BLUE PLANET ALLIANCE GLOBAL YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The Blue Planet Global Youth Ambassador Program was launched during the 2022 Our Oceans Conference in Palau to honor and empower young people from the ages of 16 to 30 to help spread our mission globally. Through the program, Blue Planet Alliance is building a network of youth advocates dedicated to engaging in global activism to make their communities — and the world as a whole — a better place. Specifically, our Youth Ambassadors are helping us in our mission to lead every island nation — and countries across the globe — transition away from dirty energy and to 100% renewable energy by 2045.

To apply to become a Blue Planet Alliance Global Youth Ambassador, please click or tap the link below and someone from our team will be in touch.

MEET OUR GLOBAL YOUTH AMBASSADORS

  • Young man smiling outdoors near a body of water, wearing a floral Hawaiian shirt, with a blurred island and blue sky in the background.

    ALAN SEID, JR.

    PALAU

    Junior is an adrenaline-addicted thalassophile. If he’s not spearfishing on the outer reef, he’s cliff jumping at one of Palau's rock islands or hiking to a waterfall. He has a deep appreciation for his island’s culture and heritage and the symbiotic relationship people have with their natural environment. His passion is to preserve that exact synergy between people and nature to ensure that the same opportunities are left for future generations to inherit.

  • A woman with smooth, dark hair pulled back, wearing a beige blazer with a deep neckline, has neutral makeup with dark lipstick, and poses against a plain gray background.

    ASHLEY LASHLEY

    BARBADOS

    Climate activist Ashley Lashley is a Barbadian UNICEF youth advocate who leads a movement called the HEY (Health and Environment-friendly Youth) campaign, where she works with young people across the Caribbean to help foster sustainable lifestyles and understand the impact of climate change on our health and the health of our planet. She has a wide focus on social development issues, particularly in health, the environment, children, and women's rights.

  • Young woman with long dark hair smiling outdoors, wearing a black leather jacket and green top, with autumn leaves and trees in the background.

    ASTRID PERAZA

    COSTA RICA

    Astrid Peraza is a materials science engineer, climate and gender equality activist, and storyteller from Costa Rica. She is dedicated to empowering women and girls, creating opportunities for growth, and inspiring them to become changemakers. Through fellowships with Girl Rising, Planet Reimagined, volunteering at Greentalist and as a UNCCD Land Hero, she has led impactful initiatives on mangrove conservation, land restoration, and environmental storytelling. Her leadership includes directing the award-winning documentary Women of the Mangrove, starting her own initiative for mangrove restoration, Verde Mar, and speaking at UN conferences. Astrid envisions scaling community-led conservation models across Latin America, merging science, advocacy, and care to build climate resilience and social equity.

  • A young man in a suit and red tie, smiling outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    CONNOR CHILDS

    CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Connor Childs is a passionate environmental advocate from the Cayman Islands with extensive experience in youth-led initiatives, climate change advocacy, and marine conservation. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Geography and the Environment, Connor’s academic foundation supports his active engagement in global sustainability efforts. Connor has served as a Youth Delegate at major international forums including the Conference of Parties 28 (COP28) in Dubai, Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) in Barbados, and the United Nations Ocean Conference in France. As a leader in youth advocacy, Connor spearheaded environmental campaigns with Protect Our Future, including protests to halt destructive cruise-berthing infrastructure in the Cayman Islands. Connor also works closely with Sustainable Cayman and by doing so he has educated youth, influenced policy, and promoted sustainable practices on a local level. Connor is committed to shaping a more sustainable future by connecting youth voices with policy, education, and hands-on conservation work.

  • A young man with curly dark hair, wearing glasses with clear frames, and a white collared shirt, looking at the camera with a neutral expression.

    FRANCISCO FLETES

    COSTA RICA

    Fran is a recent graduate of Political Science from the University of Costa Rica. He has been a climate justice activist in Costa Rica, as well as delegate at UNFCCC Climate Conferences, where he focuses on Loss & Damage and Climate Finance. He is a Consultant and Political Scientist experienced in the sectors of monitoring, evaluation and youth development.

  • Young woman with long black hair wearing an orange T-shirt and a name badge that says 'ISA' at a camp, standing outdoors with greenery in the background.

    ISA N.

    COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

    Isa is a high school student interested in helping her community. She has been involved in beach clean ups, writing ocean awareness posters, and Project Hope, which is a program that teaches 6th grade students about ocean and climate change.

  • A woman with short dark hair wearing a navy blue blouse, gold earrings, a necklace, and a watch, sitting in a black office chair in front of a colorful painting or mural featuring abstract fish and plants.

