Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN)

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC launching the Commonwealth Youth Policy Recommendations on Climate Change report with CYCN at COP28 on December 8, 2023

Who we are

The Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) is a network of young climate leaders and youth-led organizations leading climate action across the 56 member states of the Commonwealth. The CYCN was established in 2009 during the Young Commonwealth Climate Summit in London, where 150 young environmental leaders gathered to share experiences and expertise.

CYCN’s ambition is focused on eight areas: Climate Education, Climate Literacy, Youth Policy Engagement, Capacity building on Nexus Issues, advancing Grassroot Advocacy and locally-led action, Sustainable Development, Climate Mitigation, & Climate Adaptation. A “Sustainable Development Mindset” principle is instrumental to help the world succeed in meeting global climate and energy goals. The Network endeavours to make climate change a top priority for young people across the Commonwealth and to engage them as key stakeholders in addressing the threat at a grassroots, national and regional level through individual and collective sustainable solutions. 

What we do

The objective of the network is to build the capacity of young people in their endeavours to address climate change and other environmental issues, advocate on climate change from a youth perspective. The scope of the network extends to environmental sustainability, oceans and marine life, natural resource utilisation etc.

CYCN supports actions that empower young people to translate climate change programmes into effective policies that have a measurable impact on youth well-being. It also links projects implemented by its members across the Commonwealth in order to develop common actions and campaigns.

CYCN members advocate within national and local governments, as well as in international agencies and global spaces such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to ensure that succeeding generations are spared from the harshest effects of climate change.

For more information and updates, please contact CYCN on: cycn@commonwealth.int 

Meet the CYCN Executive team

The Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) is led by a Youth team comprised
of a Pan-Commonwealth Coordinator, ten (10) Executive Council members, Regional Coordinators, and Country Coordinators.

The various units within the network include:

  • Partnerships and Engagement Unit: Seeks to secure funding opportunities both regionally and internationally to enable regional and country coordinators can upscale their initiatives in the region. 
  • Policy & Advocacy Unit: Responsible for promoting climate and sustainability policies through various advocacy networks across the Commonwealth in collaboration with the Country Coordinators.
  • Communication & Public Relations Unit: Responsible for all internal and external communications between the CYCN Executives and the wider membership. The Unit is also responsible for coordinating all CYCN online platforms for a consistent and seamless exchange of information between the network and the public.
  • Capacity Building & Events Unit: Coordinates and seeks opportunities for Network development and is primarily responsible for the planning and execution of events and activities of the CYCN.
  • Membership Unit: Responsible for creating and maintaining the Network’s and key stakeholder’s database in the climate and sustainable development space across the Commonwealth. The unit also enhances engagement with grassroots organizations and marginalized or vulnerable populations to involve those young persons in the initiatives of the CYCN.
CYCN Coordinator - cycncoordinator@gmail.com
 Jodi-Ann Jue Xuan Wang 

 Jodi-Ann works at the nexus of climate policy and climate justice. She advises global financial institutions and governments on the actions and regulations needed to align finance with the equitable transition to net zero. She was a youth delegate to G20 Indonesia, COP27 and COP26, and is a member of the UNECE Expert Group on Resource Management. Jodi-Ann has a background in international development and climate cooperation within the global South. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-ann-wang/

Capacity Building and Events – Lead
 Emmanuel Kato 

 Emmanuel Kato is a young environmentalist with a background in environmental science and management. Currently, Emmanuel is a member of African Youth Alliance for Chemicals and Waste (AYACW), Environmental Officer at Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Tanzania and a master’s student at the University of Dar es Salaam studying Integrated Environmental Management. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-kato-7229ab204/

Capacity Building and Events – Assistant Lead
 Enogba Ende

 Enogba is actively engaged in advocacy, policy influencing, and grassroots work related to climate change and sustainable development goals at all levels. She supports innovative climate action, youth engagement, and the need for intergenerational equity. Currently, she works as a Programme Facilitator for the Lift Humanity Foundation. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/enogba-ende/

Communications and Public Relations – Lead
Waweru Chris Avram 

With over 5+ years’ experience in business development, strategy development and partnerships management, Chris has led different teams to attain brand growth, financial performance, & operational excellence. Chris has also led different teams to advocate for sustainability and environmental conservation on national, regional, and international levels and is the first recipient of The Daystar University’s Star Environmental Champion of the Year Award. 

