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In September 2024, H2OO headed to New York to participate in the UN Summit for the Future, a high-level event designed to address global challenges and reimagine multilateral cooperation. The summit brought together world leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss solutions for building a sustainable and equitable future. As part of this gathering, H2OO youth representatives engaged in discussions highlighting the critical role of young leaders in addressing environmental and social issues.

Read on to hear more about the experience directly from Amber Ortiz, an H2OO Global Youth Leader who attended the event:

“The UN Summit for the Future was inspiring in its ability to bring together governmental entities to recognize the importance of youth engagement in UN spaces and prioritize stakeholders in panel discussions. I particularly enjoyed attending a session entitled “Inclusive Digital Future for All” due to the session’s dialogue around the intersection of digital technology and youth activism as a powerful tool for driving environmental change.

Equitable access to digital tools can empower young activists to amplify their voices, share innovative solutions, and collaborate globally on pressing environmental issues. However, the session could have benefited from a stronger focus on creating spaces to explore how to engage youth meaningfully and outlining concrete, actionable steps toward achieving meaningful youth inclusion.

It was somewhat surprising to see how few youth were actually present at the panels and the conference overall. The event could be improved by implementing a more inclusive registration process to make it easier for younger individuals to access and participate in these important conversations.” — Amber Ortiz, 19, H2OO Global Youth Leader

“My heart pounded as I stood up from my chair and headed to the front of the dimly lit hotel conference room to stand behind the mic’d podium. I could feel eyes on me, wondering what the 18-year-old girl who hadn’t even started university yet was going to share at a symposium where the most renowned sea otter researchers and conservationists convene to present their research and work. 

My ten-year-old self, the “Doctor Sea Otter” making YouTube videos about random sea otter facts couldn’t believe that I was now about to present my research to people I would read about in books and articles. I looked out into the audience and saw Gena Bentall, Michelle Staedler, Karl Mayer, and Dr. Melissa Miller, people who mentored me when I was just an interested kid, now watching me present my own research. I took a deep breath and began. 

Last summer, in partnership with Sea Otter Savvy (SOS), I investigated the frequency, nature, and outcomes of surfer-sea otter interactions at two surfing hotspots on the Santa Cruz coast, Pleasure Point and Lighthouse Point. With the mentorship of Gena Bentall, the director of SOS, I collected data, analyzed it, and created a research poster summarizing my findings. These findings are what I shared at the Southern Sea Otter Research Update Meeting (SSORUM) this last April. 

I am now a 19-year-old Freshman at California State University Monterey Bay studying Biology so that I may continue my passion for sea otter research and rehabilitation. The experiences I have had, such as the SSORUM have given me even more drive to follow my goals. I am grateful to the people who have believed in me and who helped me believe in myself. “ – Dakota Peebler, 19, H2OO Co-Founder & Global Youth Leader

On August 8th 2024, Heirs To Our Ocean joined Young Sea Changers Scotland & Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network for a dynamic and insightful online webinar titled “Navigate the UN Ocean Decade,”. The event brought together passionate advocates for ocean conservation and youth engagement from around the world.

Read on to hear more about the experience directly from the H2OO Global Youth Leaders who co-hosted the workshop:

“In August 2024, Armon Alex and I co-hosted workshop where we shared insights from the formation of the US YAC for the UNOD, its intentional programming, and the inspiring achievements across the four cohorts. This sparked genuine conversations on adapting this model to engage youth in other countries, such as the UK. I appreciated the active engagement from the webinar participants, reflecting their commitment to amplifying UK youth voices within the Decade. I found this workshop to have not only educated attendees about the Decade and YACs, but also offered me valuable perspectives when engaging in breakout room discussions and Q&A. I am hopeful this partnership will pave the way for stronger representation of youth voices from the UK when shaping the future of the UNOD.“ – Chloe McKenna, 23, H2OO Global Youth Leader

