CANADA

Aaliyah, a dynamic community collaborator, intertwines her passions for sustainability, storytelling, and entrepreneurship through innovative products and programs. With a background in Microbiology & Immunology and Sustainability, she adeptly explores wicked problems as a systems thinker. Within her West African tribal community, Aaliyah witnesses entrepreneurship and economic structures driven by sustainable community building - demonstrating the interconnectedness of economic, social and environmental systems. Identifying a lack of recognition of innovative sustainability concepts rooted in marginalized communities, she initiated "Storytelling for Sustainability." She founded Afro Day NB to amplify the voices of Black youth in the face of the harmful rhetoric surrounding Black hair.

BOLIVIA

Daniela Fernández, a Bolivian activist and researcher with expertise in economics and political science, is an emerging leader in sustainable development. Recognized by the Mercatus Center in 2023, she's currently an environmental economist for Bolivia's Ministry of Development Planning. There, she tracks progress on sustainability goals and monitors state investment projects. Beyond her government role, Fernández co-founded the Hub of Sustainable Finance Bolivia and is part of the leaders of the Engine Room 2024, an initiative of United Nations Foundation. Her passion for environmental issues extends to volunteer work with NGOs like YOUNGO, Movimiento Propacha and Rotary International.

ETHIOPIA

Amanda is inherently a people person, finding profound joy in communication and interaction. She is currently working as a sales professional at Unilever. Beyond her Professional career, Amanda is fueled by a strong passion for gender equality and community service, driving her to immerse in diverse extracurricular pursuits. As an engaged member of Young Women for Climate Justice Ethiopia (YWCA), she actively contributes to various projects. Notably, her involvement in YWCJ and impactful work with WeForHer, a youth-led initiative addressing gender stereotypes, unveils her narrative of purpose and an unwavering commitment to contribute meaningfully to this cause.

SOUTH AFRICA

Andile Alexius Mnguni is a serial Social Entrepreneur and Speaker dedicated to catalysing change in the Education sector and at the intersection of Food Systems and Climate Change within underserved communities. She founded ROAR South Africa and most recently The Source. Andile graduated with distinction from the Gordon Institute of Business Science’s Social Entrepreneurship Programme. She is dedicated to amplifying women and girls within her work, and she has earned several notable recognitions, including being named a 2020 Global Teen Leader, a 2021/22 Thought For Food Ambassador, a 2022 Africa’s Brightest Young Mind by the UN World Food Programme, a United Nations General Assembly Youth Delegate and is a YALI Climate Tech Innovators and Leaders Fellow.

GUATEMALA | INDIGENOUS PEOPLES GROUP

Angela, a Guatemalan engineering student, weaves a story of empowerment through Kemok, her project dedicated to preserving the art of weaving and empowering indigenous women. Recognized globally with awards such as the WHO World Health Awards and endorsed by the UNAOC, Angela highlights the rich culture of her community at international festivals. Awarded by WIPO and the Central American Parliament, her work tells stories through short films, seeking to empower her community without losing their cultural identity. Her dedication allows indigenous girls to pursue their dreams, uniting tradition and innovation.

GREECE

Antonella holds bioentrepreneurship and social impact close to her heart.

She has a background in Chemistry and during the past 5 years, she has been involved with startups and entrepreneurship. Since she is always fascinated by how entrepreneurs are innovatively solving the world's pressing problems, she decided to combine her background in Life Sciences with Entrepreneurship. Currently, she is pursuing her MSc in Bioentrepreneurship at Karolinska Institutet.

Antonella is originally from Greece. She is quite involved in matters and topics that revolve around: Gender Data Gap in Healthcare, Women Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship.

MEXICO

Carolina is a 24-year-old internationalist, with a focus on sustainable development, human rights, and foreign policy. She has led social justice projects pursuing gender equality, sustainability, and youth empowerment with organizations such as United World College, UNESCO, and the British Embassy in Mexico, among others. She considers herself an ecofeminist and is passionate about addressing the different issues in which nature and women are vulnerable in the ecocidal, patriarchal, capitalist, and colonial model of life.

As a Fora Global Summit delegate, she aspires to advocate for the effective and fair participation of women in the creation of sustainable development initiatives in their communities!