    ITIRANGI PENNYCOOK

    COOK ISLANDS

    Based in the Cook Islands, Itirangi is a passionate advocate for sustainability and an active member of Te Ipukarea Society, an NGO dedicated to environmental preservation. With a deep connection to the ocean and a commitment to eco-conscious initiatives, she strives to inspire collective action to protect the planet for future generations.

  • A young boy with dark hair and eyes wearing a black jacket, taking a selfie in a room with bookshelves and a cluttered desk in the background.

    JAMES NDUA

    KENYA

    James Wesley Ndua is a youth leader and advocate dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a strong focus on climate action, renewable energy, and sustainable development. Guided by the principles of peace, sustainability, and innovation, James is committed to shaping solutions that protect the planet, uplift societies, and ensure a more equitable future for generations to come.

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    JORDINA PIERRE

    U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

    Jordina Pierre is currently pursuing her Masters & PhD at MIT in the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science department. She received her bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics with a minor in computational science from the University of the Virgin Islands. Growing up in the Virgin Islands, she was faced with the problem of island wide or community outages while still being charged exorbitant electricity rates. As a result, Jordina wants her research to focus on implementing a more sustainable and cost efficient power utility in the Virgin Islands and beyond that relies less on expensive carbon heavy commodities and lean more towards renewable technologies with model predictive control.  Outside of work, she likes to sing, dance, cook, and is very adventurous.

  • A young man in a red shirt and beige cap sitting outdoors near the ocean, smiling at the camera with a backdrop of green foliage and blue water.

    JOSEPH NEKAIFES

    COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

    Joseph Clyde is a dedicated individual who has always been passionate about conservation efforts. He works for the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA) and there has honed his communication and advocacy skills, and raised awareness about the environmental threats that the islands face.

  • A smiling man with dark skin, short black hair, beard, wearing a black jacket and black shirt, standing against a plain white background.

    JOSIAH CLARKE

    TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

    I am a Senior Renewable Energy Development Analyst at Invenergy, a leading North American company dedicated to prospecting, building, and acquiring multi-million-dollar megawatt-generating clean energy projects across Canada and the United States. My professional journey includes prior work with the Canadian federal government, where I contributed to policy initiatives focused on innovation, experimentation, and the Sustainable Renewable Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), a multi-billion-dollar federal funding program aimed at advancing and enabling renewable, low-carbon initiatives across Canada. In my free time, I am an avid beach lover and have proudly represented Trinidad and Tobago at the international level in canoe sprint for the past decade, while also coaching the next generation of international athletes. As a Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassador, I am committed to advocating for a sustainable future and driving the transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045.

  • Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with dark skin and braided hair styled in an updo, wearing earrings and a light-colored top.

    KALI GRANT

    BARBADOS

    Kali Grant is a dedicated development professional with a background in biochemistry and a passion for social impact and environmental sustainability. She currently serves as Assistant Project Manager with The Ashley Lashley Foundation and Project Coordinator with the Pinelands Creative Workshop, where she supports the design and implementation of youth-focused initiatives in climate advocacy, health, education, and professional development. At Pinelands, she leads the Multidimensional Approach to Inclusive Development (M.A.I.D) Project, supporting personal and academic development for low-income students, especially those who were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and she also coordinates the Career & Life Management (CALM) Program, delivering essential life and career skills to young people across Barbados.

    Through her work with The Ashley Lashley Foundation, Kali has contributed to national and regional initiatives including Eco Fit Youth, the Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit & Expo, and the HEY Campaign and the recently completed Small Island Future Festival (SIFF). Her expertise spans project design, grant writing, and donor engagement, with a strong focus on strategic planning for impact. She is a certified Career Advisor through the Kuder Program, a Barbados Exhibition Winner, and an alumna of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conference. Most recently, she was selected as a Blue Planet Alliance Global Youth Ambassador, joining a network of young leaders advancing climate resilience across island nations and the wider world.

  • A young woman with long dark hair in a ponytail, wearing glasses on her head, a green off-the-shoulder dress, smiling, standing in front of a yellow mosaic wall.

    KATONYA FRASER

    BAHAMAS

    Katonya Fraser is a youth climate advocate from the Bahamas who is dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development. She actively participates in programs focused on climate awareness, community outreach, and youth empowerment, using her voice to inspire responsible environmental action. Katonya aspires to become an environmental scientist, with the goal of contributing to climate resilience and policy solutions that support vulnerable communities, especially island nations. Guided by a deep belief that young people have the power to drive meaningful change, she continues to engage in initiatives that encourage education, collaboration, and a more sustainable future for all.

  • A woman with braided black hair smiling, wearing a black blazer with a globe badge, standing in front of yellow bamboo stalks.