“The workshop with Young Sea Changers Scotland was a dynamic and enriching experience that provided youth leaders with the tools to understand and engage with the UN Ocean Decade on a global scale. It was an inspiring opportunity to connect with passionate young people from across Scotland, eager to learn about the intersection of ocean conservation and climate action. The most valuable takeaway from this workshop was understanding the importance of creating youth-driven advocacy tools. Together, we discussed how young people can use their voices to shape marine policy and how to advocate for systemic change. My experience as Co-Chair of the U.S. Youth Advisory Council allowed me to share what we’ve done in the U.S., like developing Decade-related resources, while brainstorming how youth in the UK could become leaders in this space as well. This workshop deepened my belief that youth involvement in the UN Ocean Decade is essential to driving impactful change. It also solidified that whether in the U.S. or the UK, young leaders are ready to take action to protect the ocean and shape the future of the planet.” – Armon Alex, 24, H2OO Global Youth Leader & Project Coordinator U.S. YAC UNOD

We’re excited to welcome the 5th Cohort of the U.S. Youth Advisory Council for the UN Ocean Decade (U.S. YAC for UNOD) and share their ambitious SMART goals. This year’s cohort, made up of 59 members ages 15-25 across over 20 states and U.S. occupied territories, is already diving into impactful projects, with each working group focused on clear, measurable objectives:

The Policy Working Group is preparing for Hill Days, where members will advocate for ocean protection policies aiming to speak with over 70 lawmakers offices.

The Education Working Group is finalizing editing and publishing of a storybook to make ocean science topics accessible to younger audiences.

The Movement Working Group is organizing plastic brand audit national efforts to tackle marine pollution.

The Communications Team is amplifying these efforts to engage a wider network of advocates on ocean and climate issues. They seek to increase their following across communications platforms by 25%.

With strong collaboration and a shared commitment to making a difference, the 5th Cohort is off to an exciting start and already receiving valuable feedback and professional development opportunities from the U.S. National Committee to the UN Ocean Decade.

“Serving as Co-Chair of the 5th Cohort of the U.S. YAC UNOD has been an exciting endeavor so far that has shaped how I characterize leadership, communication, and action. I’ve come to realize all the work that needs to be done behind the scenes to ensure our goals become reality, so I hope to serve this cohort well through open communication, empathetic leadership, and also taking time to appreciate every member of this group. As I’m on the older end of the “youth” spectrum, I hope to leave a lasting impact through sharing my experiences from my past with others and encouraging them to take advantage of these opportunities. Working with an impassioned group of like-minded young people to address one of the world’s most pressing issues, I feel hopeful for our future fueled by the strength of youth voices and youth action. Though it is still early, we are already taking actions to hold corporations accountable through brand audits, publish an educational storybook to reach underserved youth, and meet with policymakers and federal agencies while visiting Capitol Hill. I am inspired by the work of my peers even beyond the cohort itself and believe we can use these partnerships and talents to further the mission of the YAC while supporting youth development along the way.” – Marria Peduto, 23, 5th Cohort Member U.S. YAC UNOD

“As we onboarded the 5th Cohort of the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade, I was honestly struck by the incredible diversity and enthusiasm of our new members. We welcomed youth from 25 states and territories, many of whom had never had the chance to engage at the level that YAC provides. It was inspiring to hear their voices during the onboarding, and I was excited to see the strong desire to work towards real environmental change within their communities. One of the highlights for me was the interaction between new members and alumni; the genuine interest in building connections and learning from past experiences was so encouraging. I’m particularly excited about the cross-sector diversity this cohort brings—from Indigenous communities to non-coastal areas, this group will strengthen our mission to ensure a healthy ocean for everyone, everywhere. The energy and commitment of the new cohort fuels my own passion for continuing this work.” – Armon Alex, 24, 4th Cohort Member & Project Coordinator U.S. YAC UNOD

The launch of the Decade 10 Challenges Youth Perspective Toolkit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing work of the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade (U.S. YAC for UNOD). This toolkit is a great example of how the YAC program is a progressive and cumulative experience, where each cohort builds upon the work of the previous one. Initially developed by the Education Committee of the 3rd Cohort in 2022, the toolkit was further enriched and finalized by members of the 4th Cohort, resulting in a comprehensive and youth-driven resource.

Made entirely by youth aged 16-24, this toolkit is designed by youth, for youth, educators, and communities at large. It offers valuable insights into the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges and serves as a tool to spark meaningful discussions and inspire action. The toolkit encourages reflection on how we, as individuals and communities, can address these challenges in ways that are tailored to our unique needs and circumstances, empowering youth to take ownership of ocean advocacy and contribute to global solutions.

