance of the non-profit social startup Enaleia, Coalition Director and Board Member at the International Student Environmental Coalition and EU Climate Pact Ambassador.

Mbaitabe Edwige Monekemde, 21, Chad

Edwige is studying English Literature at university in N'Djamena. He works hard to make a difference in his community.  He currently works as a Youth Coordinator at Saint Paul's Parish in Kabalaye and also works for the Chad Innovation Hub and YALI Chad.

Yohana Fontenla, 20, Spain

Yohana is an Economics & Politics student at London School of Economics.  She is also a Political Science and Business Leadership Student at Forward College, Portugal.   Yohana is a passionate climate change advocate, who believes its impact on health, food security, safety and education should be central to political action.

Raphael Dennis, 20, Tanzania

Raphael is a 20-year-old global citizen from Tanzania, who has been passionately advocating for the rights of children and youth for many years.  He has previously worked as a leader for the National Junior Council in Tanzania for 7 years. He is currently the Youth Coordinator at Citizens4Change, a UNICEF Digital storyteller and U-Report ambassador.

Carmen María Pérez-Juan, 27, Spain

Carmen currently works as a Project Manager for Social Climate, a nonprofit cooperative driving climate action based on science, cooperation, and equity; through social innovation, Nature-based Solutions & economic localization.

Carmen is passionate about driving climate action by engaging public administrations, companies, and citizens and promoting social change through the development of values, attitudes, and skills that help people to acquire better green behaviours.