Melati Wijsen is an international changemaker dedicated to environmental protection. At the age of 12, she co-founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags with her sister, aiming to safeguard the natural world for future generations. Melati played a key role in the successful campaign for a ban on plastic bags, straws, and styrofoam in Bali.
As a sought-after speaker, she has addressed global audiences, including an event with President Barack Obama in Amsterdam and National Geographic’s Sustainability Week in Bangkok. Before turning 21, she delivered two TED talks and spoke at the UN headquarters in New York.
Her commitment to environmental education and policy change led her to Davos in 2020 as part of the World Economic Forum's first official youth cohort. She also served on the inaugural Expert Advisory Panel for the Earthshot Prize and premiered her film, Bigger Than Us, at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021.
Building on a decade of activism, Melati shares her insights through her company YOUTHTOPIA, a platform that connects young changemakers to foster collaboration and develop educational resources for students worldwide.
Having devoted much of her life to making a positive impact, Melati has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of FORBES’ top ten most inspiring women in her country, a spot on TIME's list of most influential teens, and inclusion in CNN Heroes Young Wonders and FORBES 30 Under 30. She will share her journey as a young changemaker in her upcoming book with Harper Collins, set for release early next year.