New York Climate Week: Presidency Youth Climate Champion COP30

On September 23rd, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a reception hosted by the COP30 Presidency Youth Climate Champion team during New York Climate Week. The event brought together young leaders, activists, and organizations from around the world who are united by one mission: to confront the climate crisis with justice, courage, and collaboration.

As the founder of the Still We Rise Foundation, a youth-led initiative committed to empowering women, it was inspiring to connect with other young changemakers who share the same drive to create meaningful impact in the world.

The evening, organized in partnership with COP29 PYCC, the UN Youth Office, and the Youth Climate Justice Fund, with support from UNICEF, YOUNGO, and the UNFCCC, was more than just a reception. It was a space for dialogue, learning, and collective brainstorming. Hosted at The People's Forum, the event reminded us of the power of speaking up, solidarity, and youth leadership in shaping a more equitable future.

What stood out to me most was the shared sense of determination among everyone in the room. It reinforced my belief that young voices are not just the future of the climate movement, but we are the present.

I left the event deeply inspired to continue building partnerships through the Still We Rise Foundation and to ensure that youth perspectives remain at the center of climate conversations, because a world with climate change is our future unless we do something about it. Together, we can keep pushing for a world where justice, equality, and sustainability rise hand in hand.