NIGERIA

Oludimu Deborah, a 20-year-old advocate for period equity from Nigeria, is currently studying law at the University of Ibadan. Devoted to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, 4 , and 5, Deborah is the founder of "A Pad for Her." As the team lead and founder, she strives to eliminate period poverty in Nigeria through storytelling and local solutions. In two years, Deborah's work has impacted over 12,000 schoolgirls in underserved communities, eliminating absenteeism with pad banks in girls' secondary schools. Her dedication to storytelling bridges gaps in menstrual education, breaking cultural silence, fostering open dialogue and breaking barriers.

ECUADOR | INDIGENOUS PEOPLES GROUP

Melissa is a Kichwa woman from Cotacachi, Ecuador. She is a biologist passionate about science communication, plant biotechnology, and agribusiness. Trained as a leader in programs like Plant Breeding at the University of San Francisco de Quito, FLOW at the University of Montpellier - France, POWER by the U.S. Embassy, and Future Leaders by Banco Pichincha, she is committed to empowering more Indigenous girls and women in Ecuador to pursue STEM careers, and actively engages in projects furthering this cause. Interning in International Cooperation at CODEIS, she concurrently organizes the 2023 Ambato Academic and Innovation Fair via the KISTH Foundation. Aiming to inspire young leaders, women, and entrepreneurs in agrotech.

RUSSIA

Gabriel, a driven and visionary individual, aspires to become a prominent film and documentary producer. With a keen interest in social issues, she is committed to using the power of media to shine a light on important societal matters. Eager to bring about positive change having a rich background studying international relations, art and film in the USA and Japan, Gabriel seeks to create thought-provoking and impactful content that raises awareness and sparks conversations about pressing issues. Her determination and creative vision position her as a promising advocate for social change in the world of film and media production. Nowadays Gabriel is working as a producer and making movies about independent NGOs and homeless people.

As a hobby, she enjoys travelling around her home country, watching A24 movies, dancing, and teaching kids in rural regions of Russia.

BRAZIL

Dedicated and proactive undergraduate majoring in public administration, Giulia is an advocate for gender equality, social justice, and human rights. She founded a feminist collective at her school, fostering inclusivity and empowering girls. As a co-founder of Escrevendo na Quarentena, a Brazilian non-profit, Giulia played a pivotal role in providing writing skills to economically disadvantaged students, with a focus on crafting university entrance essays. Her passion extends to addressing intersectional oppression, and she is committed to influencing decision-making arenas for the creation of truly equitable societies.

UNITED STATES

By day, Hailey serves as a Climate Adaptation Specialist for the City and County of Honolulu where she is charting a path towards more inclusive, community-led climate adaptation. By early morning and night, she serves as Co-Executive Director of Care About Climate. Hailey empowers young people with the confidence and skills to make an impact on climate policy, including through successfully advocating for youth inclusion at the United Nations and by providing training on climate policy. Driven by her background growing up in a community of climate deniers, she strives to encourage everyone to find their role as part of the solution to the climate crisis.

AFGHANISTAN

Heela Yoon is the founder of the Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization (AYAPO), a pioneering NGO in Eastern Afghanistan focused on local peacebuilding and climate change. Through AYAPO, Heela has empowered over 100 young girls in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kabul with skills in gender equality, leadership, and crisis response. She's a key figure in community peace dialogues, advocating for girls' education. With over five years in humanitarian and human rights work, Heela has collaborated with organizations like GNWP, Amnesty International, Oxfam, United Nations, OSCE, and the International Rescue Committee. Her academic background is in Finance and Banking as a Chevening and Fulbright Scholar. Her contributions have led to recognition as a young leader by various international bodies, including the UN, and Global Partnership for Education.

BULGARIA

Kristina is a Human Rights graduate student at Columbia University in New York. Her journey with education and youth empowerment, two subjects she spent substantial time working on during her mandate as Bulgaria's official youth delegate to the United Nations and the Council of Europe, is what brought her to the human rights field. She was also selected as a Global Talent for the Unleash Innovation Lab in Mysore, India. Most recently, she was part of the Program team at the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society in Paris, France during their 2023 mandate "Change Education. Educate for Change.” Her main passion is tackling SDG4 and has established a number of projects in both Bulgaria and France that address the resource distribution gap between the private and public education systems and how this affects marginalized youth in rural/suburban areas.

COLOMBIA

A 23-year-old Colombian human nutritionist, lover of animals, traveler, and adventurous spirit, inspired by the kindness of her mother and the persistence of her father. Laura's journey transcends borders, as she has called Canada, Chile, and her native Colombia home. In Canada, she immersed herself in English for academic purposes. She then returned to Colombia to pursue her major in nutrition. Laura's commitment to her craft extends beyond borders, exemplified by her impactful internship in Chile where she worked closely with cancer patients, providing them nutritional guidance and compassionate presence during challenging times. A citizen of the world, her story is one of resilience, cultural understanding, and a profound global commitment.

