The second Global Indigenous Youth Summit On Climate Change (GIYSCC) on 9 AUGUST 2024 is a “virtual dialogue by, for and among Indigenous youth with global inclusion,” circling the Earth with the Sun across three 8-hour time zones in 24 hours (00:00-24:00 GMT) on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
GIYSCC-2024 builds on the legacy of GIYSCC-2023 with 1300+ registrants from 112+ nations across 88+ languages, including the invited 2023 Nature Commentary that Indigenous Youth Must Be at the Forefront of Climate Diplomacy with an open call for chapters in an anticipated Springer book volume.
As of 5 August 2024, registrants come from nearly 90 nations representing more than 175 languages. All are welcome to register and contribute live with GIYSCC-2024 or watch the global dialogue via YouTube livestream on the Future Earth channel.
Following is a compilation of inspiring testimonials communicated via social media from GIYSCC-2024 Indigenous Youth Leaders (see their photos and contact details on the GIYSCC-2024 homepage):
Addressing climate change needs a multifaceted approach that includes indigenous voices, whose traditional knowledge is invaluable. By integrating their wisdom with modern science, we can create resilient, inclusive strategies for a healthier planet.
Dr. Devina Lobine (Mauritius – GIYSCC-2024 Global Lead)
“Youth – the custodians of Future Earth – are advocating for a noble cause, implementing actions on the ground, and showing the way forward. We can never give back enough to the loving ‘Mother Earth’ who has nurtured humanity since the beginning of time. But steps of love, care, and protection, from the young generation, will teach “living in harmony with nature.”
Dr. Himangana Gupta (India – Asia Co-Lead)
“The Global Indigenous Youth Summit on Climate Change (GIYSCC) is playing a pivotal role in uniting Indigenous youth from diverse regions. By creating a platform for young leaders to connect, collaborate, and share their experiences, the GIYSCC is building a community of leaders to take charge of climate advocacy.”
Dr. Thashree Marimuthu (South Africa – Africa Co-Lead) & Dr Godwin Anywar (Uganda – Eastern Africa Co-Lead)
“Indigenous Knowledge systems are based on relational kinship. Humans are not above anything else; they are part of the ecological system. We see kinship with everything, and this creates a sustainable way of living.”
Dr. Heather Sauyaq Jean Gordon, Alaska, United States (North America Lead and Arctic Lead)
“I’m looking forward to sharing insights and learning from passionate indigenous young leaders around the world. Together, as indigenous people, we can make the world listen and shape a sustainable future for our planet.”
Dr. Ehsan Khalefa (State of Palestine – Middle East Lead
“Over 90% of coral in Sekisei Lagoon is now bleached. Every time I return home, I wonder how different the ocean will look compared to my increasingly distant memories. Not only is a world map of coral reefs a visualisation of the prevalence and urgency of coral bleaching, it is also a visualisation of the ample potential for international collaboration and innovation.”
Seira Duncan (Japan – Asia Co-Lead and Arctic Co-Lead)
“As a youth leader from the Lake Chad Basin, I’ve witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of climate change that has displaced indigenous communities, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition. This Summit is our opportunity to unite, share our stories, and put forward solutions that protect our future. Together, we can amplify our voices and drive the change needed to safeguard our communities and environment.”
Umar Grema (Nigeria – Western Africa Co-Lead)
“Bulat air kerana pembentung, bulat manusia kerana muafakat. While a pipe facilitates the unity of water, consensus shapes the unity of humanity. Consensus though, can only benefit if it is plural and inclusive. This summit brings together unique similarities and differences of each water droplet to engage in a process of mutual learning and consensus building. In doing so, we may then help ourselves flourish with better qualities of beingness and enlightened actions, for the sake of all life, and our climate, nature and our beloved Earth.”
Faris Ridzuan (Indonesia – Asia Co-Lead)
“Highlighting the perspectives of indigenous cultures and contributing to the mitigation of anthropogenic effects on the climate, facilitates the investigation of diverse indigenous communities as well as the analysis of the specific problems they face due to climate alterations.”
Kades Ben Mabialia (Congo – Central Africa Lead)
“Indigenous peoples worldview are sustainable, built on coexistence between different realms. However to really appreciate and draw benefit from indigenous knowledge systems and worldview, epistemic justice is imperative. Epistemic justice is not only in the interest of indigenous and other marginalised peoples but in the interest of humanity.
The GIYSCC 2023 was a great learning experience towards this end and GIYSCC 2024 will continue to build and consolidate on indigenous knowledge and experiences towards sustainability.”
Dr. Pfokrelo Kapesa (India – Asia Co-Lead)
“As an indigenous young woman, I feel a deep responsibility to my people and my land. Our environment is degrading day by day, and despite our significant efforts, they are not enough to minimize the effects of this climate change process. We need spaces to connect with others who are working tirelessly to make a difference, to join forces, understand their struggles, and unite our efforts to create a bigger impact. These spaces allow us to share our challenges and see opportunities where others see problems. We need to know who we are, what we are doing, and most importantly, we need to cheer each other on because the work we are doing is for collective well-being, and we need to know we are not alone. That is what the Global Indigenous Youth on Climate Change has helped me to realize.”
Stephanie Guarachi (Bolivia – South America Co-Lead)