Melati Wijsen is an international changemaker, environmental activist and founder of Youthtopia, a platform empowering young changemakers globally. At just 12, she co-founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags with her younger sister, helping lead a grassroots movement that contributed to Bali’s ban on single-use plastic bags, straws and Styrofoam.
A sought-after global speaker, Melati has opened for President Barack Obama, delivered two TED Talks, spoken at the United Nations headquarters and represented the World Economic Forum’s first official youth cohort in Davos. She also served on the inaugural Expert Advisory Panel for The Earthshot Prize.
Her documentary, Bigger Than Us, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021. Recognised by TIME, CNN and Forbes, including Forbes 30 Under 30, Melati has dedicated more than half her life to creating positive change. Her debut book, Change Starts Now, shares 100 lessons from her journey as a full-time changemaker.
.jpg)