By Lily Germain, Year 12
On Thursday, November 16th, the historic Palais des Nations in Geneva hosted the fifth Young Activists Summit. This event, significant in its scale and impact, brought together around 80 attendees from Ecolint campuses, offering them an extraordinary opportunity to engage with global activism. The summit’s primary goal was to recognize and celebrate the endeavours of five young leaders who have made substantial impacts in their respective fields. These individuals were honoured for their exceptional bravery, passion, and resilience. The event, featuring a live segment, was graced by the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco and attracted over 650 in-person attendees. Additionally, it reached a global audience with 20,000 online participants from 144 countries, highlighting its international relevance and appeal.
“In a time where issues like climate change, human rights abuse and conflicts seem impossible to solve, YAS brings together these five activists who try to bring reconciliation, peace and sustainability.” – YAS 2023
First is Francisco Vera, a remarkable 14-year-old from Colombia, deeply committed to the protection of the environment. Francisco embarked on this journey at the young age of 9, driven by the direct impact of climate change on his village due to the deforestation of the Amazon. His experience led him to relocate to Spain, where he continues his advocacy. His team now encompasses over 1,000 young students, and he has penned a book on climate change, specifically tailored for children. Francisco’s advocacy extends beyond raising awareness; he inspires action-oriented eco-hope, aiming to reduce anxiety among young people about environmental issues.
Second, meet Sawyeddollah Maung, a 22-year-old activist from Myanmar, who is a vocal advocate for the rights of the Rohingya people. Complicated circumstances prevented Sawyeddollah from attending the summit in person, necessitating his participation via Zoom. After fleeing Myanmar at 16 to escape the persecution of the Rohingya, he found refuge in a Bangladeshi camp. There, he founded the Rohingya Student Network, aiming to safeguard the rights and dignity of his people. His efforts include improving the living conditions in the refugee camps, organising workshops to educate the youth about their country’s situation, and connecting refugees with international courts to help them pursue justice. Additionally, Sawyeddollah has been involved in legal action against META for spreading hate content targeting the Rohingya community.
Third, the story of Roshni Perween, a 25-year-old from India, is both harrowing and inspiring. Forced into marriage at just 13 to a man forty years her senior, Roshni endured unimaginable hardships, including rape, and becoming a mother at age 14. Courageously, she decided to break free from the shackles of this coerced union. Her journey since then has been transformative, not only for herself but for many other young women in India. Roshni has been instrumental in organizing awareness campaigns against child marriage and collaborates closely with local authorities to rescue girls from similar fates. Her personal triumph over adversity has also led to a heartwarming reconciliation with her family and enabled her to guide other young women through the process of seeking divorces from forced marriages.
Fourth, we highlight Maïmouna Ba, a 27-year-old activist from Burkina Faso, who is fiercely committed to promoting peace. Her life changed dramatically in 2019 when she had to flee her hometown, Dori, located at the crossroads of Burkina Faso and Niger, due to the tragic Yigrou massacre that claimed 210 lives, including many from her village. In response to this devastating event, Maïmouna founded an organisation focused on providing access to education for children, a tool she believes is essential in curbing violence and establishing lasting peace. Through her relentless efforts, more than 60 children, who had lost access to education due to the massacre, have been able to return to school.
Lastly is Nisreen Elsaim, a 29-year-old from Sudan, who has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against climate change. The conflict in 2023 forced Nisreen to leave her homeland and seek refuge in Italy. Witnessing firsthand the destructive impact of climate change in her country, she decided to take decisive action. Nisreen actively promotes the importance of renewable energy and views scientific innovation as a key solution to environmental challenges. Furthermore, she holds a significant role as the president of Sudan Youth for Climate Change at the United Nations, amplifying her influence on a global stage.
To conclude, these five brave young activists, hailing from diverse backgrounds, are united by a common purpose: the pursuit of peace. Each in their own unique way is making significant strides towards creating a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. Their stories are a testament to the power of youthful passion and determination. We encourage LGB Students to follow their journeys on social media, support their causes, and remember that even the smallest changes can lead to substantial global impacts.
