Key Impact Points:
- At 17, Isidora Riquelme launched Plan B, Latin America’s first environmental education system.
- Co-founded Chucaw, a startup focused on resilience to extreme weather events.
- Recognized by the UN as one of 500 youth contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Early Initiatives in Environmental Education
At just 17, Isidora Riquelme demonstrated remarkable leadership by creating Plan B, the first environmental education system in Latin America. This initiative laid the groundwork for her ongoing commitment to environmental education and advocacy.
Innovation in Climate Resilience
By 21, Riquelme co-founded Chucaw, an innovation and technology startup dedicated to predicting, monitoring, and adapting to extreme weather events. Chucaw’s mission aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 5 (Gender Equality), reflecting Riquelme’s dedication to creating resilient communities.
Recognition and Advocacy
In 2022, Riquelme was honored as an ambassador of the Escazú Agreement in Chile for her contributions to environmental human rights. The following year, the United Nations recognized her as one of 500 young individuals advancing the SDGs, highlighting her work with Chucaw.
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Leadership in Climate Negotiations
Trained by the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a young climate negotiator, Riquelme was appointed as a youth and children advisor to the Ministry for the 2023-2027 term. In 2023, she served as a climate mobility delegate at COP28, supporting the negotiation of climate-related policies. Previously, she represented Latin American youth at COP26, delivering the opening speech and actively participating in youth environmental advocacy at COP26 and COP27.
Engagement with Youth Climate Movements
Since 2019, Riquelme has been active in youth climate action groups such as Fridays For Future Chile, Tremendas, and GYBN Chile. In these roles, she has served as a spokesperson, coordinator, and policymaker, demonstrating her commitment to mobilizing youth for environmental causes.
Isidora Riquelme’s journey exemplifies the impact of youth leadership in environmental education and climate advocacy, inspiring a new generation to engage in sustainable development.