GHANA

Linda Dassah has an impressive 4-year track record in community development and youth leadership, focusing on women's empowerment, quality education for rural children, and sustainable communities. She volunteered with organizations like CAMFED and PLAN Ghana and is an alumna of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Linda served as a Girls and Young Women Climate Cohort Member at PLAN International, participated in the YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders Program, and held leadership roles, including First Female President of her departmental students' association and Second Deputy Speaker for the Students Representative Council Assembly during her undergraduate studies.

KENYA

Malkia John, a passionate advocate, recognized for her commitment to gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and climate action. As the Founder of FemPower Connect, she empowers female students, focusing on the intersectionality of gender and SRHR issues. Her role in Sauti Salama, a project aiding survivors of sexual violence, underscores her commitment to immediate support and outreach. Malkia's impactful advocacy extends to Glow and Grow, where she co-founded a project contributing to sustainable development and inclusion of women in renewable energy transition. As a chosen delegate for the 2023-2024 Global Summit, Malkia continues to champion gender equity on a global stage.

PAKISTAN

Mamoona is a dynamic professional passionate about connecting social impact with business innovation. She is the brain behind a social enterprise that helps to reshape textile practices for a circular economy while empowering women toward financial independence. This initiative merges sustainability principles with her mission to bridge the gender gap in labor force participation. Alongside her role as a supply chain project manager in a leading e-commerce platform, Mamoona actively advocates for women in this often underrepresented space. Personally, she is a fitness enthusiast helping women to embrace weightlifting through her blog, aiming to dispel the fear around it and highlight its benefits.

MOROCCO

Manal is a Climate Activist from Morocco, a vibrant Young African voice committed to building a more sustainable and just future. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and purpose, as she has actively engaged in a multitude of roles and initiatives, from being the Communication Lead for the UNCCD Youth Caucus to advocating for climate justice as an Ambassador for the African Youth Climate Hub. With each step, Manal has been a tireless advocate for the environment, using her voice to champion causes ranging from desertification and loss and damage to climate adaptation. She believes in the potential of the youth to effect profound change, a belief reflected in her extensive involvement with YOUNGO, the UNFCCC Official Youth Constituency, and her coordination of inclusivity efforts at COY16. A strategic advisor for the Global Adaptation Forum, a sustainability consultant for IKEA, and a dedicated participant in a number of international gatherings, Manal exemplifies the intersection of passion, expertise, and action in terms of climate activism.

TANZANIA

Millenium is a young change maker born and raised in Tanzania. With the background in Computer Science, her passion lies in Technology, leadership and equipping young minds with opportunities and essential skills to foster self-sustainability. She firmly believes that empowering and engaging young people is pivotal in shaping a better future. This conviction drives her to invest her energy and efforts in advocating for the youth, nurturing their potential, and harnessing their abilities to make a significant impact on society. Millenium is also an internet advocate for access and Inclusion where she has been actively championing to bridge digital divide in Tanzania. She has been engaged in different community development projects focusing on impacting vulnerable people but also participating in regional and international discussions on internet-related issues as a voice representing young people.

AUSTRIA

Miriam is a human rights, SDG, and social equity leader and advocate. They served as the Austrian United Nations Youth Delegate from 2021-2023 representing Austrian youth at the UN. Through this and their work as a scout for 18 years and as part of the Jugendbotschafter*innen Vorarlberg, they collaborate nationally and internationally to contribute to the SDGs and advocate for youth participation at all levels. Moreover, Miriam is a Master’s student studying Business Education and has been working as a student researcher at the University of Innsbruck for almost two years, being involved in research on vocational training and education.

UNITED KINGDOM

Nkechi is passionate about issues relating to social equity, economic injustice, gender equality, and technology. Her career includes roles as a software engineer, social impact analyst, and freelancer. Notably, she has worked on projects with organizations like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on poverty and stigma and Chayn on technology-facilitated abuse. She recently completed her MSc in Development Studies at the London School of Economics and in her spare time enjoys going for walks and visiting art galleries.