“It was incredibly exciting to see the Education Toolkit come to life and be presented at the annual UN Ocean Decade Meeting this past year. Working on the toolkit opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of our one water system and encouraged me to think more critically about our interactions with the ocean and their profound impact on coastal communities worldwide. I took on a lead editing role, ensuring that all our 3rd Cohort authors’ genuine voices were heard. Through this process, I learned the importance of conducting extensive research, amplifying diverse perspectives, and translating complex topics into language that youth, educators, and diverse communities could connect with. One of my favorite parts was adding interactive activities and prompts to inspire readers to take action with their newfound knowledge. The Education Toolkit epitomized the power of youth collaboration for creating change, helping me understand the significant role we play in advancing a more sustainable and equitable ocean system.” – Nilesh Sathyanaraya, 17, 4th Cohort Member U.S. YAC UNOD

“Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as Co-Chair of the U.S. YAC, and it was an experience that proved both deeply educational and enjoyable. Collaborating with a dynamic and diverse group of passionate youth from around the world was truly eye-opening, and I made so many amazing friends on the council. One of the most important lessons I took away was the value of empathetic leadership—the ability to lead with heightened awareness and understanding of multiple perspectives.

I also enjoyed working with my YAC team on the Education Decade 10 Challenges Toolkit. This project not only deepened my understanding of the Ocean Decade Challenges but also honed my teamwork and project management skills. I was even able to apply my graphic design skills to help format the toolkit, combining creativity with purpose!

The experiences and lessons I gained from the YAC have been foundational. Whether it was from what I learned preparing to speak at a UN Ocean Decade conference satellite event in Barcelona or the knowledge I gained championing environmental policy at Hill Days, I now carry the insights and growth from this role with me into all of my future endeavors. I will never forget my time on the YAC.“ – Shaomin Kee, 16, 4th Cohort Member U.S. YAC UNOD

In March 2024, the Policy Committee of the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade organized an in-person Hill Days event in Washington, D.C., where 19 youth advocates led 71 meetings over the course of two days to push for critical ocean and water protection policies. This event brought together passionate youth from across the U.S. to engage directly with their lawmakers, advocating for five key bills that are vital to safeguarding our oceans and coastal ecosystems.

The policy topics included:

H.R. 1483: End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2023, which aims to eliminate subsidies for fossil fuel companies and reinvest in sustainable alternatives.

H.R. 3873 and S. 1806: Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2023, designed to promote innovation and support regional ocean economies.

H.R. 2950 and S. 1381: Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023, which seeks to preserve and protect vital coastal habitats from degradation.

S. 643: Farm Fresh Food for Families Act of 2023, which addresses the intersection of sustainable agriculture and healthy communities.

H.R. 1441: Offshore Pipeline Safety Act, a bill focused on enhancing safety regulations for offshore pipelines to prevent environmental disasters.

This impactful event demonstrated the power of youth voices in shaping policy decisions and highlighted the importance of direct advocacy in securing a healthier, more sustainable future for our oceans.

“Attending the Hill Days was empowering because I was able to discuss such important issues with the people responsible for making the policies that impact all of us. This experience reinforced my belief that real, tangible change can happen through policy. Now, more than ever, I want to see as many youth as possible get involved in policy work. I believe more Hill Days are needed to ensure that youth engagement with policymakers becomes a priority, helping them understand their responsibility to the youth and their communities.

Throughout this experience, I gained valuable skills such as policy analysis, advocacy, lobbying, research, and communication with Congress. I also learned how to schedule meetings with lawmakers and navigate the legislative process. The most memorable part of this experience was the time spent with fellow youth discussing the future we want and how to make it a reality. This was followed by a conversation with Senator Alex Padilla’s office about how we can collaborate with indigenous communities to rehabilitate soils in California.” – Latifah Nansubuga, 21, 3rd, 4th & 5th Cohort Member U.S. YAC UNOD

“It was incredibly meaningful to be able to speak with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in 2024 with the US YAC UNOD. While we learned a tremendous amount about how to advocate for bills with members of Congress who agree and disagree with our values, I found the experience even more valuable as I had the opportunity to meet the other youth in the YAC in-person as well. With their guidance and experience, I grew as a leader, public speaker, lobbyist, and changemaker. It was so heartening to hear directly from a staffer a couple of weeks ago that Senator Alex Padilla had decided to co-sponsor one of the bills that we advocated for. Representing youth voices is so critical; we are the future and we deserved to be heard!” – Colin Chu, 17, 4th & 5th Cohort Member U.S. YAC UNOD

