Global Youth Leadership Center (GYLC)

We're delighted to announce that Rayane Xipaia will be speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025! Rayane is an Indigenous youth climate activist from Brazil's Xipaya community in the state of Pará, which will host COP30 in November. She is one of the first Indigenous women to graduate in International Relations at UFSM. Now pursuing her Master's in Law at UFPA, she focuses on bridging local Indigenous knowledge and global climate policy, advocating for the Amazon's most vulnerable communities. Her experience as a project analyst, lecturer, and researcher in International Law, Indigenous Peoples, and climate issues has taken her from grassroots Amazonian projects to international forums like COP, where she champions Indigenous rights in shaping climate decisions. She also co founded Ap?rin? Eco, merging ancestral wisdom with sustainable solutions for the Amazon. We're honored to have Rayane's perspective at our opening plenary session, where she'll share how youth leadership and Indigenous advocacy can transform climate action on both local and global levels. #GYCS2025?#ClimateActionNow?#YouthForChange

We're thrilled to announce CEMIG as our Gold Sponsor for the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025 in Belo Horizonte! As one of Brazil's leading renewable energy companies, CEMIG understands that climate action isn't just about infrastructure, it's about people. Dr. Reynaldo Passanezi Filho, CEO of CEMIG, shares: "CEMIG is proud to support the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025 in Belo Horizonte. As one of Brazil's leading renewable energy companies, we recognize that addressing climate change requires empowering the next generation of leaders. This summit represents a crucial platform where young voices from across the Global South can develop leadership skills and collaborate on innovative climate solutions. We are investing in both renewable energy infrastructure and human capital because we understand that sustainability demands both technological and social transformation. I look forward to engaging with the bright young minds at the summit and witnessing firsthand how their fresh perspectives will shape our collective future." GYLC is proud to partner with CEMIG in creating a space where young voices from around the globe can lead, collaborate, and innovate for a sustainable future. #GYCS2025 #ClimateActionNow #YouthForChange

We're delighted to announce that Dr. Sandra Regina Goulart Almeida will be speaking at the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025! Dr. Almeida is the President of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), one of Brazil's premier educational institutions, a position she has held with distinction since 2018. Her leadership experience includes serving as UFMG's Vice-President (2014-2018) and Dean for International Affairs (2002-2006), highlighting her longstanding commitment to academic excellence and global engagement. As a Professor of English and Comparative Literature and a CNPq fellow researcher, she brings scholarly depth to her administrative leadership. Her academic credentials include postdoctoral research in Comparative Literature at Columbia University, reflecting her international academic perspective. Dr. Almeida's influence extends beyond campus through her coordination of the International Relations Commission of ANDIFES and her service on the Board of Trustees of FAPEMIG. Her voice shapes policy through memberships on the Economic and Social Development Council of Minas Gerais and the Advisory Board of the Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais. Her expertise in bridging education, international collaboration, and sustainable development makes her an invaluable contributor to our summit opening ceremony as we explore youth leadership in addressing global climate challenges. Stay updated: gylc.org/summit/ #GYCS2025 #ClimateActionNow #YouthForChange #EducationForSustainability

We're excited to announce that Maha Qasim will be speaking at the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025! Maha is the Founder and CEO of Zero-Point Partners in Pakistan, bringing over 16 years of expertise in climate change and ESG leadership. Her impressive career spans transformative projects in climate strategy, sustainability implementation, and innovative climate finance solutions. At Zero-Point Partners, she leads a specialized team focused on ESG strategy development, comprehensive sustainability reporting, and effective climate risk management for organizations. As ESG Faculty Lead at the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG), she develops cutting-edge training programs that equip board members and sustainability executives with essential knowledge and skills. Maha has been instrumental in advancing climate finance initiatives, successfully leading Green Climate Fund (GCF) accreditations and co-authoring influential Asian Development Bank Institute papers on energy security and green finance frameworks. Her contributions have significantly shaped Pakistan's evolving sustainability landscape. Her leadership extends to serving on the Board of the Global Youth Leadership Center (GYLC) and the Leadership Council of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network's Pakistan Chapter, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of climate leaders. Maha's deep expertise in climate policy, sustainable finance, and corporate sustainability implementation makes her an invaluable voice in our opening day plenary. Stay updated: gylc.org/summit/ #GYCS2025 #ClimateActionNow #YouthForChange #Sustainability

