Rubbish

- Through our work in 2023–2025, we directly impacted more than 1,200 individuals, primarily youth, women, and frontline community leaders across Colombia. These included children, adolescentes and youth, specially Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities, environmental defenders, and local advocates involved in climate justice and biodiversity conservation.

- They were supported through a combination of capacity-building workshops, technical training, and strategic advocacy spaces. We facilitated access to key global decision-making platforms (such as UNFCCC, UN Water conference, advisory oponion, Escazú and CBD processes), strengthened their processes and actions through regional coordination, and provided tools to influence climate policies and NDCs, and integrate intergenerational justice into policy frameworks. We also supported some of those leaders funding their participation to key spaces such as CBD and UNFCCC COPs. We had co-lead the LCOY Colombia for the last three years where we had invited decision-making people and strengthened capacities through dialogue and capacity-building sessions.

- Through partnerships we mobilized approximately USD $180,000, which was allocated toward coordination, training sessions, youth leadership development, production of knowledge materials, and participation in key summits such as CBD COP16, the last three UNFCCC COPs, Escazú Agreement processes, among other local advocacy spaces, such as the NDC updating process with intergenerational approach coordinated with the environmental minister.

- It means greater visibility, legitimacy, and influence in shaping climate and biodiversity agendas. Many of the people we work with often face systemic barriers to participation. Our work has enabled them to not only be present in decision-making spaces but also to lead with informed proposals grounded in lived experience and regional realities. Our goal is not the represent them, but to allow them to participate directly on those spaces. We want to rebalance the power in the decision-making processes.

- Case Study 1: Shaping NDC 3.0 with Children, Adolescents, and Youth

In 2024–2025, we supported a groundbreaking participatory process to influence the update of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by integrating the voices and proposals of children, adolescents, and youth. This initiative allowed young people from diverse territories to identify how climate change impacts their lives and what solutions they envision. Through facilitated dialogues, technical workshops, and regional coordination, we enabled them to co-create proposals that are now being considered for Colombia’s NDC 3.0. This effort represents a meaningful shift toward generational justice and institutional recognition of children and youth as agents of change, not just beneficiaries.

Case Study 2: A National and Global Movement for Youth Leadership in Climate and Biodiversity

In alliance with multiple partners, we mobilized over 250 young leaders for the Colombian National Summit on Children, Adolescents, and Youth for Biodiversity and Climate Change. This space fostered collective learning, dialogue, and political positioning. From this group, nearly 30 participants were supported to engage in COP16, both in the Green and Blue Zones, where they delivered interventions, exhibited projects, and engaged with global actors. One outstanding participant was later selected to represent the process at COP29 in Azerbaijan, amplifying the voices of Colombian youth in the heart of the UNFCCC negotiations. This case shows how investing in youth participation at the national level can lead to influence on the global stage.

At just 21, Yasmine is the CEO and founder of CarbonTrac, an award-winning AI platform tackling carbon emissions and food waste by gamifying sustainable grocery choices. Her mission is bold yet beautifully simple: to cut UK emissions by 5% by 2030 by empowering everyday people to make more sustainable decisions at the checkout.

She believes that we often think our choices don’t matter because we’re just one person. But with 8 billion of us, those decisions - when multiplied - have the power to disrupt and reshape entire supply chains. That belief is at the heart of everything she builds.

Her vision and traction have earned her support from global institutions including the United Nations ITU, Huawei, Samsung, Mercedes-Benz (BeVisioneers), Village Capital, UnLtd, UCL Innovation & Enterprise, and Sage, helping turn this vision into reality. In under a year, she’s raised $45,000 in non-dilutive funding, gained interest from UK retail giants, assembled a world-class team and built a proprietary product rating system.

CarbonTrac’s platform uses supplier data and AI to rate products with clear traffic light labels based on their environmental impact—considering packaging, water use, transport emissions, and more. Users receive personalized, low-impact swaps with in-app rewards for making greener choices. CarbonTrac doesn’t just tell people what’s greener—it shows them why it matters. For example, swapping just one plastic-packaged item a week for a compostable alternative could prevent the equivalent of 52 plastic bottles from entering the waste stream per person per year—enough to protect the habitat of one sea turtle from plastic contamination. These kinds of tangible, human-centered insights are central to the platform’s power. The upcoming pilot will validate these assumptions and aims to demonstrate a measurable reduction in food-related emissions and waste while maintaining retailer profitability.

