When 12-year-old Melati Wijsen looked at the plastic-choked beaches of Bali, she did not wait for a degree or a seat at the table to act. She simply decided that enough was enough. Addressing the India Today Conclave 2026, the 24-year-old climate activist and founder of Youthtopia, an online learning ecosystem for young changemakers, delivered a powerful address titled Planet Paralyses.
She moved the audience with a stark warning that we cannot solve the problem with the same thing that created it, calling for an immediate end to the “siloed thinking” that hampers environmental progress.
Wijsen’s rise was fuelled by what she calls her superpower: the naivety to believe change is possible and the unwavering support of her parents.
She noted that without an environment that fostered her curiosity and allowed her to stand for her beliefs, she would not be the changemaker she is today.
Now a world-renowned climate activist and author of five books, her mission is to bridge the gap between climate anxiety and actionable solutions, proving that the blueprint for a sustainable future already exists.
HOW DID BALI BAN SINGLE-USE PLASTICS?
The landmark 2019 ban on plastic bags, straws, and styrofoam in Bali was the result of years of tireless advocacy by Wijsen and her sister. They wrote letters, staged cleanups, and even went on a hunger strike to get a meeting with the governor.
Wijsen highlighted that plastic bags remain the number one pollutant globally, and Bali’s success proves that a systems change is possible when young people lead. She reminded the room that she started the campaign because Bali was drowning in plastic pollution and the goal was clear: ban it all.
WHAT IS YOUTHTOPIA AND THE ROLE OF AI?
To answer the recurring question of how to start a movement, Wijsen founded Youthtopia, an online learning platform with over 300 programs. She explained that the platform serves as a blueprint for young activists who feel lost in traditional classrooms.
The climate activist also touched upon the rise of AI, urging leaders to utilise these tools without getting rid of the creativity that drives real impact. By providing peer-to-peer training, she aims to turn millions of Gen Zs into catalysts for change through structured learning and frontline experience.
HOW CAN WE OVERCOME GLOBAL ECO-ANXIETY?
Addressing the growing sense of eco-anxiety, Wijsen advised young changemakers to identify one specific issue rather than trying to fix everything at once.
She pointed to the Earthshot Prize as a source of hope and mentioned young Indian leaders like Aishwarya Sridhar as examples of impact.
Her core message was that hope is not a dreamy thing but something we have to actively seek out, and that creating spaces where failure is allowed is essential for leadership to grow.
She concluded with a reminder to stay specific, set a timeline, and never forget to have fun while saving the planet.
