At the offices of the World Bank, 19 young people from 14 countries were honored at the “Connect4Climate: Right Here, Right Now” event for their photographs, videos, and podcasts about climate change. Chosen from more than 1000 entries from 116 countries, these 19 winners of the global Voices4Climate awards were celebrated in an event hosted by Connect4Climate centered on how youth fight climate change utilizing the power of creativity.

Coming in first place was Stephon Gabriel from Trinidad with his music video, “A Changing World.” Connect4Climate had also worked with Artists Project Earth (APE), a UK environmental and arts organization, to organize a charity album consisting of music by Eminem, Beyonce, Coldplay, Bruno Mars and other artists in support of climate change projects. Live performances were given by two of the album’s artists, award-winning Malian musician Rokia Traore and Kenyan rappers TSI, during the event organized by Connect4Climate in collaboration with MTV and TerrAfrica.

Speaking at the event was World Bank President Jim Yong Kim who encouraged young people to help fight climate change emphasizing the need to listen to and engage the youth. Also in attendance were Nobel Peace Prize laureate Betty Williams, co-founder of Community of Peace People in 1976, and Italian Minister for the Environment, Corrado Clini. Clini supported Connect4Climate’s mission of providing the youth a platform to tell their stories about climate change and bring their voices to the global conversation about climate change. Clini commented that Italy was proud to be a supporter of the project and that effective change is only possible when the voices of the youth are heard.

CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility, Dr. Naoko Ishii, spoke of the efficacy of youth to change the “business-as-usual approach” that has contributed to climate change. “Young people will inherit our environment, and Connect4Climate seeks to give them a voice,” said Dr. Ishii.

Working with leading media networks and academic institutions, Connect4Climate and TVN Media group have launched their next competition, i°Change, to find the best original video message addressing climate change issues and action. Winners will receive a scholarship, recognition at the Grand Prix of Advertising in Milan, and exposure at film festivals in Cannes, New York, and Beijing.

Founded by the World Bank, Italian Ministry of Environment, and Global Environment Facility in 2011, Connect4Climate is a global partnership dedicated to climate change communication and action. Connect4Climate is made up of a coalition of more than 150 partners and an online community of nearly half a million followers. Through social media and the web, C4C works to amplify the voices of local stakeholders who have stories to tell about climate change.

– Rafael Panlilio

Source: World Bank