Yasmine has received 14+ recognitions and awards, including a UN Fellowship where she was selected as one of 30 projects from 5,500+ global applicants - the first in UN history to directly fund youth ventures. She has shared her work on major global stages, including SXSW Austin, the World Internet Conference, and UN platforms like the Internet Governance Forum, where her voice represents a new generation of systems thinkers solving real-world challenges.

To date, her work has reached and inspired over 600,000 people: from students to world leaders, proving that accessible, human-centered technology can empower disadvantaged communities, reduce emissions, and change behaviour at scale. CarbonTrac’s business model doesn’t just reward climate-friendly choices, it ensures that low-income households benefit, that supermarkets stay profitable, and that climate action becomes inclusive.

Her work is directly aligned with SDGs 12, 13, and 9, and she continues to inspire a generation that doesn’t wait for change—but builds it. Yasmine is proof that when millions of us take even the smallest of actions, we don’t just create progress—we create a movement. And that is how she’s driving real systemic change.

This nominee is a dynamic force for positive social impact within the international student community and the broader university environment.

• ‍Impact: As an International Student Ambassador and Representative, they've directly supported over 500 incoming students, easing their transition to university life in a new country. This included organising orientation programs, mentorship initiatives, and cultural integration events. As Founder and President of the Biomedical Science Society UoBD, they've fostered a thriving academic and professional network for 200+ students, enhancing their learning experience and career prospects. Their online platform as an influencer on Instagram and LinkedIn reaches over 1000 students globally, providing insights to the field and fostering a sense of community.‍
• Support: They provided personalised support through one-on-one mentoring, addressing academic anxieties, visa concerns, and cultural adjustment challenges. The Biomedical Science Society offered workshops, guest speaker sessions, and networking opportunities, empowering students academically and professionally. The influencer platform delivers accessible information and peer support, tackling feelings of isolation and promoting academic success.‍
• Fundraising: While specific large-scale fundraising isn't the primary focus, the Biomedical Science Society successfully secured university grants totaling AED 5,000 to support events and initiatives, directly benefiting members' academic and professional development.‍
• Meaning: This work cultivates a more inclusive and supportive university environment, leading to increased student engagement, improved academic performance, and enhanced well-being. It empowers future biomedical science professionals with essential skills and connections, contributing to a stronger workforce.‍
• Case Study: The International Student Mentorship Program, initiated and led by the nominee, paired 150 incoming students with senior mentors. A follow-up survey revealed that 90% of mentees reported feeling significantly more supported and integrated into the university community, with a 15% improvement in first-semester average grades compared to the previous year's cohort.

As Founder and CEO of ICHRPP, an official United Nations partner organization, I direct multilateral initiatives across 80+ countries from our regular presence at UN Headquarters. Our organization has achieved consistent participation in high-level UN forums, including the upcoming 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum, establishing ICHRPP as a key stakeholder in international policy development. I lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives focused on human rights advancement and inclusive international policy development. Under my direct leadership, the organization has increased representation of underrepresented communities in international human rights forums by 40% through targeted diplomatic engagement and policy intervention. I established and oversee our core diplomatic initiatives: the Global Ambassador Program, which has placed 85% of its graduates in key positions across government and international organizations; the International Journal of Human Rights, Peace and Politics; and our Digital Library preserving critical Global South perspectives. Our pioneering Human Rights Index, developed in partnership with diplomats and scholars from emerging nations, provides the first comprehensive rights assessment framework from the Global South. My responsibilities include directing specialized humanitarian programs, including educational initiatives for Afghan communities, support services for Rohingya refugees at Cox's Bazar, and youth development programs in Uganda. I've established and maintain strategic partnerships with UNITAR, the Geneva School of Diplomacy, Geneva Business School, and the Youth Centre for Dialogue and Peace, enhancing our diplomatic training and international cooperation capabilities. I represent ICHRPP at high-level international forums, engaging directly with global leaders on SDGs and human rights frameworks. My work includes developing and implementing community-level diplomatic initiatives across 50 countries, facilitating youth narrative changes in 15 nations, and establishing frameworks that connect grassroots initiatives with international human rights mechanisms. Through these efforts, ICHRPP has emerged as a leading institution in redefining peace through justice, economic equity, and inclusive governance.

