Felix Finkbeiner

Building resilient and smart cities requires integrating nature into urban ecosystems, with trees playing a pivotal role. Trees enhance air quality and mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. Their shade lowers surface temperatures and fosters healthier communities. By prioritizing urban forests, cities can create resilient and liveable environments to face future challenges. This session will discuss Plant-for-the-Planet’s Green Belt project in Granada, a new ecosystem of native species for the city.

Melati will share a fresh perspective from the young changemakers who are already reshaping communities through their actions. They envision cities that aim at cleaner air, creating less plastic waste, greener streets and cities that embrace the circular economy. The change needed to make such cities possible starts with education, and Melati will share the inspiring story of how, at the age of 12, she started Bye Bye Plastic Bags at her home island, Bali. Years later, she started the social enterprise Mountain Mamas, creating bags from donated and pre-loved materials. More recently, she has kicked of an e-learning platform with educational program from youth for youth called Youthtopia. Melati is the living proof that true change begins when one turns their passion into their purpose, and ideas into action. As the cities of tomorrow demand the courage to act today, youth should be a crucial part of leading the way.