First Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
Selected from a pool of candidates nominated by youth- and climate-focused non-governmental and civil society organizations around the world, the first cohort of the Youth Advisory Group served for a period of two years (2020-2022) and advised the Secretary-General on accelerating global action and ambition to tackle the worsening climate crisis. The Group’s appointment marked a new effort by the United Nations to bring more young leaders into decision-making and planning processes, as the UN works to mobilize climate action. Ranging from 18-28 years old, the members of the first cohort were:
Nisreen Elsaim
Nisreen Elsaim (Sudan) is a climate activist and junior negotiator at intergovernmental climate change platforms with experience across a range of environmental topics, and she was part of the social movement that brought about democratic change in Sudan.
Ernest Gibson
Ernest Gibson (Fiji) is the co-coordinator for 350 Fiji, a regional youth-led climate change network, driven by young climate leaders.
Vladislav Kaim
Vladislav Kaim (Moldova) is a young economist committed to ensuring green and decent jobs for youth, and he brings deep expertise in international trade and migration.
Sophia Kianni
Sophia Kianni (United States) has helped organize nationwide strikes and is the founder of Climate Cardinals, an international nonprofit working to translate climate information into over 100 languages.
Nathan Metenier
Nathan Metenier (France) is the founder and coordinator of Generation Climate Europe and spokesperson for Youth and Environment Europe.
Paloma Costa
Paloma Costa (Brazil) is a lawyer and human rights defender who has coordinated the youth delegations to several climate conferences.
Archana Soreng
Archana Soreng (India) is experienced in advocacy and research, and she is working to document, preserve, and promote traditional knowledge and cultural practices of indigenous communities.