We're delighted to announce that Dr. Geraldo Fernandes will be joining us as a speaker at the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025! Dr. Fernandes is a professor and researcher at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and an esteemed member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences. As one of Brazil's foremost experts in biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and ecosystem restoration, his groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of environmental sustainability. With an impressive portfolio of over 600 scientific publications, Dr. Fernandes has been instrumental in developing sophisticated monitoring systems for environmental change and pioneering evidence-based conservation strategies across Brazil and internationally. As coordinator of the prestigious Biodiversity Knowledge Center (INCT/CNPq), he excels at connecting scientific research with societal needs and policy development. His work ensures that cutting-edge ecological findings directly inform practical decision-making for a more sustainable future. Dr. Fernandes's unique expertise in building climate-resilient ecosystems and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists make him an invaluable voice at this year's summit focused on youth leadership in climate action. Stay updated: gylc.org/summit/ #GYCS2025 #ClimateActionNow #YouthForChange #Biodiversity

We're delighted to announce that Dr. Andrea Encalada will be speaking at the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025! Dr. Encalada is a leading ecologist and the Provost of Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Ecuador. As one of Latin America's most sought after experts in freshwater ecosystems, her pioneering research reveals the intricate biodiversity and ecological patterns of tropical and Andean waterways. Her work has transformed our understanding of these critical systems and shaped conservation strategies and water management policies throughout Ecuador and Latin America. Her research offers vital insights on protecting vulnerable freshwater ecosystems against climate change and development pressures. As Provost, she has strengthened USFQ's environmental research and built international scientific partnerships that connect global expertise with local challenges. Her skill in translating scientific findings into practical policies makes her an invaluable resource for emerging climate leaders. Dr. Encalada's expertise in Latin American water systems and dedication to mentoring young environmental scientists make her an outstanding addition to our opening day plenary at this year’s summit. Stay updated: gylc.org/summit/ #GYCS2025 #ClimateActionNow #YouthForChange

We're excited to announce our first keynote speaker for the Global Youth Climate Summit 2025: Peter Fiekowsky! Peter is an MIT-educated physicist, innovative engineer, and accomplished entrepreneur who brings a powerful blend of scientific expertise and climate leadership to our summit. As the founder of the Foundation for Climate Restoration, he champions ambitious solutions that go beyond emissions reduction to actively restore our climate system. His impressive career spans groundbreaking work at NASA and the Fairchild/Schlumberger Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, alongside entrepreneurial success as the founder of Automated Visual Inspection LLC (AVI). A prolific innovator, Peter holds 27 patents and has shared his knowledge as an educator at MIT. For three decades, Peter has dedicated himself as a citizen lobbyist advancing climate policy and global poverty reduction. His driving mission resonates deeply with our summit's purpose: ensuring we leave future generations a world we're proud of. Peter's unique perspective combines cutting-edge technological innovation with practical climate restoration strategies, making his keynote address an essential highlight of this year's summit where youth climate leaders will gain valuable insights into actionable climate solutions. Stay updated: gylc.org/summit/ #GYCS2025 #ClimateActionNow #YouthForChange

In La Paz today, GYLC CEO Ejaj Ahmad met with young climate leaders from Bolivia, a country vital to Amazon rainforest preservation. The meeting focused on the upcoming Global Youth Climate Summit in Brazil and support for youth-led environmental initiatives. #GYCS2025 #youthleadership #climateaction

In Lima today, GYLC CEO Ejaj Ahmad met with young climate leaders from Peru. They discussed GYLC's upcoming Global Youth Climate Summit in Brazil, talked about challenges young social entrepreneurs face in Peru, and looked at ways to support local youth-led climate projects. #GYCS2025 #youthleadership #climateaction

GYLC CEO’s response to U.S. withdrawal from Paris Agreement