Youth leadership on climate and health action
Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, Geneva, Switzerland, 27 May – 1 June 2024 (WHO / Antoine Tardy)
Across the globe, young people are stepping up to tackle climate and health challenges in their communities. They are leading a range of initiatives from improving air quality, to reducing waste, promoting healthier lifestyles, strengthening climate resilience, advancing climate justice, conducting research, influencing policy, and mobilizing local action.
On International Youth Day 2026 (August 12th), GCHA’s Youth Climate and Health Network (YCHN), the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), and Young WFPHA (World Federation of Public Health Associations) co-hosted a virtual event, “Local Voices, Global Impact: Youth Climate & Health Fest” to showcase youth-led climate and health initiatives from around the world. Watch the recording of the Fest here.
This page features the initiatives presented on the day, along with the wider submissions received through the open call. Explore below to learn more on how young people are shaping the future of climate and health!
Africa University Malaria Institute, Malaria Vector Surveillance-Zimbabwe
Lily Sustainable Solution
Climate Change Impacts on Women and Children’s Health in Kenya
Adopt a Green School Project
Medical Students for Climate Action Pakistan
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2025: Planet Mitigation – Strengthening Disaster Resilience through Climate Action
Plogging Colombia
Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) of Climate action in Ondo State, Nigeria
MAGIC Initiative
ECOMIND Certificate
Sustainable Works for Environmental protection, eco-literacy and health Education Project. (SWEEP)
PlanetPen Climate Literacy Initiative (PCLI): Climate Literacy for Every Student
Phytophonic resonance
Integrated Digital Health Surveillance for Climate-Resilient Primary Healthcare
Enhancing Safety and Health for Waste Workers in Faridabad, Haryana
Youth Climate & Health Consultation Series
Entooma Sidai project
Smoked Fish Safety and Environmental Health Surveillance in Nigeria: A Youth-Led Research and Advocacy Initiative