Youth Ambassadors

Saani Simaad is a committed climate advocate from the Maldives, actively working across national, regional, and international platforms to advance climate action and youth engagement. His advocacy journey began at the age of 16 when he represented the Maldives at the Young Leaders Convention in Turkey, earning recognition as a Sustainable Tourism Ambassador by EduTourism for Unity. Since then, he has taken on leadership roles in organizing major initiatives such as Youth Camp Maldives and Leaders Fellowship Maldives, where he also facilitated sessions for international delegates on global collaboration in climate action.

His engagement with UNICEF Maldives has been instrumental in shaping youth participation in climate policy. As an active member of both the Climate Guardians and the Youth Reference Group, he has contributed to youth recommendations for COP28 and COP29 and played a key role in pre-COP activities in the Maldives. His commitment to advocacy extends to media and public engagement, having participated in the Advocacy Skills and Media Training by UNICEF Sri Lanka and UNICEF Maldives. Additionally, he has completed the Training of Trainers (TOT) program under ImaGen Ventures and co-facilitated various capacity-building programs under UNICEF’s guidance.

Saani also represented the Maldives as a youth delegate at the SIDS4 Conference and the SIDS Children and Youth Action Summit in Antigua and Barbuda. During the summit, he addressed the Global Business Forum on behalf of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) youth and co-led a regional team that secured the Gold Pitch Award.

Beyond his climate advocacy, Saani serves as the Ambassador of Island Nations at Markaz Community, where he is dedicated to fostering youth leadership and upholding the organization’s mission with integrity and purpose within his community. Saani is also a public speaking coach at Feydhoo School, where he completed his O-Level education. In this role, he mentors and prepares students for state-level oratory competitions, equipping them with the skills to excel in public speaking and advocacy.

Rhysha Brown is a passionate climate advocate, communicator, and youth leader dedicated to environmental awareness and ocean conservation. As a member of the Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council, she actively works to engage young people in climate action. Her advocacy extends to her tenure as Public Relations Officer and Marketing Representative for UWI LEAP (Leaders for Environmental Awareness and Protection), where she spearheaded initiatives promoting sustainability and environmental protection.

She has also contributed to community-driven environmental efforts, including annual beach cleanups at Hellshire Beach and Palisadoes Beach, reinforcing her commitment to ocean conservation. Currently pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, she blends her expertise in strategic messaging with her passion for environmental advocacy. As a National Youth Parliamentarian, she champions policies that prioritize climate resilience and sustainability.

Beyond advocacy, she is a book influencer on Instagram, using digital content about books to engage audiences, amassing over six million views. Through the High Seas Youth Ambassador Program, she aims to amplify youth engagement in ocean protection and advocate for the ratification of the High Seas Treaty, ensuring a sustainable future for marine ecosystems worldwide.

Parker is a dynamic youth leader from the Philippines who combines technology and environmental advocacy. As a former Student Governor of the College of Computer Studies at Silliman University, and a two-term College Representative in the Student Government, he demonstrated exceptional leadership while developing management and communication skills that bridge technology with environmental initiatives. His research on enhancing marine ichthyoplankton classification through deep learning shows his innovative approach to marine biodiversity monitoring. In his current role as Programs and Events Head at Mangrove Matters PH, he spearheads conservation efforts, including mangrove restoration projects, while conducting educational outreach programs in coastal communities. Through his leadership at Mangrove Matters PH, Parker has built partnerships with organizations like Oceana Philippines and Wetlands International Philippines to push for the Integrated Coastal Management Act, which is a crucial national strategy aimed at protecting mangrove ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fisheries. His dedication to conservation culminated in co-leading a successful social media campaign and actively participating in legislative advocacy, which contributed to the establishment of 10 new protected areas across the Philippines, advancing the country’s commitment to the ambitious 30×30 conservation goal.

Divan Nyangi Joseph is an ocean conservationist and blue economy advocate from Tanzania. She holds a BSc in Wildlife Science and Conservation from University of Dar es salaam (2024 cohort) and serves as a Project Assistant in the Blue Economy Working Group at SOA Tanzania, where she actively engages stakeholders including government officials, non-government officials, youth and local communities to promote sustainable use of ocean resources. Her work focuses on marine conservation, youth empowerment and the development of sustainable ocean-based solutions.

