About Us
The Youth Climate Collective (YCC) is a youth-led non-profit organisation driven by the urgent reality of climate change.
OUR PURPOSE
Recognising that young people are the future, our organisation focuses on youth development by providing a platform for all voices to be heard and encouraging participation in climate action.
We find hope and strength in that by building a collective, individuals can amplify their impact and contribute more significantly to addressing the climate crisis.
Our mission is to empower and educate our rangatahi (youth) with the skills to become resilient climate leaders across industries and in communities.
OUR MISSION
We educate the youth of Aotearoa New Zealand by organising workshops, events, conferences and engagements on matters relating to climate change, including tangible actions that young people can take to combat the climate crisis.
With our strong links to industry partners, we also aim to support young people with guidance and mentoring on the various green careers they can pursue.
Sei-Bon Kim
“YCC is excellent at discussing so many different aspects of climate action. From indigenous perspectives to taking care of your mental health, there's a lot to learn from the various people who joined their cause. I always leave YCC's events with a fresh perspective on how to tackle climate change.”
THE CLIMATE ACTION CONFERENCE 2023
On May 6th and 7th, we offered resources and workshops to young people in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) between the ages of 13 and 24, providing them with practical tools to implement low-carbon emitting projects. We aimed to create a space outside of the traditional classroom that empowers young people to take action on climate change and build a sustainable future.
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Over two days on May 6th and 7th, we successfully mobilised 300 individuals, comprising 210 rangatahi attendees and 90 supporters, including facilitators, speakers, panellists, and stall holders.
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The conference featured workshops hosted by 14 environmental organisations, showcasing actionable climate projects for youth to implement in their communities.
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In addition to project-focused sessions, leadership and mental health workshops equipped attendees with essential skills to become resilient advocates.
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THE CLIMATE ACTION CONFERENCE 2023
Notable keynote speakers and panelists, such as Sir Ashley Bloomfield, Chlöe Swarbrick, and Pania Newton, enriched the discussions with their insights and experiences.
Central to our conference was the integration of Mātauranga Māori and Pasifika knowledge into climate-led solutions. We were also committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all attendees.
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Thanks to Auckland Council’s Climate Grants and Auckland Transport (AT), we offered the conference completely for free, including catering and free public transport to those who needed it.
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Our Māori and Pasifika Liaison facilitated a panel titled "Our Voices, Our Solutions: Māori and Pasifika Community Resilience," providing a platform for youth activists to share their experiences and insights from the front lines of climate justice across Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Aotearoa.
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Workshops conducted by organisations such as Pacific Climate Warriors and Pacific Vision Aotearoa furthered the dialogue, fostering talanoa on the climate crisis and exploring indigenous perspectives on sustainable practices like composting and food waste diversion.
YOUTH CLIMATE COLLECTIVE LAUNCH NIGHT
“Transition delayed is a transition denied”
During the Auckland Climate Festival in September 2023, we hosted a momentous launch night for the Youth Climate Collective, drawing 115 attendees eager to amplify their climate action efforts.
Building upon the success of our previous initiatives, this event served as a platform to reconnect with conference attendees, assess project progress, and offer continued support. It also provided an opportunity to welcome new supporters into our collective and foster connections between young change-makers and industry collaborators.
Highlights of the evening includes inspiring messages delivered by Dr. Rod Carr, Chair of the Climate Change Commission, emphasising the urgency of climate action with the powerful reminder that a "Transition delayed, is a transition denied."
YOUTH CLIMATE COLLECTIVE LAUNCH NIGHT
Additionally, our Industry Disruptors Panel featured remarkable youth leaders such as Shahin Najak, Pok Wei-Heng, Lulu Ota, Faiesea Ah Chee, Dave Sharma, and Aigagalefili Fepulea'i-Tapua'i, sharing their experiences and insights on climate action in various sectors. The transformative Climate Ikigai workshop, hosted by Emma-Louise Emery-Sinclair and Impact Hub Waikato, further enriched the evening, empowering attendees to explore their purpose and passion in driving climate solutions.
Looking ahead to 2024, we remain committed to funding and supporting these attendees' climate action projects across Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa, fuelling our collective mission to educate and empower young people as resilient climate leaders.
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KEYNOTES & PANELS
Following the successful launch of the Youth Climate Collective, Founder Dylan Chand actively engaged in various opportunities to amplify youth perspectives on climate action. Dylan participated in panel discussions and delivered keynote speeches, providing a platform for the new organisation's vision and mission.
Collaborating with esteemed industry organisations and partners, including Sport New Zealand, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, The University of Auckland, Beca, Eco-Choice Aotearoa, Inspiring Stories, Auckland Climate Festival, Impact Hub Waikato, and Seed Waikato, we made a significant impact by reaching over 1000 people across Aotearoa in 2023. These discussions not only fostered dialogue but also catalysed a broader understanding and commitment to climate action, positioning the Youth Climate Collective as a prominent force in shaping the narrative around sustainability and youth-led initiatives.