Communications and Public Relations – Assistant Lead
Brian Mayanja 

Brian is a natural resource economist who has successfully conducted research in the climate space and organized impactful education programs, engaging campaigns, and empowering training sessions to enhance climate action. Brian also has incredible experience working in communication for the UN Climate Change Secretariat.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mayanja-5bb685129/

Membership – Lead
Chevaughn Brown

Over the past 8 years, Chevaughn has served on several different youth groups, government boards and committees, including as the National Coordinator of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) Jamaica as well as a member of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network. Currently, he serves as a member of the Jamaica Fire Brigade fighting environmental degradation on the ground as well on policy. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chevaughn-brown-463759198/

Membership – Assistant Lead
Saajid Malhardeen 

Saajid is a mechanical engineer and young climate activist. He is currently a MSc student in Climate Change and Environmental Management at University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is a member of many youth-led organizations including: YOUNGO, UN1FY, Student Energy, and SAARC YP. He is the founder of Youth for Zero and his long-term goal is to become a change leader in the field of energy and sustainable built environment. 

Policy and Advocacy – Lead
Agnes Kubeere 

Agnes is a budding social scientist with a passion for environmental conservation, mental health and research. She aims to use art, psychology, and love for nature to promote the well-being of people, their minds, and the planet. Agnes is committed to contributing to policymaking and practices that ensure waste is handled as the valuable resource it is, and biodiversity thrives alongside human beings. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnes-kubeere-aa9541182/

Policy and Advocacy – Assistant Lead
Ashra Wickramathilaka 

Ashra is an urban planner, researcher and dedicated critical cartographer, specializing in community-oriented solutions for addressing climate change. With over five years of experience, her expertise lies in disaster risk resilience and spatial technologies. Ashra is a strong advocate for inclusive city planning, prioritizing the inclusion of underserved urban communities. She holds graduate studies from the US and undergraduate studies from Sri Lanka, enriching her global perspective. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashra-wickramathilaka-56934b91/

Partnerships and Stakeholders – Lead
Mr. Azeez Abubakar

Azeez, the founder and executive director of Sustainable Solutions for Green Growth, is a leading young voice in sustainability. He is a LEED Green Associate and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper who is committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people and communities affected by climate change and poverty. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/azeez-tobi-abubakar/

Partnerships and Stakeholders – Assistant Lead
Sandra Ruhizi 

Sandra is a student, climate activist and founder of an agriculture platform, Kijana Factory, which focuses on empowering female farmers to produce spices and herbs. She is also a volunteer in different climate activities and different organizations here in Tanzania. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-ruhizi-7b293a190/

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How to join

If you are interested in helping set up Commonwealth networks focused on health or peace-building, please contact the Secretariat’s Youth Division for information about ways to contribute.

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Who we are

The Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) is a network of young climate leaders and youth-led organizations leading climate action across the 56 member states of the Commonwealth. The CYCN was established in 2009 during the Young Commonwealth Climate Summit in London, where 150 young environmental leaders gathered to share experiences and expertise.

CYCN’s ambition is focused on eight areas: Climate Education, Climate Literacy, Youth Policy Engagement, Capacity building on Nexus Issues, advancing Grassroot Advocacy and locally-led action, Sustainable Development, Climate Mitigation, & Climate Adaptation. A “Sustainable Development Mindset” principle is instrumental to help the world succeed in meeting global climate and energy goals. The Network endeavours to make climate change a top priority for young people across the Commonwealth and to engage them as key stakeholders in addressing the threat at a grassroots, national and regional level through individual and collective sustainable solutions. 

What we do

The objective of the network is to build the capacity of young people in their endeavours to address climate change and other environmental issues, advocate on climate change from a youth perspective. The scope of the network extends to environmental sustainability, oceans and marine life, natural resource utilisation etc.

CYCN supports actions that empower young people to translate climate change programmes into effective policies that have a measurable impact on youth well-being. It also links projects implemented by its members across the Commonwealth in order to develop common actions and campaigns.

CYCN members advocate within national and local governments, as well as in international agencies and global spaces such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to ensure that succeeding generations are spared from the harshest effects of climate change.

For more information and updates, please contact CYCN on: cycn@commonwealth.int 

Meet the CYCN Executive team

The Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) is led by a Youth team comprised
of a Pan-Commonwealth Coordinator, ten (10) Executive Council members, Regional Coordinators, and Country Coordinators.

The various units within the network include:

  • Partnerships and Engagement Unit: Seeks to secure funding opportunities both regionally and internationally to enable regional and country coordinators can upscale their initiatives in the region. 
  • Policy & Advocacy Unit: Responsible for promoting climate and sustainability policies through various advocacy networks across the Commonwealth in collaboration with the Country Coordinators.
  • Communication & Public Relations Unit: Responsible for all internal and external communications between the CYCN Executives and the wider membership. The Unit is also responsible for coordinating all CYCN online platforms for a consistent and seamless exchange of information between the network and the public.
  • Capacity Building & Events Unit: Coordinates and seeks opportunities for Network development and is primarily responsible for the planning and execution of events and activities of the CYCN.
  • Membership Unit: Responsible for creating and maintaining the Network’s and key stakeholder’s database in the climate and sustainable development space across the Commonwealth. The unit also enhances engagement with grassroots organizations and marginalized or vulnerable populations to involve those young persons in the initiatives of the CYCN.