    KERESE ELLIOTT

    ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

    Kerese Elliott is a dedicated climate-conservancy advocate and Blue Planet Alliance Global Youth Ambassador from St. Kitts and Nevis, focused on advancing climate resilience, climate education, youth empowerment, and sustainability in the Caribbean. She serves as the Policy Officer for the Ministry of Tourism in Nevis and Facilitator for the Caribbean Climate Justice Leadership Academy, where she prepares emerging leaders for global events like COP 29. In addition to policy work, Kerese actively promotes sustainable tourism, climate education, and fashion practices through her work with the Ministry of Tourism, Rotaract Club of Nevis, and her textile business ClutchED. Her sustainable fashion initiatives emphasize recycling and waste reduction, raising awareness in the community. As a member of the Rotaract Club of Nevis, Kerese has led community projects such as beach clean-ups and charitable drives. Through her role with Blue Planet Alliance, she partners with global leaders to drive renewable energy adoption and climate action, with a focus on policy change and youth empowerment. Her mission is to create a sustainable, resilient future for her island, the people, and beyond.

  • A woman smiling with a top bun hairstyle, wearing a black blazer and a lavender striped shirt, standing in front of wooden paneling with a green conference badge around her neck.

    KHALIA HUGGINS-SIMMONS

    SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

    Khalia Huggins-Simmons is an emerging sustainability advocate and a soon-to-be graduate of Nevis Sixth Form College. Her passion for environmental stewardship began during her time as the 2022 Youth Junior Minister of Tourism for Nevis, where she gained a deeper understanding of climate action and its importance in small island communities.

    Khalia is committed to building a more sustainable future and believes that meaningful change starts at the community level. As a Blue Planet Alliance Global Youth Ambassador, she encourages others to take bold steps, big or small to protect our planet and ensure a liveable world for generations to come.

  • A smiling woman with long dark hair, a nose piercing, and wearing a necklace with a feather pendant, sitting in a car with sunlight illuminating her face.

    LAURINA SEBAKLIM

    COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

    Laurina works as a Tasi Watch Ranger with the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance. She has partnered with many great programs such as NOAA, Project Hope, government agencies, and many more. She has always found our oceans and marine life precious and breathtaking and looks forward to helping create a more sustainable future.

  • A man in a brown suit standing in a narrow trench filled with leaves, outdoors with green trees in the background.

    LILAN DAYANANDA

    SRI LANKA

    Lilan is a prominent figure in the realm of social tech entrepreneurship and is the co-founder of ELZIAN AGRO, a company that focuses on providing smart agronomy solutions to address challenges faced by farmers dealing with extreme weather changes and limited resources. He also was selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30: Social Impact List in 2024.

  • A woman sitting in a beige armchair by a large window with a view of the ocean and palm trees, smiling and looking at the camera.

    MARISSA BRADSHAW

    TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

    Marissa is an environmental professional with a BSc in Environmental and Natural Resource Management and Geography. She is currently pursuing advanced studies in renewable energy, with a focus on solar and hydrogen technologies. In 2022, Marissa was recognized as the Green Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago by Humanitarian Affairs Asia, acknowledging her leadership in sustainability and climate action.

    With experience working alongside regional and local NGOs, Marissa has been deeply involved in climate storytelling, youth advocacy, and promoting sustainability across the Caribbean. She is currently apart of  the EcoVybz Environmental Creative Project team who helps amplify regional climate narratives and inspire action among young people.

    Marissa’s passion for renewable energy also extends to geospatial planning, where she researched optimal locations for solar PV installations in Trinidad and Tobago. Dedicated to fostering climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, she is committed to building a greener, more resilient future for the Caribbean islands.

  • Young man in a light gray plaid suit and white shirt smiling outdoors with a blurred waterfront background.

    MARK HAVER

    UNITED STATES

    Mark is an advocate for action on climate, ocean, and sustainable fashion. He brings almost five years of experience in working with youth groups, nonprofits, startup companies, government agencies, and international organizations to advance solutions to our global environmental crises.

    Mark has been involved with the world's largest network of Young Ocean Leaders, Sustainable Ocean Alliance and is the Lead Author of the Global Blue New Deal, a stakeholder-driven, youth-led ocean and climate policy framework.

  • A woman smiling and holding a blue sign that features a fish illustration and the text "14 LIFE BELOW WATER" in front of a leafy green background.

    NATHALIA LAWEN

    SEYCHELLES

    Nathalia was in the Marine Explorers Programme at the Save Our Seas Island School in the Seychelles, volunteered as a Project Officer with The Ocean Project in the Seychelles, and is a Climate Youth Ambassador with our partner Peace Boat.

  • A woman with dark straight hair, smiling, wearing a colorful beaded necklace and an orange sleeveless top with ruffled shoulders, against a white background.

