Indonesian Climate Leader Joins UN Chief’s Youth Advisory Group

In a historic first, an Indonesian advocate will stand among just 14 youth climate advisers to the UN Secretary-General. Zagy Berian will be the only member of the group from Southeast Asia, and will join the third cohort of Secretary-General António Guterres’ Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.

The Group provides the Secretary-General with practical and outcome-focused advice, diverse youth perspectives and concrete recommendations to support the United Nations’ work to accelerate global action to tackle the climate crisis.

The announcement, on International Youth Day, comes at a pivotal moment for climate action. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, and it is also the year when all countries must prepare and submit their new national climate plans – or nationally determined contributions (NDCs) – aligned with 1.5°C.

Recognising the critical importance of youth voices in climate action and the contributions of previous Youth Advisory Group members, the Secretary-General has expanded this cohort from seven to fourteen members given the concerning global trend of shrinking civic space and funding limitations that are putting young activists at risk and hindering meaningful youth engagement in climate efforts.

"Young people's fearless advocacy has been pivotal in the fight against the climate crisis. This is why I am proud to announce the launch of the third cohort of my Youth Advisory Group on Climate and to expand its membership from 7 to 14. That means more space for young voices at the table, more space for youth leadership and more space to shape climate action. To young people everywhere, don’t give up,” said the Secretary-General.

Southeast Asia is among the regions most exposed to climate risks, from rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities to extreme weather events that disrupt food systems and livelihoods. As a representative from the region, Zagy brings both local experience and international engagement to the Group.

Zagy is a social impact leader focused on empowering youth to play an active role in the sustainability sector. As the founder of the Society of Renewable Energy (SRE), he has inspired and mobilized a broad network of young people across Indonesia. He serves as Regional Facilitator for the Youth Climate Justice Fund in South Asia, where he supports grassroots climate justice efforts led by youth. Internationally, he contributes to the youth engagement strategy of the G20 Energy Transition Working Group in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. He is also involved with the B20 Task Force on Energy, Sustainability, and Climate, and serves as Chief of the Southeast Asia Youth Forum on Energy under ASEAN.

“To me, it means driving remarkable climate action through collaboration while ensuring every voice is heard in shaping a more just and sustainable global future,” said Zagy Berian. Among his notable initiatives is a renewable energy education and awareness program in Pati, Central Java, which works with local farmers to integrate clean energy solutions into sustainable farming practices.

The other thirteen members of the new Youth Advisory Group are: Angela Busheska (North Macedonia), Ashley Lashley (Barbados), Axel Eriksson (Sweden), Charitie Ropati (United States), Farzana Faruk Jhumu (Bangladesh), Jabri Ibrahim (Kenya), Kantuta Diana Conde (Bolivia), Lena Goings (United States), Marcel Bodewig (Germany), Okalani Mariner (Samoa), Sibusiso Mazomba (South Africa), Txai Surui (Brazil) and Zuzanna Borowska (Poland).