This experience is one I will always remember, that has motivated me into all of my other environmental action.
After speaking at the POP (Protect Our Planet) International Conference and Festival, I was invited to speak on a panel at the WSDF (World Sustainable Development Forum) to demonstrate the youth's voice and place in climate action. This was huge! Just initially receiving the agenda and reading over the other panelists I was to speak with, my nerves jumped with anxiety and excitement.
The Second Annual World Sustainable Development Forum (WSDF) was an intergenerational convention of local and global leaders, focused on action to limit global warming below 1.5 degrees celsius. The WSDF took place from March 5 - 7, 2020, in the historical city of Durango, Mexico, Mexico. More broadly, the WSDF is a global initiative to promote and mobilize global action for effective implementation of both the Paris agreement on climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN General Assembly.
At the WSDF, I was thrilled to meet many other youth activists from around the world. Although we were from all over, from Mexico City, to Paris, and Atlanta, we all connected immediately and encouraged each other throughout the 3-day event. From the moment I arrived in Durango, the days were packed with meetings and presentations. This all felt like it was just the build up to the main event of me speaking on the panel.
Up on the stage next to dignitaries and world leaders, I felt proud, like I could really help make a change in the world. Initially, I was hesitant to speak in front of the 1000 people in the audience, but after the Former President of Mauritius complimented my poise while adding a friendly smile, I had the confidence to stand on the stage and speak my mind about what needs to be done towards climate action. I was honored to be up on the stage among such professionals and in front of so many people.
This experience is one I will always remember, that has motivated me into all of my other environmental action. I am excited to see where youth action can take the world and what progress we can make to conquer global warming.
Here is an article from the WSDF describing the event further.