Meet Joshua Steib, a 20-year-old climate diplomat extraordinaire. With a passion for politics and philosophy, this young genius from Germany is taking the world by storm, one sustainable step at a time. He has been leading the charge in climate diplomacy for an impressive 4 years. But what is the secret to his success? Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of this young activist!
Understanding and Compassion: The Activist’s Secret Sauce
To be a true activist, Joshua reveals that understanding and compassion are key. It is not just about making noise; it is about leading others to take action and join the cause. To activate change, you have to tap into the hearts of the people. And that is precisely how Joshua paves his way, encouraging others to do their part for the environment.
From School Debates to Harvard
Joshua’s journey started when he discovered his passion for politics through a thrilling debate competition. This revelation fueled his dedication to climate change issues. He is now about to move to the USA, attending Harvard University with a full-ride to study climate politics, ethics, and science. A true climate change advocacy scholar in the making!
Bridging the Gap: Global Activism
Joshua’s activism knows no borders. After being Germany's UN Youth Delegate for Pre-COP 26 he attended several UN climate summits all over the world. As UNICEF Youth Foresight Felow, he co-developed a toolkit encouraging young people and policymakers to embrace long-term thinking. Additionally, Joshua is also an advocate through music and poetry. By harmonising his messages, he inspires countless souls to join the fight for our planet. Creativity at its finest!
The Power of Youth on the Global Stage
Through his activism, Joshua has witnessed the positive ripple effects within the community. More young people are now engaged in international negotiations, securing a brighter future for all. For the first time ever, at COP 27, youth participation was formally recognized as a significant step to achieve meaningful climate policies.
A Global North-South Connection
Looking forward, Joshua envisions a climate project connecting communities from the global north and the south, starting with a partnership between the Philippines and South Germany in 2024. The journey will begin with a youth exchange, fostering a united global front against climate change for a greener, united world.
Lessons from the Activism Frontier
Joshua’s journey was obviously not without its hurdles, but he remains an unyielding force. He advises future activists not to be discouraged by a single failure. Activism requires perseverance, and staying true to your passions is the key to success. Find like-minded souls and keep fighting for what you believe in.
A Message to World-Changers
“To all future activists, just get involved! Take action and find like-minded spirits. Channel your passion into making the world a better place, no matter how small the step may seem. Together, we can rewrite the better future!” - Joshua Steib