    NA'ZIRAH ARMSTRONG

    U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

    Na’Zirah S. Armstrong is an accomplished environmental educator and community leader based in the United States Virgin Islands. With a degree in Elementary Education from the University of the Virgin Islands and certifications in digital marketing, she brings a unique blend of teaching, outreach, and communications expertise. Currently, she serves at the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, where she develops press releases, organizes environmental events, and fosters strong relationships with government and community leaders to drive environmental stewardship.

    As the reigning Miss St. Croix Festival Queen, Na’Zirah promotes her platform, "Each One Teach One; Pick It Up and Pass It Along," which embodies her commitment to sustainability and community knowledge-sharing. Her life and work are deeply inspired by the concept of sankofa, the African principle of looking to the past to inform a better future. This guiding philosophy is reflected in her efforts to bridge historical practices with modern sustainable approaches.

    Na’Zirah also serves as the Board Chair of the Access to Racial and Cultural Health Institute, Inc., where she facilitates board meetings and enhances communication between advisory and corporate boards. Her background includes experience in public speaking, strategic planning, and youth mentorship, making her a dynamic advocate for cultural and environmental education. Through her work, she is committed to creating positive, lasting change across the Virgin Islands.

  • A man in a gray suit with a blue lanyard and ID badge is standing outdoors, with a background featuring a white fence and greenery.

    NEIL GUMBS

    ANGUILLA

    Charismatic, energetic, motivated and focused, that is Neil Gumbs. Born and raised in Anguilla, British West Indies, he has always been passionate about youth development and the sustainable development of the Caribbean. This influenced him to contest for positions such as the President of the Anguilla National Youth Council as well as Vice Chair of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council. While these NGOs are fully voluntary and youth-focused, they undoubtedly are passionate about sustainability and youth development and have an impactful voice. Through leadership in these organizations, he was involved in several capacity-building opportunities as well as regional networking opportunities, all aimed at improving the social and economic development of youth regionally. Most influentially, he has made international contributions at global conferences focused on climate change such as the United Nations Ocean Conference- Lisbon, Portugal (2022) and several others hosted by the UN, UNICEF, ECCB, ILO and several other institutions. Through the Erasmus Program, he has also been active in several Climate Change Projects in several different countries. He was a past OECS Sustainable Development Movement Ambassador and an intern for the Global Challenges Academy at Newcastle University. Climate change and sustainable development have been and continue to be his passion.  Most recently, he was selected as a UNFCCC, IYCDP youth delegate to COP28, YOUNGO Loss and Damage delegate to COP29 and a UK delegate to COP30. Here, continues to fight for sustainable development and climate justice for his beloved Caribbean.

  • A woman with long black hair, wearing a black blouse with a bow tie and a houndstooth patterned shoulder accessory, smiling against a white background.

    OSHIN WHYTE

    TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

    Oshin Whyte is an environmental scientist from the Turks and Caicos Islands and founder of Gaia Environmental, an Islander-owned environmental consultancy. Her expertise includes environmental impact assessments, biodiversity monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Sciences from Oxford Brookes University and an MSc in Human Geography from the University of Kent, where her Darwin Plus-funded research on coastal cultural values informed marine spatial planning for the islands.

    Oshin previously served as Environmental Policy Lead for the Governor’s Office under the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), where she advanced marine and climate policy and secured major conservation funding through the Blue Belt Programme. A PADI Divemaster with more than 1,000 logged dives, she has led sea turtle nesting surveys in East Caicos—the last great wilderness in the insular Caribbean—and now leads its vision development in partnership with the RSPB, Marine Conservation Society, and the TCI National Trust, focusing on eco-tourism, sustainable development, and biodiversity conservation.

    A public speaker and advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Oshin champions climate action (SDG 13) and life below water (SDG 14), positioning the Turks and Caicos Islands as a regional leader in sustainability while amplifying the cultural and environmental values of local communities.

  • Portrait of a woman with curly dark hair, wearing a pink blazer with a small pin, and a black shirt, standing against a plain light background.

    PAMELA ABREU TORIBIO

    DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

    Pamela Abreu is an industrial engineer with a Masters Degree in Design Engineering with Sustainability from the Dominican Republic and currently serves as Head of the Climate Mitigation Department at the National Council for Climate Change and Carbon Market. As a Global Youth Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance, she works on transport decarbonization, energy transition, climate transparency, and resilience-building for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Pamela has led more than 20 climate initiatives across transport, energy, agriculture, and transparency sectors and has trained over 2,000 people in climate change and mitigation approaches. She is passionate about advancing youth-driven climate action and creating sustainable solutions through international collaboration and innovation.

  • Portrait of a professional African American woman with dark hair in a black blazer, sitting in an office setting.

