Ever heard of Vanessa Nakate?
She is not just a climate activist, she is a fearless voice rewriting the story of Africa in the global climate movement!
From standing alone with a placard in the streets of Kampala to becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Vanessa’s journey shows what it means to turn passion into global impact.
With her courage, persistence, and unwavering commitment, she’s proving that African women are not just part of the climate conversation, they are leading it.
Here are nine incredible facts about this trailblazing young woman who is inspiring a generation to fight for a greener, more just world!
She Started Alone, Now She Speaks for Millions
In 2019, a young Ugandan stood alone outside Parliament with a placard. That lone voice has now become a global call for justice, echoing across continents.
She Turned a Solitary Protest into a Movement.
From striking alone in Kampala to founding Youth for Future Africa and the Rise Up Movement, Vanessa proved that even one voice can ignite thousands.
She’s Putting Africa at the Center of Climate Conversations.
From COP25 in Spain to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Vanessa carries the stories of African communities facing floods, droughts, and hunger, and demands they be heard.
Vanessa is Turning Advocacy into Action.
Through her Green Schools Project, she is installing solar panels and eco-stoves in schools across Uganda and living the reality she preaches by proving that climate justice starts with practical solutions.
She Speaks Truth to Power.
Whether she is addressing world leaders at the UN, calling out fossil fuel subsidies, or writing in The Guardian, Vanessa refuses to let the Global South be ignored.
Vanessa is Inspiring a Generation.
Recognized by TIME, BBC, and UNICEF, Vanessa reminds young Africans that they don’t have to wait for permission to lead; they already have the power.
She’s Building on the Legacy of Wangari Maathai.
As the Nobel Peace Prize winner she admires, Vanessa is showing that African women are not just participants in the climate movement, they are leaders of it.
