An Indian policy and governance advocate. An Argentine human rights lawyer. A German-Namibian war orphan who became a fashion designer. An Indigenous peasant from Colombia. A land defender from the tribal lands of Mochiwala and Mahsan in Pakistan. Fridays for Future representatives from the Philippines and Uganda…

There is more diversity among climate activists than among the policymakers present today at COP27. Five activists share their origin stories and the efforts that have defined their careers. What can our leaders learn from the diverse and decentralized leadership models of the youth climate movement — and how can its voices influence high-level negotiations? What can these activists teach us about enabling different, more collaborative solutions, while converging toward a common goal?