13/11/2023
13TH YOUTH FORUM PARTICIPANTS STORIES
Jesus Aka is a young environmentalist from Côte d'Ivoire, with two master’s degrees in business and maritime law from the University of Nantes. As president of the NGO BLUE, he succeeded in organizing the very first human chain in favour of the environment in the history of West Africa, and in raising awareness among more than 15,000 people.
“As president of the NGO BLUE, I led a major project focusing on climate change and the fight against plastic pollution. Our initiative aimed to raise awareness and mobilize the local community to take concrete action in favor of the environment.
The first human chain for the environment in Côte d'Ivoire, bringing together over 1,000 young people, was a crucial step. We organized large-scale awareness-raising events, notably the "Caravanes Villes Durables", impacting over 10,000 people. These events helped educate people about the effects of plastic pollution on the climate, while proposing practical solutions to reduce their environmental footprint.
We also set up the Blue School Initiative to work directly with local schools. We gave students a platform to express their ideas and propose innovative solutions to plastic pollution. This approach has actively involved young people in the environmental cause and cultivated a new generation aware of the importance of sustainability.
Fundamentally, my journey as an active citizen in responding to the social impact of climate change has strengthened my conviction that each of us has a role to play in preserving our planet. My experience has shown me that collective action, education and advocacy are powerful ways of catalyzing change and creating a more sustainable future for all. I am determined to continue to work for the protection of the environment and the preservation of our planet.”