Q&A with Carly Leung, Entrepreneur, Climate Advocate, and Educator from Hong Kong

How Will Youth Shape the 12th World Wilderness Congress?

Throughout this series of articles, the WILD Foundation and CoalitionWILD will introduce you to a remarkable group of young individuals. Their unwavering dedication to preserving nature, as evidenced through their values and initiatives, is truly inspiring. What role do they play in climate and biodiversity conferences? Why is their participation crucial in driving change? And what motivates their involvement in the 12th World Wilderness Congress? Join us as we delve into the lives of these passionate young advocates, and who knows, you might find yourself inspired to follow in their footsteps. Today, meet Carly Leung, Entrepreneur, Climate Advocate, and Educator from Hong Kong.

Who are you? Can you please introduce yourself?

Hi, this is Carly from Hong Kong! I wear many hats as an entrepreneur, climate advocate, and educator. Being a member of the UN Asia-Pacific Youth Advisory Group on Environmental and Climate Justice fuels my passion for making a real impact in these critical areas.

Together with some incredible minds, I co-founded the Climate Incubator. It’s a platform that’s all about equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to take on climate change head-on. We’re all about empowering youth, fostering collaborative learning, building networks, and developing those awesome green skills that can truly make a difference.

On top of that, I also hold the exciting position of Development Director at V’air. It’s my role to promote eco-tourism and climate education, and let me tell you, it’s a blast! Working towards a sustainable future and creating positive change in the world is my ultimate goal.

Have you previously attended any biodiversity or climate conferences? Could you share a brief story or anecdote from one of them?

Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend COP27 in Sharm El Sheik. It was my first international climate conference, and I was filled with anticipation and excitement. My focus area during the conference was on climate justice and adaptation, which are topics very close to my heart. Throughout the event, I actively participated in several bilateral meetings through organizations like Youngo, and I even had the chance to intervene and share my perspectives in various meetings. It was truly a wonderful experience to see my emphasis on youth participation reflected in the conference’s agenda.

There was a funny story from one of those engagements. During one of the Youngo Bilateral meetings with the World Bank Group, I woke up that morning with half of my face swollen due to allergies. But I didn’t let it deter me from attending the meeting. The meeting turned out to be incredibly fruitful as we explored different perspectives and angles of climate action.

Attending COP27 and actively engaging in these meetings was an invaluable experience for me. It allowed me to connect with fellow climate advocates, contribute to important discussions, and broaden my understanding of global climate efforts. I look forward to attending more conferences in the future and continuing to make a positive impact in the fight against climate change.

Do you believe it is essential for younger generations to engage in these conferences?

Absolutely! I firmly believe that it is crucial for younger generations to actively engage in biodiversity and climate conferences. The issues we face today, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, will have a profound impact on the future of our planet. Therefore, the voices and perspectives of the youth are essential in shaping the decisions and actions taken at these conferences.

Younger generations bring fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and a deep sense of urgency when it comes to addressing environmental challenges. They are often at the forefront of grassroots movements, advocating for change and demanding more sustainable practices. By participating in conferences, young people can contribute their unique insights, experiences, and solutions to the discussions and decision-making processes.

Additionally, engaging in these conferences provides an incredible learning opportunity for young individuals. They can deepen their understanding of environmental issues, gain knowledge about current initiatives and policies, and network with like-minded individuals and experts in the field. This empowers them to become effective advocates and change-makers in their communities and beyond.

What advice would you offer to a young individual interested in participating in the 12th World Wilderness Congress?

First, it’s to prepare your contributions. Try to identify specific areas or topics within wilderness conservation that you are passionate about. Develop your ideas, research, and potential contributions to the Congress. This could include presenting a paper, leading a workshop, or participating in panel discussions.

Second, be proactive and engaged. Actively participate in sessions, ask questions, contribute to discussions, and share your perspectives. Make the most of the networking opportunities available during breaks and social events to connect with experts, potential mentors, and fellow participants.

My last advice is to embrace learning and collaboration. Be open to learning from others and collaborating on projects or initiatives. The Congress provides a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, so take advantage of these opportunities to expand your understanding and contribute to the collective effort.

Learn more about the 12th World Wilderness Congress, WILD12 and how you can get involved!

Connect with Carly Leung on LinkedIn!