Speaker: Akhona Xotyeni

Young South African climate activist Akhona Xotyeni spoke about the importance of decentralising the climate conversation by bridging the gap between ecological and social justice.

Xotyeni is a TEDX speaker and the Just Green Transition youth advocate for the Royal Danish Embassy in South Africa.

“I have always found it frustrating that there is a recurring pattern of missing the opportunity to mobilise and engage with citizens after big gatherings,” she said.

She added that small campaigns from ordinary people were too often overlooked, perhaps because the leaders “might not be aware of the science, policies and terminology pertaining to the climate crisis”.

“These individuals are currently feeling the most effects of climate change and have so much indigenous knowledge and lived-experience wisdom to contribute to the conversation. But they have not been prioritised in the climate change dialogues because the conversations are currently being dominated by scientists, public officials and the private sector,” she said.

“However, the mere fact of being human, existing on this planet today, gives every one of us a vote and a voice to contribute to the world we deserve.”