How a childhood in western Sudan, a conservation externship, and six passionate founders from four countries built a global youth climate movement.
“One externship. One idea. A world of impact.”
Amid a rapidly changing world, where climate and environmental challenges loom large and the voices of youth cry out for change, the journey of YouthClimate Connect began — fueled by passion, determination, and a shared commitment to make a difference.
The story traces back to co-founder Abdelslam Taha, whose childhood in western Sudan, growing up in harmony with nature, inspired a lifelong mission to protect the environment and empower young minds. In 2023, he participated in the Freshwater and Community Conservation Externship with Paragon One (now Extern), supported by the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy.
“The FWAC Program sparks something bigger.”
Completing the externship in April, Abdelslam received seed funding from NGS and TNC for his project: the Freshwater Awareness and Community Conservation program for Sudanese students in Egypt (FWAC Program). The program, successfully implemented in September 2023, brought together young minds to tackle pressing climate and environmental issues.
It was during the FWAC Program that Abdelslam crossed paths with Ibrahim, a passionate participant whose dedication mirrored his own. Their post-program discussions sparked a realization — the climate crisis knows no borders, and its impacts are felt far and wide. This experience ignited the inception of YCC.
“Six founders. Four countries. One mission.”
Joined by co-founders Ibrahim, Zeena, Isha, Monib, and Chretianne — hailing from Sudan, Canada, India, and the USA — YCC was born out of a shared vision to mobilize youth, raise awareness, and drive meaningful change. With a focus on the Global South, where climate impacts are most acutely felt, the team leveraged technology and social media to amplify their message and engage a global audience.
From the outset, YCC set its sights on the Global South. The team believed firmly in the power of technology to connect and educate, using every digital tool available to reach young people where they were — and to make sure their voices were heard.
Abdelslam
Sudan
Ibrahim
Sudan
Zeena
Canada
Isha
India
Monib
USA
Chretianne
USA
“Beyond a platform — a global family.”
YCC became more than just an online platform — it grew into a community, a family of like-minded individuals united by a common purpose. Together, the team worked tirelessly to develop educational programs, empower young leaders, and host their annual Global Summit.
From virtual events to educational campaigns, the organization made waves in the fight against climate change. But the journey was far from over — there were still mountains to climb, challenges to overcome, and victories to celebrate.
45+
Countries
24,750+
Youth Reached
500+
Trained & Funded
“The next chapter is being written right now.”
As YCC continues to grow and evolve, its founders remain steadfast in their commitment to creating a more sustainable future. With each new initiative, each new partnership, they move one step closer to their goal: a world where young people are empowered to lead the charge in combating climate change.
This is a story of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that together, we can create a better world. And the best part? You're in it.
Join us as we write the next chapter — a story of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that together, we can create a better world.
Join hands with Youth-Climate Connect, Together, we can explore transformative ideas, implement sustainable practices, and inspire the youth to lead the charge in mitigating climate change. Whether you're interested in collaborative projects, educational initiatives, or advocacy campaigns, Youth-Climate Connect is your partner in shaping a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.
YouthClimate Connect is a global youth-led nonprofit empowering young people to lead climate action and shape a sustainable future.
