Nairobi recently hosted a powerful and purpose-driven gathering of young climate leaders at the Next Generation of Climate Leadership workshop, organized under the TED Countdown initiative. The event drew participants from across Kenya and beyond, creating a vibrant space for learning, storytelling, and solution-building for a sustainable future. Co-moderated by Shiv Soin, Youth Lead at TED Countdown and Co-Executive Director of TREEage, and Elizabeth Wathuti, O.G.W, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative (GGI) and internationally acclaimed environmentalist and global climate leader, the workshop became a powerful convergence of youth changemakers, grassroots organizers, and sustainability experts.
More than a workshop, it marked the beginning of a movement; bold, intergenerational, and rooted in collective action.
From the outset, the workshop set a collaborative tone. With support from TED Countdown, the Green Generation Initiative (GGI), Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), Shujaaz Inc., Youth4Nature, and Youth Climate Justice Fund, the event placed youth at the center of the climate conversation. Through immersive sessions, participants were encouraged to connect with peers, reflect on local and global challenges, and co-create new pathways for climate justice. What made the day especially memorable was the depth and honesty that surfaced during the discussions.
The Panel That Struck a Chord and set the mood for the session, moderated by Ms. Wathuti, was one of the highlights for the workshop. With her signature mix of empathy and sharp insight, she guided the conversation into the heart of the structural issues that hinder youth participation in climate action.
Joseph Nguthiru, innovator behind Hyapak, which produces eco-friendly plastic bags using water hyacinth, emphasized the value of learning from failure. “There are always learning curves from mistakes,” he said, highlighting that innovation doesn’t come without risk. Yet he also pointed out a systemic flaw: the funding landscape is largely Westernized, often inaccessible to youth from the Global South. “Youth have ideas but lack access to funding. The funding systems are not built with us in mind.” Joseph’s call to “obsess over end users” and focus on action-oriented results resonated deeply, especially when he reminded the audience, “Funders don’t deal with emotions; they look for existing policies and impact.”
Nana Minta, Chief of Staff at GAYO, embodied the power of youth credibility, delivering one of the most quoted and resonant lines of the day: “The youth need to stop chasing visibility and start building credibility,” Nana Minta declared, delivering one of the day’s most quoted and resonant lines. “Visibility gets you noticed for a moment; credibility gets you chosen; and keeps you relevant when the spotlight fades.” His message was a powerful call for young people to anchor their activism in substance and long-term impact rather than fleeting recognition.
Speaking on GAYO’s commitment to creating meaningful transitions for youth in the climate space, he highlighted initiatives such as training young negotiators to participate confidently in global climate processes. “It’s about empowering youth to walk into those rooms and know they belong there,” he affirmed.
Stella Njogo from Shujaaz Inc. brought storytelling to the forefront, painting a vivid picture of why narratives matter. “The people doing the most impactful work often lack the capacity to amplify their stories,” she observed. She pointed out that while visibility is essential, many community efforts are hampered by misaligned goals and a lack of resources. Her solution? “Own your story. Tell it in a way that invites others in. Stories can shift hearts, shift funding, and shift policies.”
The workshop continually circled back to a central theme: inclusion. Youth must not be tokenized; they must be trusted, supported, and empowered. One participant captured it best: “We can do the same things, and we can achieve the same goals, but only if social amenities, opportunities, and decision-making spaces are open to all.”
In the second half of the day, the energy shifted from inspiration to introspection, as participants were invited into a guided reflection session using the 1-2-4-All framework. Designed to unlock deeper thinking and shared problem-solving, this exercise asked participants to begin by identifying a personal or systemic roadblock in their climate work. In silent reflection, followed by pair and small group discussions, they examined what was holding them back, and more importantly, what support or resources could move them forward.
This wasn’t just another group activity; it was a moment of collective truth-telling. From the challenges of policy access to burnout and funding gaps, the session created space for vulnerability and practical exchange. The conversations were raw and real, grounded in lived experience yet driven by a shared ambition to overcome barriers and achieve breakthroughs.
Building on that momentum, participants moved into thematic breakout groups aligned with the most pressing areas of need, including creating sustainable business models, grassroots organizing, and leveraging digital tools for climate action. These peer-led spaces brought together technical insights, community wisdom, and candid storytelling. Whether brainstorming nature-based solutions or fundraising strategies, each group left with practical takeaways and the beginning of new collaborations.
The workshop closed not with finality, but with forward motion; a town hall of reflections, open questions, and declarations of next steps. As one participant put it, “We came here with our challenges. We’re leaving with community, clarity, and a deeper sense of what it means to lead with purpose.”
This event was not just about leadership; it was about creating a lasting legacy. One truth was clear: the next generation of climate leaders isn’t waiting to be given a seat at the table; they’re building their own.
More Pictures From the TED Workshop
GREEN GENERATION INITIATIVE, GGI TEAM
GREEN AFRICA YOUTH ORGANIZATION AND TED COUNTDOWN TEAM
PARTICIPANTS
Congrats to everyone involved! Good work ◡̈