Ineza Grace Umuhoza: the impact driven leader elevating youth climate engagement

Born and raised in Rwanda, Ineza Grace Umuhoza's journey into environmental advocacy began with a deep-rooted connection to her homeland's natural beauty and a profound sense of responsibility to protect it. From a young age, she witnessed the devastating effects of environmental degradation on her community. Determined to make a difference, she immersed herself in grassroots initiatives, and founded her projectThe Green Protectorto empower young people to take meaningful action on environmental issues. Through actions such as tree-planting campaigns, waste management projects, and educational workshops, she is helping to instil a sense of environmental stewardship in the next generation.

Ineza's impact extends beyond her local community, through her role as the African Youth Ambassador for the UNEP, she amplifies the voices of young people from across the continent, advocating for bold policy changes and sustainable development initiatives. Her tireless efforts also led to her recognition as a recipient of the Global Citizen Prize for Climate Change. Drawing on her experience and expertise, she seeks to bridge the gap between youth activists and established institutions, driving collective action towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Now, Ineza is embarking on a new chapter in her advocacy journey as she joins the UNESCO Green Citizens initiative. As a Pathfinder, she will identify local environment projects, share valuable insights with the UNESCO Green Citizens ecosystem, and shine the torch for citizen-led climate action worldwide.