    REENE SMITH

    GRENADA

    Reene developed a deep fascination with the marine world from a young age, inspired by the island’s pristine beaches and vibrant aquatic ecosystems. She went to school for tropical marine ecology and studied the impacts of climate change on marine environments. She is currently employed with the Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment & Renewable Energy, Renee is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Grenada and mitigating the adverse effects of human activity on biodiversity.

  • A young man with short dark hair, wearing a black suit, a light blue checkered shirt, and a black tie, standing against a plain white background.

    RIGOBERTO AMAYA

    PANAMA

    Rigoberto is an engineer and an analyst within the Panama National Secretariat of Energy. He is tasked with drafting and recording progress for the Energy Compacts from Panama, advancing the digitization of processes within the secretariat, creating and managing the secretariat’s geodatabase, analysis of the regulatory framework for biofuel mandates in gasoline, as well as participation with regional organizations to advance the utilization of biofuels.

  • A smiling person wearing a red polo shirt and a colorful flower crown in front of the U.S. Capitol building

    ROWNEL JODY COLOMA

    COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

    Jody has a background in collaborating with environmental agencies in CNMI. He is an Environmental and Political Science Student and during his time at university, is taking part in student government. He is passionate for conservation and sustainability and is using that passion for the betterment of his community.

  • A young girl standing in front of the Belize flag and a colorful wheel representing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    ROXANNA SHOOK

    BELIZE

    Roxanna is an enrolled student at Independence Junior College, completing her final semester for the 2025 academic year, pursuing an associate's degree in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting. Her advocacy focuses on environmental conservation, which has inspired her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Environmental Conservation at Galen University.

    She has volunteered with NGOs like TIDE, SEA, OCEANA, Ya'axche, and Humana, while also working as a community researcher. Despite her major in Business, her passion lies in environmental work, which aligns with her goal of combining fashion and conservation through Eco-Chic.

    Roxanna lives by the motto, "By trying, I overcome my challenge." She is an active leader in her community, serving as the Club Leader for Trio Environmentalist Strikers and a youth leader in her religious group. She enjoys meeting new people, trying new things, and making a positive impact on others.

  • A smiling man in a dark blue suit, white shirt, and blue tie with a checkered pattern. He has a beard, short hair, and four pins on his suit lapel showing symbols related to sustainability, a flag, the Earth, and something else.

    SANDRAE THOMAS

    MONTSERRAT

    Sandrae Thomas is an award-winning youth leader, social entrepreneur, and climate advocate from Montserrat. He is the Founder and President of New Legacy, one of Montserrat’s leading youth organizations, which focuses on youth empowerment, volunteerism, mental health advocacy, and sustainable community development.

    Sandrae has represented Montserrat and the Caribbean at numerous regional and international forums, promoting youth engagement in climate action, disaster resilience, and social development. He serves in several leadership roles, including as a member of the Caribbean Youth Climate Council, Good Deeds Day, YOUNGO (the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC), and Healthy Caribbean Youth. He is also a co-author of Young Caribbean Minds, a youth workbook developed in collaboration with UNICEF that addresses mental health and climate resilience.

    As a Global Youth Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance, Sandrae is committed to advancing renewable energy, climate justice, and sustainable solutions for island communities across the Caribbean and beyond.

  • A young woman with long, curly black hair smiling outdoors. She is wearing a white top and a backpack strap is visible on her shoulder. The background features a mountain with a clear blue sky and some clouds.

    SELENE GOUGH

    ST. HELENA

    Selene Gough is an emerging environmental and technology-focused professional from St Helena Island, committed to advancing biodiversity conservation, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable development in small island contexts. She played a key role in establishing St Helena’s first national biological recording system, iRecord St Helena, a foundational step in improving how the island monitors, manages, and protects its unique wildlife. This system enhances local capacity for evidence-based conservation and contributes to national biodiversity reporting. Selene also serves as Treasurer of the St Helena Youth Parliament, where she advocates for greater youth participation in decision-making and encourages open political dialogue. Through the Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassador Program, she hopes to connect St Helena’s experiences with a broader global movement, promoting resilience, renewable energy, and inclusive climate solutions, while making environmental information accessible to young and isolated communities.

  • A young African American man dressed in a blue plaid suit, white shirt, and blue tie, standing against a white background.

    SHAQUAN O'NEIL

    ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

    Shaquan O’Neil is a dedicated National Youth Ambassador and Youth Parliamentarian, committed to tackling climate change and fostering environmental advocacy. Passionate about youth development, he champions values like respect, resilience, and social justice, believing they are vital for cultivating environmentally conscious and socially responsible citizens. By embodying the ideals he promotes, Shaquan inspires action and leads the charge toward a sustainable and equitable future.

