Reflections as a Youth Climate Leader:
My Journey at the Climate Justice Camp 2024 in Tanzania
I joined the Climate Justice Camp 2024, held from October 8th to 12th in Tanzania. This incredible gathering brought together young climate activists from around the worldto brainstorm innovative strategies to tackle climate crisis and create a fairer world for everyone.
The camp, organized by Roots, an initiative of Greenpeace, alongside local and international partners focused on empowering youth from the Global South. It gave us tools and tactics to foster cross-border alliances, enhance advocacy capacities, and strengthen collective climate action. Workshops explored diverse topics such as global climate negotiations, eco-anxiety, food security, and grassroots advocacy – aimed at helping us become better leaders in our collective fight for climate justice.
As a youth climate leader from Timor-Leste, I felt honoured to share our unique story. Representing the Laudato Si’ Movement Timor-Leste, I spoke about how our Catholic faith inspires us to care for the Earth and protect our common home. It was amazing to build bridges with other faith-based communities and global communities who share the same passion for a just and sustainable future.
Empowerment Through Connection
The camp wasn’t just about learning, it was about connecting. As young leaders from all corners of the world, all with the same vision of sustainability and equity, We talked about how climate change affects our communities differently, the urgency to prioritize marginalized communities—those most impacted by climate change yet least responsible for it—resonated deeply throughout the discussions.
Some of the people I met were incredbly inspiring. Benjamin Mwanguma from Kenya, told me about his work with the Mount Kenya University Environmental Club, which fosters harmony between society and nature. I also met Tanzanian activist and environmental storyteller Denzel Juma, whose digital platform, Denzel Artivist, uses impactful art to highlight climate change, social justice, and sustainability issues. Meeting these changemakers reminded me that no matter where we come from, we are stronger when we work together.
Learning to Lead
The workshops were packed with lessons that opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. We explored climate adaptation, intersectional environmentalism, and how to create community-led solutions. These sessions deepened my understanding of the intersections between climate justice and social equity, particularly relevant to vulnerable regions like Timor-Leste. Key lessons included integrating indigenous knowledge into strategies, promoting gender equity, and leveraging digital tools for mobilization.
The camp’s multicultural environment—with over 300 participants—enabled dynamic discussions on issues such as climate finance, energy transition, plastic pollution, and gender justice. Interactive activities like well-being circles, activism simulations, and women’s workshops further enriched the experience, fostering innovative approaches to tackle shared challenges.
Bridging Global Perspectives with Local Realities
A standout moment for me was realizing how the global insights we discussed could be applied to the unique challenges faced in Timor-Leste. Our country faces rising sea levels, deforestation, and extreme weather – challenges that threaten both livelihoods and ecosystems. By learing from others, I felt inspired to bring fresh ideas to homelike leading youth-led climate conferences and startingcommunity-based reforestation projects in local communities.
A Call for Unity and Action
If there is one thing the Climate Justice Camp taught me, it the power of solidarity that is needed in confronting the climate crisis. The climate crisis affects everyone, but it hits marginalized communities the hardest. That is why youth voices are so important to finding solutions that are fair and dismantle the systems of inequality. The camp’s lessons, networks, and inspiration have strengthened my resolve to champion climate justice in Timor-Leste through initiatives like Laudato Si’ Movement Timor-Leste.
As I return to Timor-Leste, I am more determined than ever to make a difference, by working on courageous collaborative climate actions. Together, we can build a world where sustainability and justice go hand in hand.
