Madina’s inspiring tour

Since becoming a UNICEF Youth Advocate for Climate Action in Tanzania in 2022, my mission has been to amplify the voices of children and young people in local and global climate discussions. This year, as part of the World Children’s Day celebrations, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Copenhagen, Denmark, and deliver a speech at an event organized by UNICEF.

It was my first visit to Europe, and the experience was truly breathtaking. Copenhagen is a city full of life, vibrant streets, stunning architecture, and iconic landmarks, some of which I had only seen in pictures. At UNICEF, I was warmly welcomed by Ms Leila Pakkala, Director of the UNICEF Supply Division. We had a lengthy and inspiring conversation about the critical role children and youth play in shaping global decisions.

I felt an immense sense of pride as I shared the work children and young people in Tanzania are doing with UNICEF to drive climate action. I spoke about the challenges we face, the progress we have made, and the passion moving us forward. Ms. Parkala’s enthusiasm and support for our initiatives filled me with hope and reaffirmed the importance of actively integrating young voices into decision-making processes.

I was fortunate to meet with UNICEF experts in disaster risk assessment, who shared insights into how climate change is reshaping communities worldwide. The unpredictability of weather patterns and the urgent need to both respond to and prepare for disasters became crystal clear - an area where many countries, including Tanzania, face significant challenges. The team also emphasized the need for resilience-building, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children.

One of the most amazing experiences of my visit was the tour of the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse, spanning over 20,000m²—roughly three times the size of Tanzania's Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium. The UNICEF Global Supply and Logistics Hub is the heart of the humanitarian supply chain, where life-saving emergency supplies are packed and sent out to millions of children across the globe.

As I walked through the facility, I was captivated by the cutting-edge technology and efficient processes in action. The automated High Bay storage, with robots processing goods with precision, was particularly impressive. I witnessed firsthand how UNICEF harnesses technological innovations to enhance efficiency while reducing its carbon footprint.

At every turn, it was clear that the warehouse was designed with eco-friendly features, including solar-powered systems and the use of recycled materials, reflecting UNICEF’s strong commitment to sustainability. I was particularly impressed by how UNICEF repurposes items that don’t meet quality standards, ensuring nothing goes to waste and that every supply is safely delivered.

In the health section, I was inspired by youth-led initiatives, such as nets made from recycled plastic bottles. These initiatives not only support environmental conservation but also empower young people to make a positive impact. The team explained that this sustainable approach prioritizes environmental conservation at every stage of the process. In addition, during Environment Week, the division organizes activities like repurposing materials and sorting waste into categories such as organic, plastic, and hard waste. These practices ensure sustainability is integrated into every aspect of their operations.

At the end of the tour, I met Drouyn Cambridge, Admin Assistant and the head of the Green Team at the UNICEF Supply Division, who showed me a beautiful flower garden that attracts butterflies, birds, and bees. He also demonstrated how they use worms for decomposition, further highlighting UNICEF's commitment to sustainability through a variety of innovative efforts. 

Finally, on World Children’s Day, I was privileged to deliver a speech to over 300 business leaders, policymakers, experts, young voices, and NGO personnel, calling for urgent climate action and emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in shaping the future. 

At the event, I had the opportunity to meet influential figures like Ms Susan Dahl, the Executive Director of UNICEF Denmark; Ms Siedel Marie Kristensen, the Chief Executive Officer of the LEGO Foundation; and Mr Manuel Fontaine, Special Adviser on Child Rights in the office of UNICEF Executive Director. We discussed the importance of engaging children in climate action and championing children's rights.

I also interacted with youth advocates from various countries. We shared experiences from attending various international platforms like the Conference of Parties (COP). We discussed ways to create more opportunities for youth engagement in combating climate change and conserving our planet.

Representing Tanzania on World Children’s Day was an incredible honour. It was empowering to share our efforts in Tanzania to mitigate climate change and highlight the vital role of youth in driving change. My visit to Copenhagen left me deeply inspired and energized to continue advocating for climate action and sustainability. I learned that every small step brings us closer to a sustainable future, and through innovation and collaboration, we can create meaningful change.