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    SHAQUIBI JOSEPH

    ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

    Shaquibi Joseph is a renewable energy professional from Antigua and Barbuda with a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of the West Indies - Mona Campus. He serves as the Project Technician in the Renewable Energy Department at the Antigua Public Utilities Authority, driving initiatives to expand clean energy access and sustainability. With a strong background in leadership and volunteerism, Shaquibi has held roles in organizations like Circle K International and participated as well as led various environmental projects. Passionate about climate resilience and community development, he is committed to advancing renewable energy solutions and empowering others to create a sustainable future.

  • A woman with dark skin and shoulder-length black hair styled straight, sitting on a wooden stool against a plain white background. She is wearing a white blazer, a purple top, and white pants. She rests her left arm on her knee and has her right hand near her chin, looking directly at the camera with a gentle smile.

    SHEMIKA SPENCER

    ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

    Shemika Spencer is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing at the University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus. She recently became involved in Renewable Energy and Environmental Advocacy, and through that experience, developed a growing passion for Sustainability and Clean Energy solutions.

    As a Global Youth Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance, Shemika is honored to represent Antigua and Barbuda and support efforts to create a greener, more sustainable future. She brings pride and purpose to everything she takes on and values opportunities that allow her to contribute meaningfully to both her island and the wider world.

    Outside of academics, Shemika is known for her warm personality, quiet determination, and genuine care for others. She especially enjoys connecting with young people in her community and always tries her best to support, encourage, and motivate them to keep moving forward. She’s always willing to learn, open to new experiences, and committed to personal and professional growth.

  • A man standing outdoors on grass, holding a camera in his right hand, wearing a green T-shirt with a map of Africa and animals printed on it, with trees and a house in the background.

    SIDNEY OPIYO

    KENYA

    Sidney's work has entailed youth-led environmental conservation, enhancing youth inclusion in policy spaces, research, environmental justice lobbying, environmental activism and social change, environmental and climate storytelling, sustainable natural resource use, landscape, and nature restoration. He has also participated in the youth consultation workshops on the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework as a member of the Kenya Youth Biodiversity Network, on mainstreaming conservation on topics of utmost concern such as youth gender, agriculture and indigenous knowledge, and intergenerational equity. He has been a youth reviewer of the youth policy framework of the CBD to include youth perspectives into the document.

  • A young woman with dark hair and braces smiling outdoors, wearing a light blue button-up shirt, with trees and greenery in the background.

    SOFIA MEJIA CADAVID

    DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

    Sofia is the host of a children’s news television show in the Dominican Republic called Notichicos, which aims to educate children on topics such as climate change, the environment, and sustainability. She attended COP27 as a youth representative for the Dominican Republic and Latin America.

  • A woman with long dark hair wearing a black top and a gray blazer, standing against a white background.

    SORAYA JHAGROE

    SURINAME

    Sorayadebie Jhagroe is a young professional, leader, and changemaker from Suriname, dedicated to co-creating resilience and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Her passion for community development drives her focus in leadership, youth development, climate action, energy, environment, and gender equality. She holds an MSc in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and aspires to pursue a doctorate in the near future.

    Over the past decade, Soraya has been actively involved in various national, regional and international social and community initiatives and youth empowerment organizations. Known for her holistic, multi-integrated approach, she has successfully led projects across multiple levels, inspiring others to actively address pressing developmental challenges on different scales.

    Her life motto—"God, Positivity, Happiness & Inner Peace"—guides her journey. Soraya’s unwavering commitment to leadership and her desire to cultivate responsible global citizens keep her energized. She aims to make a lasting impact on sustainable development at all levels. With her exceptional drive, expertise, and personal values, Soraya is determined to make an invaluable contribution to the world.

  • A young woman with long dark hair, smiling, wearing a light gray T-shirt with pink graphics, standing outdoors in front of green trees and a cloudy sky.

    SUBIN CHO

    COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

    Subin's connection to the environment runs deep, having been a constant provider and a source of solace throughout her life. With this passion, she embarked on a journey to pursue a career in marine biology, focusing on the culturally significant aspects of these islands. Subin is a Biological Sciences student and a Tasi Watch Ranger with the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance.

  • Smiling young man in a blue polo shirt standing outdoors with greenery and a building in the background.

    SULEIMAN MANG'URO

    TANZANIA

    Throughout his career in climate action, especially in mangrove conservation programs, Suleiman has been dedicated to training communities on the impact of charcoal extraction in accelerating climate change. He actively advocates for the adoption of alternative energy sources, including solar energy. As part of promoting sustainable livelihood access, Suleiman is developing a project on "solar refrigeration systems for fishery villages." This initiative aims to provide clean energy access and boost income growth for rural coastal communities. Currently, he is designing a pilot project for Mdimni village in Magawa ward, Mkuranga - Pwani, which will enable fishermen to fully benefit from their daily fish catch without the loss caused by spoilage.