Divan is committed to advancing awareness and policy action for the High Seas Treaty in Tanzania and beyond. She believes in the power of youth-led initiatives to drive policy change and safeguard ocean biodiversity for future generations, while also advocating for collaborative efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Cruise Sylliboy is a Mi’kmaw student passionate about environmental stewardship, education, and Indigenous knowledge. He has worked extensively in outreach and engagement through the Apoqnmatulti’k project, which combines Mi’kmaw knowledge with Western science to support aquatic stewardship. As an intern with the Clean Foundation, he promoted climate equity and youth workforce development, helping to connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth with environmental career opportunities. His commitment to these efforts extends beyond the workplace, as he was selected for the Students on Ice Greenland to Nunavut expedition, where he explored the Arctic alongside researchers, youth, and Elders, which improved his understanding of climate change and Indigenous perspectives on conservation. Through these experiences, Cruise has developed a strong ability to bridge different ways of knowing and foster collaboration in environmental initiatives. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at Dalhousie University and plans to earn a Bachelor of Education to become a teacher in his community, to address the need for more young Mi’kmaq male educators. With a deep connection to land, water, and culture, Cruise is dedicated to empowering future generations through education and environmental leadership.

Autone Mululuma is a passionate young Climate Justice Advocate and radio presenter with a strong commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability. He is currently pursuing a Bsc. Degree in Environmental and Natural Resources Management at The University of Zambia and serves as Communications Lead at Youths4Climate Justice, a youth led movement promoting climate action through activism and advocacy.

He is trained in Grassroots Climate Justice Advocacy by ActionAid Zambia, equipping him with skills to strategically formulate and execute actions through evidence-based research. He also co-hosts a climate radio show at The University of Zambia Radio station, growing his enthusiasm in empowering the voices of marginalised communities through authentic storytelling.

Furthermore, Autone actively advocates for the implementation of climate awareness programs in community schools and, in 2023, he worked on a youth-led climate awareness program in rural Choma district of Zambia, amidst what was termed as Zambia’s driest agricultural season in more than forty years.

He has since hosted dialogues on the Climate crisis and humanitarian response in Zambia with Youths4Climate Justice and many other environmental and climate orientated conversations in a bid for enhanced climate action.

Arianna Beeray is a distinguished scholar and dedicated advocate for human rights, currently pursuing a degree in Law at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine with the goal of making a meaningful impact in the fields of human rights and advocacy.

Arianna possesses a profound interest in international law, with a specific focus on the Law of the Sea and addressing legal gaps in light of contemporary climate change impacts. Recognizing the urgent need for legal frameworks to adapt to evolving environmental challenges, she is dedicated to advancing legal solutions that ensure the sustainable governance of marine resources. As a testament to her expertise, Arianna will compete at the International Jessup Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C. in April 2025, where one of the central issues concerns the Law of the Sea.

Arianna has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to youth empowerment, delivering motivational speeches and spearheading impactful campaigns that foster scholastic growth among the youth diaspora. Recognized for her eloquence and advocacy skills, she served as the Leader of the House in the National Youth Parliament and was awarded Second Best Debater.

Currently serving as the Head of the Human Rights Department of the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Advocacy Network (TTYAN), Arianna spearheads various initiatives and campaigns aimed at empowering youth and strengthening national development.

As a high achiever with a track record of success, she embraces challenges as opportunities for growth, striving to empower others and effect lasting, positive change.

Ajay Sawant is a marine conservationist and science communicator passionate about translating complex environmental challenges into narratives that inspire action. He holds a degree in veterinary medicine and currently serves as the Social Media and Brand Engagement Director at Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, a multi-award-winning nonprofit that empowers youth through creative contests, grantmaking, and mentorship.

Besides Bow Seat, Ajay is the founder of Generation Artivism, an initiative that empowers young people to discover their own form of advocacy. He also leads as the president of ThinkOcean Society, a nonprofit active in more than a dozen countries working on ocean literacy, restoration projects, and policy advocacy.

He is an NAAEE 30 under 30 lister, a 29 for 29 Changemaker by the Canadian High Commission, and the winner of the 2023 Youth Innovation Prize. Ajay bridges science, policy, and communication to build inclusive and impactful pathways for ocean–climate resilience. Learn more at www.ajaysawant.com or on LinkedIn.