Melati Wijsen

Why you should listen

Melati Wijsen is an Indonesian changemaker focused on creating a better, more sustainable future for the planet. She founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags with her younger sister and began the people movement One Island One Voice and the social enterprise Mountain Mamas. She also launched YOUTHTOPIA, which empowers youth through short and meaningful peer-to-peer programs and provides them with the tools needed to be effective changemakers. She's working to make YOUTHTOPIA the go-to platform for young people to learn frontline activism skills.

Recently, Wijsen co-chaired the World Economic Forum GPAP committee, sat on the inaugural Expert Advisory Panel for the Earthshot Prize and premiered her film, Bigger Than Us, at the 74th Cannes Film Festival 2021. She has spoken on world stages, including at the United Nations, and was selected by Forbes Indonesia as one of the most inspiring women in the country. In 2018, Time magazine included her in their "25 Most Influential Teens" list, CNN included her in their "Young Wonders: A CNN Heroes Special" list and Forbes included her in their "30 Under 30" Asia list.