Indonesian-Dutch activist Melati Wijsen is a dynamic force in the sustainability movement. With the aim of reshaping the world through the eyes of the next generation, Wijsen will be speaking at the upcoming Sustainble Switzerland Forum on September 12 and 13 at the Kursaal in Bern on the topic of "Sustainability from the perspective of the next generation".
Wijsen's path to becoming an environmental activist began at a young age. Together with her sister Isabel, she founded the "Bye Bye Plastic Bags" initiative. The visionary campaign, launched in 2013 when Melati was just 12 years old, aimed to transform Bali and the surrounding area into a plastic bag-free haven. At its core, Bye Bye Plastic Bags aims to combat the pervasive plastic pollution crisis by tackling single-use plastic bags. Melati and Isabel's work has captured the imagination of those around them and garnered worldwide support. In doing so, the siblings have one goal: to take collective responsibility for protecting the environment for future generations.
Melati's impact quickly transcended her home country, and international attention followed - including Forbes, which named her one of the ten most inspiring women in the country. Melati's reputation grew further when she was named one of the UK's most influential teenagers by TIME magazine and CNN Heroes Young Wonders.
Despite graduating high school a year ahead of schedule, she has managed to gain an impressive presence in the world of sustainability and youth advocacy. She co-chairs the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) committee and participated on the first expert panel for the Earthshot Prize, an initiative to problem-solve the planet's most pressing environmental challenges.
Melati's approach to change is underscored by her creative endeavors. Her film "Bigger Than Us", which premiered at the 74th Cannes Film Festival in 2021, showcases her ability to reach audiences through powerful storytelling and visual elements.