  • A young woman with long dark hair, smiling, wearing a blue top and layered necklaces, standing outside in sunlight with a wooden wall in the background.

    SUMAN SHAH

    UNITED STATES

    Suman Shah is a sophomore at The Chapin School who focuses on expanding youth-led climate action within schools. In addition to spearheading sustainability initiatives at her own school, she is the co-founder of the Youth Climate Action Alliance, a New York City-based organization she launched alongside Sahara Maazel of Avenues: The World School. The Alliance brings together student ambassadors from schools across the city and supports them in developing and implementing climate initiatives centered on renewable energy, zero-waste systems, and climate education. The YCAA also organizes citywide conferences and events that connect students with professionals in climate science, policy, and advocacy, helping translate climate awareness into climate action within their school communities. For her, school-based climate action turns the climate crisis from a distant, abstract issue into something students can influence directly, both locally and at scale. Schools are a particularly powerful place to make that change: they are both major contributors to emissions and spaces of learning. Students learn in classrooms, but they also learn by example, and the choices schools make about energy, waste, and sustainability shape how students understand climate responsibility.

  • A smiling man sitting inside a circular concrete structure outdoors with a red-brick building and green grass in the background.

    TATON DAVID

    ST. LUCIA

    Taton David is a dedicated Physics educator with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics and a pending Master of Philosophy in Physics. Driven by a profound passion for advancing renewable energy in the Caribbean, Taton aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in the field, focusing on fostering sustainability and reducing the region's reliance on fossil fuels.

    Taton's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability has led to invaluable experiences, including internships with the Caribbean Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), where he contributed to research regarding St. Lucia’s energy landscape. 

    As a Global Youth Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance, Taton aims to play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of renewable energy development and sustainability. 

  • A young African American woman with glasses, braids, and earrings, smiling and crossing her arms, wearing a light blue button-up shirt against a white background.

    TIARA JOSEPHS

    JAMAICA

    Tiara Josephs is a Jamaican student at the Caribbean Maritime University pursuing studies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, with a passion for sustainable development and creating meaningful change in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Her interests are rooted in understanding how stronger systems, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, and effective policies can help communities adapt to the challenges of her small developing state, Jamaica, while supporting long-term economic growth.

    As a Blue Planet Alliance Ambassador, Tiara is committed to promoting climate resilience and sustainable solutions that address the environmental and developmental challenges facing Jamaica and other vulnerable communities. She is particularly passionate about the transition toward sustainable energy, recognizing the importance of reliable and accessible energy systems in strengthening communities, reducing environmental impacts, and creating opportunities for future generations.

    Through her studies and engagement in sustainability initiatives, Miss Josephs seeks to contribute to solutions that connect environmental responsibility with economic development, youth empowerment, and rural advancement. She believes that collaboration, and the involvement of young people are essential in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Jamaica and beyond.

  • A young woman with dark hair pulled back, smiling, wearing a patterned dress, standing in front of green leafy bushes.

    WENDYSHA HODGE

    ANGUILLA

    Based in Anguilla, Wendysha is a dynamic youth leader with a strong commitment to empowering young people and advancing sustainable energy development. She is passionate about creating opportunities for youth engagement while promoting innovative solutions for a cleaner future. Currently pursuing professional development growth, Wendysha aspires to become an engineer specializing in renewable energy technologies and implementation. Her vision is to help drive Anguilla and other island nations towards resilience and sustainability through renewable energy.

  • Woman in a headscarf bending over in shallow water collecting seaweed on a beach, with a blue sky and ocean in the background.

    ZUHURA SHAWEJI

    TANZANIA

    Zuhura is a Global Youth Ambassador and member of the Global Storytelling Community at Youth4Nature. She co-founded the Tanzanian Youth Biodiversity Network and is a member of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, where she advocates for youth and women in conservation. As the co-founder and project leader of the Women in Recycling Foundation, she promotes a gender-responsive approach in circular economy programs. Additionally, she runs the "She Shapes Nature" storytelling project, highlighting women’s contributions to the circular, green, and blue economies.

WHAT OUR GLOBAL YOUTH AMBASSADORS DO

Blue Planet Alliance builds upon monumental climate change policies and initiatives of its sister organization, the Hawaii-based Blue Planet Foundation. Established in 2008, the Foundation worked diligently with stakeholders to successfully pass the nation’s first 100% renewable-energy law, requiring the State of Hawaii to commit to 100% clean energy by 2045. It also designed and implemented successful business models to guide Hawaii’s utility in transitioning to 100% renewable energy and continues to drive key policies shaping the State’s clean energy future.

Having inspired other states and regions to take similar actions, Blue Planet Alliance was established to expand the Foundation’s efforts beyond Hawaii. Through a “mandate first” approach to initiating global climate change action, the Alliance aims to create measurable and scalable initiatives and results among individuals, organizations, cities, states, countries, and eventually, the planet.