As a Diana Award recipient 2024 and Founder & CEO of ICHRPP, an official UN partner organisation, I lead transformative initiatives in global human rights and social development. My diplomatic career encompasses representing India at 25+ international forums, engaging with ambassadors worldwide, and regular participation at UN Headquarters with special ticket diplomatic access, including the upcoming 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum. I have been selected for the Global Leadership Challenge by the University of Oxford and St Gallen's Symposium out of 5500 applicants worldwide; COP16 hosted by UNCCD in Saudi Arabia for a TEDX speaker session, High level Ministerial UAE Delegation at IRENA Youth Forum 2025, and for the world’s largest international student festival to be held in Norway, fully funded, in March 2025. I have been offered fully funded scholarships by the EU (Erasmus), Austrian Diplomatic Academy, and federal grants by Hungary, Turkey and Germany.

I am a Foreign Expert with Republic TV India and International wherein I covered the US Elections 2024 in Washington DC and New Delhi in exclusive sessions, an author of two books with “International Emerging author” award 2024 at the International Literary Carnival by the Indian and French Government collectively, 22+ published peer-reviewed International Research, and a visiting research scholar at Serbian Association of International Law and Moscow Institute of Digital Technologies & Law. I have led an International 10-week course with participants from 50+ countries on the "Deconstruction of Global Politics, Identities, Cultures and Peace & Conflicts in the 21st Century" and my work has been recognized through seven international awards, including the National Humanitarian Excellence Award by Indian Government on the 75th Independence Day at the Parliament. While working with former US Vice President, Al Gore and UNEP, I have addressed Climate Displacement and Sustainability leading to the culmination of my flagship project, "RefugeEase"  an international community and a platform that empowers climate-displaced communities, help rebuild their lives and uphold their fundamental human rights. I don't just advocate for them and provide humanitarian aid, but work to provide them education and decent work opportunities. Alongside, I work for upliftment of women in political decision-making institutions and human right violations in the most militarised zone of the world, Kashmir, with UNMOGIP.

As a person who is passionate about environmental sustainability and gender equity, I have worked to empowering young people and women across Asia to become changemakers in their own communities.

Through “HEARTH” and “One Person, One Ecobrick” initiatives, I have mobilized thousands of youth across ASEAN to take concrete action in reducing plastic waste, inspiring grassroots movements that turn them into environmental leaders.

Beyond environmental efforts, I have also empowered young women to be a better version of themselves. Over the past seven years, I have supported hundreds of young women across Asia to start and grow their own impact enterprises from the ground up. Through a series of hands-on mentoring programs designed to build confidence, entrepreneurial skill sets, and leadership, these women have launched businesses that not only support their livelihoods but also create positive social and environmental outcomes in their communities. Those activities you can explore more on my LinkedIn profile.

I always believe that lasting change starts with empowering individuals at the community level, especially young people and young women, to drive with purpose. My work continues to be grounded in this belief, and I am committed to scaling these efforts in the years ahead.

Hamza Qaisar, through his work with Skynok, has significantly contributed to advancing climate-smart agriculture and youth empowerment in Pakistan. With a focus on food security and sustainability, he has actively led initiatives that impact local farmers and rural communities, introducing sustainable drone technology for agricultural use. Over 10,000 farmers have benefited from these innovations, improving crop yield and environmental stewardship.

Hamza has raised $100,000 in funding to support the development of sustainable farming practices, aiming to secure the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. His leadership in initiatives like Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) and international collaborations such as COP28 has further expanded his reach.

One case study includes his involvement in the Climate-Smart Agriculture project, where he worked with the FAO to implement drone technology in regions affected by climate change, resulting in improved crop production while minimizing environmental harm. His work exemplifies dedication to addressing climate challenges and empowering youth to become change agents in their communities.