Photo courtesy of Manal Bidar
Manal Bidar is a climate activist and political science student from Morocco who is the communications lead for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Youth Caucus and an ambassador for the African Youth Climate Hub. In an interview ahead of the GEF Assembly, she shared lessons from her efforts to inspire positive environmental action through research, lobbying, community engagement, and intergenerational dialogue in Africa and around the world.
You started your environmental activism at the age of 13. What prompted this?
I had first learned about climate change when I was just 10 years old, but at that time, the full scope of its urgency hadn't quite registered. It wasn't until I was 13, working on a school project focused on environmental issues, that the reality of climate change hit me like a revelation. I chose climate change as my project topic. What I discovered shook me to my core – my community, my peers, my own future, and the whole world were already facing the impacts of this crisis.
As I delved deeper into the research, I found that climate change wasn't some distant threat; it was happening right now. The realization that my generation was particularly vulnerable due to our youth only fueled my passion to take action. At the time, the lack of awareness about this pressing issue was disheartening. I felt that no one in my immediate circle was aware of this threat. So I took matters into my own hands and founded Les Amis de la Terre Agadir (Friends of Earth Agadir). This organization became a platform to organize climate strikes, conduct recycling workshops, launch awareness campaigns, and raise our voices against inaction about environmental threats.
What are you currently focused on?
From that initial moment of awakening to my current work with the UNCCD Youth Caucus, I have been focused on finding ways to create real change, challenge indifference, and empower young voices to advocate for a sustainable future. I have learned through these experiences that the power of informed youth can drive positive transformation, inspire communities, and make needs impossible to ignore.
I remain involved in various organizations and gatherings including the Global Center on Adaptation, YOUNGO, the UN Youth Climate Summit, and others. Through these networks I focus on climate justice, youth empowerment, and community mobilization.
Do you have a message for today’s political or business leaders?
My request to today's political and business leaders would be to prioritize urgent and ambitious action to address the climate crisis. I urge them to recognize that the consequences of climate change are already affecting communities and ecosystems, and time is running out to prevent irreversible damage.
I implore them to invest in clean and renewable energy, implement policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support sustainable practices across industries. Together, we have the power to create a resilient and equitable future for all, but bold leadership and decisive action are essential to make this vision a reality. We should seize this critical moment to shape a sustainable, just, and thriving world for generations to come.
What are your other interests and hobbies?
I have a passion for playing the guitar and writing songs, mostly about climate change. I am also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in global governance with tracks in political science at Duke University. This is deepening my understanding of international relations and governance structures and motivating me to explore innovative solutions to global challenges, especially climate change. Additionally, I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, and engaging in outdoor activities, which further inspires my commitment to advocate for environmental protection and conservation.
What are you looking forward to at the GEF Assembly?
I am eagerly anticipating the GEF Assembly for the platform it offers to amplify the role of young voices in environmental decision-making processes. I am particularly excited about the prospect of engaging in meaningful dialogues with global leaders, policymakers, and fellow activists to discuss and strategize about integrating youth perspectives into the heart of environmental policies. This Assembly offers the chance to reinforce the importance of including the insights, concerns, and innovative ideas of young people, who are not only deeply impacted by environmental challenges but are also committed to driving positive change. I believe strongly in the power of cross-generational collaboration to bridge the gap between today’s decision-makers and the next generation of change agents, and look forward to exactly this at the GEF Assembly in Vancouver.