THE GLOBAL YOUTH AMBASSADOR SUMMIT

The Global Youth Ambassador program places specific emphasis on the advancement of the UN SustainableDevelopment Goals, particularly SDG 7, SDG 13, SDG 14, and SDG 17. Global Youth Ambassadors participate in periodic meetings and updates with Blue Planet Alliance leaders, such as in the annual UNGA and Climate Week NYC events in New York, and the annual UNFCCC COP meetings.

Blue Planet Alliance is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2020 by visionary entrepreneur and leading climate change advocate Henk Rogers. The mission of the Blue Planet Alliance is to get islands and countries around the world to legislatively mandate a commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2045. It is also working with governments, businesses, and individuals to help grow a global movement aimed at reducing the negative impact on the planet, thus aligning human behavior more in harmony with nature.

GLOBAL YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM ALUMNI

  • A young man with glasses and dark hair smiling, wearing a red and navy blue polo shirt with a logo of a polo player riding a horse on the chest, standing against a beige wall.

    ADITYA A.

    UNITED STATES

  • ALYSSA K.

    UNITED STATES

  • A woman with short dark hair and fair skin smiling at the camera, wearing pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, a black shirt, and a small black pendant necklace, standing against a blue wall.

    AMY H.

    UNITED STATES

  • Smiling young man with short dark hair, wearing a patterned blue shirt, standing near a body of water with a distant shoreline and blue sky in the background.

    ASHLEN H.

    PALAU

  • A young woman with long blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a navy blazer, black top, gold necklace, and earrings, standing in front of a stone wall and window.

    CAROLINE ZEPECKI

    UNITED STATES

  • A young person with short brown hair, wearing a white T-shirt and a gold necklace with a sun-shaped pendant, taking a selfie indoors with a neutral wall and a wooden dresser in the background.

    FRANCES S.

    UNITED STATES

  • Close-up photo of a young woman with long brown hair and green eyes, illuminated by golden sunlight with greenery in the background.

    HELEN M.

    UNITED STATES

  • Young man in formal attire standing outdoors in front of a river with city buildings and a bridge in the background.

    JEFFREY M.

    UNITED STATES

  • A young woman with light brown hair, glasses, and hoop earrings sitting in a casual dining area wearing a gray hoodie with black printed text.

    JERCY M.

    PHILIPPINES

  • Close-up of a young woman smiling outdoors near water with a blurred green hill in the background. She has long dark hair, wears a black choker with a decorative bead, a black jacket, and a blue patterned top.

    JULIA "CHIOKO" P.

    PALAU

  • Portrait of a woman with curly hair wearing glasses, hoop earrings, and a sleeveless top with a green tropical leaf pattern.

    KHADIJA STEWART

    TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

  • A well-dressed man with a beard and braided hair styled in a bun, wearing a blue suit, light blue shirt, and a multicolored plaid tie, standing indoors with blurred warm lighting in the background.

    KNEYONE MURRAY

    TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

  • Smiling young man wearing a lavender shirt with a blue and yellow lei around his neck, outdoors near water with green islands in the background, holding a blue name tag that says "HELLO my name is Mangel."

    MANZEL NGIRMIRIIL

    PALAU

  • A young woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a brown ribbed long-sleeve shirt with buttons on the collar, a pearl necklace, and earrings, standing outdoors in front of green lockers and a concrete wall.

    MUNA F.

    UNITED STATES

  • Close-up of a young woman with long brown hair, light makeup, and a piercing on her lower lip in an outdoor setting.

    QIUHAN L.

    UNITED STATES

  • A smiling young man with dark curly hair standing outdoors near water with hills in the background, wearing a floral short-sleeve shirt and a shell necklace.

    SEAN S.

    PALAU

  • A woman with shoulder-length black hair smiling at the camera in a restaurant or cafe setting.

    SHARIKA S.

    UNITED STATES

  • A woman smiling outdoors wearing a vibrant floral headdress and an orange patterned dress.

    SIANA WHATARAU

    COOK ISLANDS

  • A young woman wearing glasses and a patterned sweater, sitting indoors with warm lighting and wood-paneled walls.

    STACIE A.

    UNITED STATES

  • Smiling young man in a blue Hawaiian shirt outdoors near water with blurred landscape in background.

    TAKA A.

    PALAU

  • A young woman smiling outdoors by a body of water, wearing a black jacket and a necklace with a yellow bead.

    TOMOE S.

    PALAU

  • A young man in a sleeveless black shirt smiling and pointing at a wooden post outdoors, surrounded by lush green tropical plants and other people in the background.

    WINTON HERMAN

    COOK ISLANDS