ASEAN Children and Youth Climate Summit 2025

2-4 September 2025

From mapping climate action to celebrating cultural diversity, young environmental leaders made waves in Langkawi through two vibrant back-to-back events: the Sarawak Eco Warrior (SEW) x YELL Workshop “Ripple Effect: Mapping the Impact of Our Actions” and the Pasar Iklim Marketplace. Both sessions brought creativity, energy, and heart to the ASEAN Children and Youth Climate Summit (ACYCS) 2025.

Workshop: “Ripple Effect: Mapping the Impact of Our Actions”

Ever wondered how your small eco-friendly habit can spark a bigger change? That’s exactly what 15 participants discovered during this interactive SEW x YELL workshop.

The session began with a playful “Baby Shark” icebreaker where participants shared their personal commitments to sustainability, from cutting plastic use to taking public transport. Laughter quickly turned into learning as the group explored how to measure the impact of their actions using simple “output vs. outcome” exercises.

Participants understanding what 'output' and 'outcome' is (YELL, September 2025)

Using colored threads and scenario cards, participants visualized how their individual actions, like composting, beach cleanups, or volunteering, are all interconnected. By the end, the floor was covered with a web of ideas representing collective impact, symbolizing how small ripples can create waves of change.

Key takeaway: Every action matters. Even simple choices can create far-reaching environmental and social benefits.

“The 45-minute workshop really stood out!” shared one participant during the Summit’s debrief.

Just smiles, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Pasar Iklim Marketplace: A Celebration of Culture and Climate Action

Our wonderful booth at ACYCS 2025 (YELL, September 2025)

The next day, the energy turned festive at the Pasar Iklim Marketplace, a lively gathering of over 100 participants showcasing youth-led climate initiatives from across ASEAN.

The event opened with a series of inspiring speeches from YELL’s Tan Cheng Cheng, Gretel from GYBN, and Dr. Jerome Montemayor, Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Delegates from each ASEAN country then took the stage for rapid-fire presentations, spotlighting their booths and creative grassroots projects. All in under three minutes!

The marketplace came alive with music, dancing, and cultural exchange as participants moved between booths, tried local games, and learned about community projects from across the region. The atmosphere was electric: a perfect blend of learning, laughter, and leadership.

The event ended on a soulful note with a Sapeh performance by Telford from Sarawak, reminding everyone that culture and climate are deeply intertwined.

Highlights from the day

• Delegates enjoyed the open, social vibe, and even impromptu karaoke sessions!
• Dr. Jerome’s keynote left a lasting impression on the youth.
• Despite small booth spaces and dim lighting, enthusiasm filled every corner.
• The Marketplace was later featured in Malaysian newspapers under “ACYCS 2025 angkat suara belia, kanak-kanak dalam isu iklim.”
   

The Bigger Picture

Together, the Ripple Effect workshop and Pasar Iklim Marketplace captured what youth climate leadership is all about: connection, creativity, and collective action.

Through shared experiences and diverse voices, ASEAN youth are proving that sustainability isn’t just a concept; it’s a movement powered by empathy, collaboration, and unstoppable energy.

Link to our Instagram post on the same event.

Till next time! (YELL, September 2025)