Jakarta — Indonesian climate advocate Zagy Berian has been appointed to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, becoming the first Indonesian and only Southeast Asian among the 14-member body, the UN Information Centre, Indonesia office said on Tuesday, August 12.
The group, expanded from seven members to 14 this year, offers Secretary-General António Guterres practical advice and diverse perspectives to accelerate global climate action. The announcement, made on International Youth Day, comes as nations prepare new climate plans aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. The Secretary-General said that the move “means more space for young voices at the table, more space for youth leadership and more space to shape climate action. To young people everywhere, don’t give up.”
“Young people’s fearless advocacy has been pivotal in the fight against the climate crisis,” Guterres said.
Zagy, founder of the Society of Renewable Energy, has mobilised youth across Indonesia to promote clean energy and climate justice. His work spans grassroots initiatives, including renewable energy education for farmers in Central Java, to international roles with the G20 and ASEAN youth forums.
“To me, it means driving remarkable climate action through collaboration while ensuring every voice is heard in shaping a more just and sustainable global future,” Zagy said.
The new cohort includes representatives from 13 other countries, ranging from Barbados to Bangladesh, Brazil to Poland. (nsh)
Banner photo: Zagy Berian during the operational training of the Solar Power Plant (PLTS) used for irrigation and cold storage for agricultural products in Pati Village with Desabumi (Source: UNIC Indonesia)
