Climate leadership happens in different places, inside negotiation rooms, within organisations and across communities creating new ways to drive change.
Our programs support leaders from across the Global Majority with the knowledge, confidence, connections and space they need to grow their influence and shape meaningful climate action.
Climate talks need global voices.
Many young climate leaders are increasingly disillusioned with the UNFCCC process, perceiving the annual COP summits to be a space that tokenizes the participation of young people, where young advocates are celebrated for their presence and messaging but excluded from substantive influence over outcomes. This reflects a broader credibility gap within the process and reinforces concerns that climate action is being reduced to rhetoric rather than implemented through accountable, rights-based commitments.
Established in 2019, New Generation supports young climate leaders from the Global South to move beyond symbolic participation and become trusted contributors to climate diplomacy. The programme combines technical learning, practical skills, mentorship, peer-to-peer connections and opportunities to engage with international climate negotiations.
Our work is grounded in international mandates, such as the Glasgow Climate Pact and the Sharm El-Sheikh work programme, which call on governments to ensure the meaningful inclusion of youth in national delegations providing an essential platform for countries to fulfill these commitment and bridging the gap between grassroots realities and negotiations priorities.
Understanding how international climate negotiations work and how decisions are shaped.
Building organisations that can adapt, grow and sustain their work in changing environments.
Exploring how organisational cultures can support trust, collaboration, wellbeing and collective leadership.
From policy writing and negotiation tactics to storytelling and strategic communication.
Connecting young leaders with peers, mentors and experienced practitioners.
Creating pathways into spaces that can otherwise be difficult for emerging leaders to navigate.
Emphasizing the importance of mental resilience and wellbeing to navigate the intense pressure of high-stakes negotiations and ensure sustained effectiveness.
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Practical sessions that help leaders strengthen skills they can use immediately — from policy writing and negotiation to communications and confidence-building.
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Opportunities to learn directly from experienced practitioners, diplomats and senior climate leaders.
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A community of young leaders navigating different climate and political contexts together.
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Access to timely knowledge and insights that help leaders prepare for and navigate climate negotiations.
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Relationships and support that continue beyond the cohort experience.
39+
leaders
29
countries represented
89%
of alumni accessed key opportunities
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UNFCCC vulnerable groups collaborated with
89 percent of alumni credit the program with helping them access key opportunities such as being recognized as knowledge providers and active negotiators of their official national climate delegations, admitted to academic programs, and securing jobs including positions within the UN.
Our fellows come from 29 countries across three regions: Africa (Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ethiopia, Guinea, Malawi, Mali, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe), Asia & Pacific (Fiji, Malaysia, Nepal, Palau, Philippines, Samoa, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu), and Latin America and the Caribbean (Argentina, Colombia, Commonwealth of Dominica, Dominican Republic, Panama and Peru).
Thought leadership on the negotiations on the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage (WIM), its Santiago Network on Loss and Damage (SNLD), the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD)
Collaborations with the chairs of four of the vulnerable groups under the UNFCCC including the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), Independent Alliance of Latin and Caribbean (AILAC), Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group.
Hear from the funders, partners, fellows and alumni whose experiences, growth and leadership sit at the heart of CLI.
The latest New Generation cohort brings together emerging leaders from across the Global Majority working across climate diplomacy, adaptation, loss and damage, climate justice, biodiversity, oceans, food systems and sustainable development.
They bring different contexts, experiences and areas of expertise connected by a shared commitment to shaping more equitable climate futures.
Guatemala
29 years old, an Environmental Engineer with an emphasis in Management, currently working as a Professional Advisor at Guatemala’s...
Guatemala
Ana Paula De León, from Guatemala, 29 years old, an Environmental Engineer with an emphasis in Management, currently working as a Professional Advisor at Guatemala’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, where I focus on climate change adaptation and vulnerability analysis. Also, with experience in environmental management, occupational health and safety, and environmental impact assessment. Background in both government institutions and private companies, leading technical processes related to sustainability, regulatory compliance, risk management, wastewater treatment, and the formulation of environmental projects. A proactive, analytical, and results-oriented professional, with skills in research, technical writing, multisectoral coordination, and training. Committed to sustainability, innovation, and the development of comprehensive environmental solutions that contribute to the country’s resilient development.
Guatemala
International Relations graduate with over six years of experience advancing youth empowerment, climate action, and sustainable development...
Guatemala
Isaura Baptista Barros is an International Relations graduate with over six years of experience advancing youth empowerment, climate action, and sustainable development. As Co-Founder of the Laudato Si’ Movement Timor-Leste, she leads climate education, resource mobilization, and community-driven climate action.
She has facilitated climate change adaptation and mitigation training with Caritas Australia, Plan International, and Mercy Corps, and served as the National Focal Point for the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Timor-Leste 2021 under the UNFCCC YOUNGO framework. Her international leadership experience includes the Oxfam Young Leaders Fellowship, the YSEALI Academic Fellowship at the University of Montana (USA), the Climate Justice Camp in Tanzania, and recognition as a Young Ocean Leader by PEMSEA.
Isaura is committed to advancing inclusive climate action and strengthening partnerships across government, civil society, youth networks, academia, and the private sector to accelerate sustainable development.
Malawi
His work focuses on climate adaptation, environmental sustainability, climate education, and youth leadership. As a New Generation Program Fellow...
Malawi
Lassana is a Liberian climate justice activist and youth leader committed to advancing inclusive climate action and meaningful youth participation in decision-making. He serves as the Coordinator of the Child-Led Climate Action Program at Youth Climate Change Initiative–Liberia (YCCI-Liberia), where he empowers children and young people to lead climate action through advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement.
His work focuses on climate adaptation, environmental sustainability, climate education, and youth leadership. As a New Generation Program Fellow of the 5th cohort, Lassana is passionate about connecting local action with global climate policy and strengthening youth voices in building resilient and sustainable communities.
Ghana
a youth climate advocate from Ghana who works with the Strategic Youth Network for Development, supporting youth engagement and climate action...
Ghana
Yolanda Aidoo is a youth climate advocate from Ghana who works with the Strategic Youth Network for Development, supporting youth engagement and climate action. She is passionate about climate advocacy, ocean conservation, gender equity, and empowering young people have a meaningful voice for the environment. She enjoys writing, meaningful conversations, and building connections that inspire positive change.
Republic of Palau
An Environmental Studies undergraduate from the Republic of Palau, is passionate...
Republic of Palau
An Environmental Studies undergraduate from the Republic of Palau, is passionate...
Malawi
A Community and Rural Development Specialist with over 5 years of experience...
Malawi
A Community and Rural Development Specialist with over 5 years of experience...
Zimbabwe
A Zimbabwean tech entrepreneur and founder of Strateji, a startup dedicated to...
Zimbabwe
A Zimbabwean tech entrepreneur and founder of Strateji, a startup dedicated to...
Guatemala
An environmental engineer with an expertise in climate change, sustainability...
Guatemala
An environmental engineer with an expertise in climate change, sustainability...
Tanzania
Dedicated second-year master’s student from Tanzania, pursuing an MSc in Climate...
Tanzania
Dedicated second-year master’s student from Tanzania, pursuing an MSc in Climate...
A new era for CLI is here as we take on new challenges by expanding half a decade of flagship programming with new pilots and new ideas. Let’s do this together - we would love to hear from you and get your insights to shape our future programmes and strategy.