Temasek Trust, a Global Alliance Founding Partner of The Earthshot Prize (TEP), and its ecosystem entities – Temasek Foundation, Mandai Nature, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Temasek Shophouse, and Co-Axis – championed climate changemakers and innovators in the lead-up to and during TEP’s Earthshot Week in Cape Town, South Africa, from 4 to 7 November 2024.
TEP Asia Youth Leaders Programme: Empowering Asia's Next Generation of Climate Leaders
Temasek Foundation and TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) – a member of the Philanthropy Asia Alliance – brought together 20 Asian youth climate changemakers for the TEP Asia Youth Leaders Programme.
Organised by Common Purpose, this 7-day programme equipped participants with essential skills and connections to a global community, providing guidance and resources for meaningful climate action.
Ms. Tan Shin Gee, Senior Director, Programmes at Temasek Foundation, addressing the Earthshot Prize Asia Youth Leaders Programme participants.
"At Temasek Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering youths from Asia to do more for their communities. We are excited to provide them with this opportunity to gain international exposure through The Earthshot Prize Asia Youth Leaders Programme and look forward to seeing these youths learn and grow. We hope that this valuable experience will equip them to become stronger sustainability advocates, making meaningful impact in their communities and beyond,” shared Ms. Tan Shin Gee, Senior Director, Temasek Foundation.
Mr. Loh Niap Juan, Group Chief Corporate Officer, TPC, said, "We believe that true progress lies in bold creativity and collective responsibility. This partnership with The Earthshot Prize reflects TPC’s commitment to empowering solutions that can regenerate the Earth and inspire lasting environmental stewardship. We are proud to support this groundbreaking initiative to inspire innovation and mobilise global efforts toward building a well-being economy that prioritises both planetary health and life’s flourishing."
TEP Asia Youth Leaders Programme participants at Bird Paradise, during the immersion led by Mandai Nature.
The climate changemakers kickstarted their programme on 31 October in Singapore, with immersive programmes hosted by Temasek Trust ecosystem entities: Mandai Nature at Bird Paradise; Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory at its research facilities, and Temasek Shophouse at the School of Tomorrow sustainability exhibition.
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory hosted the TEP Asia Youth Leaders Programme participants at its research facilities.
The programme participants also toured the School of Tomorrow sustainability exhibition, supported by Temasek Shophouse.
On 4 November, they joined 100 TEP African Youth Programme participants in Cape Town, South Africa, for workshops on leadership development, creative problem-solving, and storytelling for impact.
They engaged with and heard from industry leaders and pioneers in sustainability, such as Ms. Adirupa Sengupta, Group Chief Executive at Common Purpose Charitable Trust; Ms. Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute (WRI); Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT), among others.
The youth leaders visited organisations in Cape Town such as OceanHub Africa, where they learnt about blue ocean innovation, a sustainable blue economy, and ocean-based projects.
They also visited Mould Empower Serve (MES), a safe space which aims to address poverty and homelessness. MES integrates sustainability into its programme while offering its ‘residents’ a sense of dignity and empowerment. It does this by involving them in food waste composting, maintaining an edible garden, and upcycling donated items.
TEP Climate Youth Leaders Programme participants at OceanHub Africa (above) and Mould Empower Serve (MES) (below).
The youth leaders explored career opportunities in green industries and expanded their professional networks within the climate action community during the Café Conversations segment.
Ms. Jennifer Lewis, who heads Partnerships and Advocacy at Temasek Trust, was a mentor for the youths and shared actionable insights with them to further their impact.
Ms. Jennifer Lewis mentoring the TEP climate youth leaders during the Café Conversations segment.
They also participated in Earthshot+, where high-level advocates in the global climate movement came together for a day of impactful conversations and announcements.
(From left) Mr. Robert Irwin, Ms. Tasha Sabapathy, and Ms. Natalie Mangondo at 'The Generation of Changemakers' panel at Earthshot+. Image courtesy of TEP.
The youth leaders attended the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, where five winners were awarded £1 million each to catalyse their groundbreaking innovations to protect and restore our planet.
TEP Climate Youth Leaders Programme participants on the Green Carpet at the TEP Awards Ceremony.
Earthshot Week concluded with the Closing Jol at the scenic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, celebrating the climate innovators and changemakers who made the week in Cape Town so special.
TEP Asia Youth Leaders Programme participants with Ms. Adirupa Sengupta, Group CEO at Common Purpose, and Temasek Trust representatives at the Closing Jol.
Amplifying Asia on the Global Stage
Asia accounts for over half of the world’s population and carbon emissions, with temperatures projected to rise twice as fast as the global average. Additionally, an estimated 42% of Southeast Asian species are at risk of extinction by the century's end.
As one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, Asia's innovations and leaders are vital to developing effective solutions for a sustainable future.
Temasek Trust will continue deepening our partnership with the Earthshot Prize and other like-minded partners from across both our ecosystems to support climate changemakers, and spotlight and scale innovative solutions — especially those focused on Asia — for a greener and cooler planet.
