Karen Wanjiru Kimani, the youngest participant at COP27, inspires action at Northern Forum on Sustainable Development
Eleven-year-old Kenyan climate activist Karen Wanjiru Kimani, a prominent voice for environmental action and the youngest participant at both COP27 and COP28, is poised to inspire a new generation of eco-conscious leaders at the upcoming Northern Forum on Sustainable Development in Yakutsk, Russia.
The crucial conference, scheduled for September 24-27, 2024, will address the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on permafrost thaw.
Karen, a dynamic 6th-grade student and the Founder & General Director of the Karen Forte Environmental Conservation Foundation in Kenya, will be a featured speaker at a special session titled “Sister Ecosystems: New Generation Environmental Initiatives” on September 25th.
This impactful session, organized by the Andrey Melnichenko Charity Foundation, will bring together young environmental activists from around the world to showcase their projects, research, and vision for a sustainable future.
The Melnichenko Foundation, dedicated to addressing zero hunger, quality education, and climate action, recognizes the importance of fostering nature-based solutions within the global climate agenda.
Karen’s participation exemplifies the Foundation’s commitment to empowering young voices and promoting international collaboration in tackling environmental challenges.
Karen’s dedication to environmental conservation began at the tender age of five. Her passion quickly translated into action, leading her to establish the Karen Forte Environmental Conservation Foundation, which focuses on tree planting and environmental mentorship through initiatives like “Trees for Birthday” and the “Virtual Forest Program.”
Her impressive achievements have garnered international recognition, including participation in two UN Climate Change Conferences, where she advocated for urgent climate action. She has also received numerous accolades, including the Green Kids Award in Kenya, the UK’s MTM Environmental Excellence Award, and the Spain Eco Project award.
Further demonstrating her commitment to eco-consciousness, Karen has been recognized for her “Eco-Project” in the Little Mister and Miss Kenya, Little Prince and Princess of Africa, and Mini Miss United World contests. She also serves as a Brand Ambassador for Justdiggit, a Netherlands-based organization dedicated to re-greening degraded landscapes.
The “Sister Ecosystems” session, moderated by Tatyana Zhuravleva, the General Director of the Melnichenko Foundation, promises to be a powerful demonstration of the potential for youth-led environmental action. The session aims to inspire hope and highlight the importance of informed, engaged activism in shaping a sustainable future.
Karen will be joined by other young eco-champions from around the world, each sharing their unique experiences and perspectives.
Together, they represent not only the future of conscious environmental activism but also a symbol of the potential for global ecological cooperation among new generations.
The session will culminate in the signing of a symbolic informal agreement – the Sister Ecosystems Agreement – which aims to foster interconnectedness and shared responsibility for the planet’s diverse ecosystems.
Inspired by the concept of sister cities, this initiative will symbolically link ecosystems like Kenyan forests and Yakutian permafrost as “named sisters,” promoting collaboration and understanding across borders.
About Karen Wanjiru Kimani:
• Founder and General Director of the Karen Forte Environmental Conservation Foundation (Kenya)
• Participant in COP27 and COP28 (youngest participant at COP27)
• Winner of Green Kids Awards (Kenya), MTM Environmental Excellence Awards (UK), and Spain Eco Project (Spain)
• Winner in the “Eco-Project” category in Little Mister and Miss Kenya, Little Prince and Princess of Africa, and Mini Miss United World contests
• Brand Ambassador for Justdiggit (Netherlands)
Connect with Karen:
• Twitter: https://x.com/KarynForte
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen.conservation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrincessKaren3Rs
