Climate Communication Coordinators
The SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education and Connect4Climate have built a partnership based on a shared commitment to empowering the next generation as drivers of change.Ìý
The partnership was announced at the World Bank Group Youth Summit, where Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock and C4C Program Manager Giulia Camilla Braga agreed on a joint vision for creative opportunities that advance meaningful youth engagement and sustainable solutions. Together, both organizations will collaborate on helping young changemakers prepare for the future of jobs, sparking intergenerational knowledge exchange, and fostering collective youth-led storytelling.
2026 Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador Program
Our Climate Communication Coordinators are playing a central role in an exciting partnership between the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education, CU Â鶹ӰԺ’s Department of Environmental Studies (ENVS), and the World Bank Group’s Connect4Climate (C4C) Trust Fund. This partnership advances global sustainability education and youth leadership through the work of Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs) Anna and Naomi, who are supported through ENVS funding.
As part of this collaboration, our Climate Communication Coordinators are helping design and implement a globalÌýSustainability Education Challenge for the 2026 Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassador ProgramÌýaligned with World Bank priority areas, including energy, water, and agriculture. Their work supports international sustainability education, fosters collaboration with global youth leaders, and helps co-create programming with real-world impact.Ìý
Anna Kulikova
Naomi Jepkemei
(from left) Anna Kulikova, Naomi Jepkemei, and Rhiannon Danborn at the C4C World Bank Group Youth Summit.
"The World Bank Group Youth Summit was an intensive two-day program filled with inspiring activities. As expected, there were many discussions about AI and how young professionals can succeed alongside these rapidly developing technologies. The key takeaway for me was that adaptability and flexibility are essential skills for our generation. We should continue building new skills, learn how to use AI ethically and effectively, and strengthen the uniquely human (foundational) qualities that technology cannot replace.
Sustainability was another major theme throughout the summit. It is clear that humanity can no longer ignore the changing climate, and meaningful action is needed now. So, another takeaway I had was that addressing climate change requires strong partnerships across generations, organizations, and sectors. Representing the partnership between the SPIKE Center for Sustainability and Connect4Climate made this second lesson especially meaningful: it showed me how collaboration creates opportunities for young people not only to discuss global challenges, but also to become part of building the solutions.
One quote that particularly stayed with me came from Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group: 'It is always 50% luck and 50% what you do with your life.' I often joke that if there were a competition for bad luck, I would probably finish second, but the decisions I make every day are what truly shape my future. Overall, the summit gave me the opportunity to learn, reflect, build new connections, and broaden my perspective. I left feeling inspired, optimistic, and motivated to continue contributing to sustainability initiatives and to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way!"Ìý
-- Anna Kulikova, ENVS Graduate Student Assistant