INDIA

Oindrila is an intersectional feminist and climate justice activist who has dedicated themselves to fighting for environmental justice and advancing the rights of marginalized gender identities. They are currently a leader with UN Women, a youth advisor for Pentland Brands, and the co-content creator for UNICEF India. Oindrila has mobilized youth, adolescents, and children to demand action from the government regarding issues like air pollution, water pollution, and under-representation of women, girls, and the queer community. They have met with government representatives, stakeholders, and ministers for air pollution, illegal waste dumping, gender issues, and submitted demands and documentation, which have been signed by representatives and ministers of the government and acted upon. They have conducted workshops and panel discussions in various forums, including IFMSA, to educate people about the connections between climate action, healthcare, and gender apartheid and the importance of accessible and unbiased education, especially in marginalized communities.

PHILIPPINES

Rowella Marri, more commonly called Owe (Oh-wee), is a gender and digital rights activist from the Philippines. She is passionate about making the online space safer for young people across the world. In addition, she is a strong advocate of youth-led initiatives and intergenerational learning especially in terms of gender and digital rights issues. She is currently working as a Project Officer of Ayaw Ko Pagyawa-a, a social media campaign that aims to mainstream digital rights and awareness of online gender-based violence in the Philippines.

Follow the campaign on Instagram @ayawkopagyawaa and on X (formerly Twitter), @pistingyawa1125.

BARBADOS

Born in Barbados and a York University International Development studies graduate, Sharia's academic journey sparked a passion for gender equity, economic policy, and governance. Her roles in non-profit organizations cultivated skills in community engagement, program coordination, and youth facilitation. As an Equity Project Coordinator at a hospital, she champions inclusive healthcare practices, applying an anti-racist, anti-oppressive lens. Sharia dedicates herself to dismantling barriers and promoting equitable solutions, driven by a fervor for policy change, health equity, and human rights. Through meticulous research, impactful advocacy, and community outreach, she strives to bridge knowledge and resource gaps in her pursuit of a more equitable society.

INDONESIA

Sherly, who was raised in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, embarked on a transformative high school educational journey at UWC Dilijan in Armenia. She is now pursuing a business and international management degree at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

Serving as the co-leader of the UWC Indonesia National Committee, she is passionate about advocating for quality education, particularly for underprivileged students. Her dedication has led to her selection as Indonesia's representative at the G7 Youth (Y7) Summit, UNESCO conference, and ASEAN-Japan Business Week.

On the side, she explores new restaurants, engages in deep conversations, and reflects on the question, “What makes us human?”

MALAWI

Tionge is a dynamic and passionate cybersecurity professional with a track record of successful team leadership and management. She has demonstrated expertise in network security, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing, coupled with a comprehensive understanding and implementation of full-stack web development and consultancy. Tionge is a seasoned researcher in the field, with an extensive background in cybersecurity work and a strong portfolio of impactful cybersecurity awareness contributions. Apart from that, she possesses a remarkable ability to accept and utilize constructive criticism, coupled with a proactive approach to swiftly learning and implementing cutting edge technologies.

ARGENTINA

Valentina Eliceche (she/her), from Ameghino, Argentina, is an avid Taylor Swift fan and an impassioned activist. With a deep aversion to injustices, she actively engages in causes promoting fairness, whether in student centers, feminist collectives, or social projects. Motivated by frustration with prevailing injustices, Valentina's daily struggles are fueled by discovering like-minded friends and inspirational role models. Studying bioengineering, she believes in science's potential to improve the world. Simultaneously, she identifies as an activist, convinced that activism holds the power to bring about tangible change. Valentina's pursuits reflect a harmonious blend of passion for justice and hope in scientific progress.

PERU

Valerie Aguilar Dellisanti is a young professional in the international responsible finance industry at 57 Stars. She recently graduated from Brown University with a dual degree in Computer Science - Economics & International and Public Affairs in the Economic Development track. Her honors thesis focused on her advocacy work, developing the Microcredit-Unpaid Labor Nexus Model. She used qualitative, machine learning and micro-econometric approaches to uncover the role of household technologies to dismantle gender market gaps. She is particularly interested in understanding unpaid labor as a key component of gender inequality and its intersectionality.

LEBANON

Yasmina was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. She is currently pursuing her PhD in women’s and reproductive health at Oxford. Her research interests broadly involve using health data and predictive modelling for disease prevention and early detection, particularly in conditions that impact women's, reproductive, sexual, and maternal health.

Yasmina has also gained valuable experience in various positions, including pursuing public health research, interning at UNFPA, and working in educational outreach and sexual violence prevention education. She is passionate about improving reproductive health in the SWANA region and ensuring accessible STEM education for young girls in Lebanon.