“Leading the petition and participating in the Instagram Live press conference at Hill Days 2024 was both exhilarating and empowering. Standing up for eco-justice—a cause I’m deeply passionate about—in front of a large online audience was a powerful experience. I felt a strong sense of responsibility, knowing I represented the voices of many young people who share our vision for decarbonization, decolonization, and democratization. Seeing over 500 signatories come together underscored the strength of collaboration and showed that our voices resonate even more powerfully when united. I hope our advocacy demonstrated to lawmakers that youth are essential stakeholders in policy decisions, especially those shaping our future. We also developed crucial skills in public speaking, digital engagement, and strategic organizing, strengthening our approach to driving meaningful change.” – Zoë Tucker-Borrut, 25, 4th Cohort Member & 5th Cohort Support Team Intern U.S. YAC UNOD

In 2024, Heirs To Our Ocean (H2OO) equipped the next generation of ocean leaders with the skills they need to drive meaningful change. Recognizing the importance of the next generation building a diverse set of skills, H2OO led a series of transformative workshops designed to empower youth with the tools to lead, advocate, work as a team and communicate effectively.

The Empathetic Leadership Workshop focused on developing emotional intelligence and leadership skills to create empathetic, compassionate, impactful leaders who prioritize collaboration and inclusivity. The Policy Advocacy Workshop series provided youth with the knowledge and strategies from policy experts to navigate the complex world of U.S. environmental policy, teaching them how to advocate for policies that support a healthier ocean future. In the Public Speaking Workshop series, youth honed their abilities to speak confidently and persuasively, preparing them to share their inspiring and impactful messages across global platforms. Finally, the Book Writing Workshop led by experts Eleanor Kerlow, marketing consultant and journalist, as well as Markette Shepherd, an Emmy-winning storyteller, marketing executive, bestselling picture book author, encouraged creative expression that helped young people craft compelling narratives to inspire others and develop strategy to publish their own children’s book.

These workshops were a key part of H2OO’s mission to empower youth to lead with purpose and passion, ensuring they have the skills to engage, influence, and drive the ocean movement forward.

“The 4th Cohort’s Empathetic Leadership workshop helped me better understand what it truly means to be a leader. Leadership isn’t just about delegating tasks and giving orders; it involves understanding your team’s needs, addressing concerns, and creating a safe space for collaboration. Without compassion and empathy, effective leadership is difficult. After the workshop, I felt more equipped to lead with empathy, making it a core part of my actions and interactions.“ – Priyanka , 17, 4th Cohort Member & 5th Cohort Support Team Intern U.S. YAC UNOD

“The Policy Advocacy Workshop with Alison Hays in January was a pivotal experience for many youth in the 4th Cohort of the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade. This workshop provided us with the tools and strategies needed to effectively engage in advocacy, particularly on policies impacting the ocean and climate. For me, it reinforced the importance of using research-driven strategies to support our advocacy and empowered us to speak confidently about the issues we care about. I learned how to construct a clear policy agenda, communicate it to policymakers, and understand the value of collaborating with different stakeholders. This workshop didn’t just teach theory—it provided us with practical skills to become effective advocates for the ocean. It was especially eye-opening to witness firsthand the power youth have to influence legislation and policy decisions that will shape our future.” – Armon Alex, 24, 4th Cohort Member & Project Coordinator U.S. YAC UNOD

“I loved how Markette and Elli amplified many different perspectives that hadn’t been drawn upon before within the group, specifically about texts, images, and different color schemes that we could implement within the book we wanted to create. I also appreciated some aspects that we hadn’t previously thought of before, including publishing methods and other factors towards tying in the book content together since it was a compilation of books. It was also refreshing to learn from authors who are accomplished storytellers, and I think the main takeaway I could draw from the book workshop is how to effectively convey a message of environmental conservation to an audience of children ages 6 – 8.” – Emiliano Juarez, 18, 3rd & 4th Cohort Member & 5th Cohort Support Team Intern U.S. YAC UNOD

As the UN Ocean Decade continues to gather momentum, youth voices are more essential than ever in crafting sustainable solutions for our ocean.

Heirs To Our Ocean (H2OO) stepped up to co-lead a critical side-event panel & workshop with the U.S. National Committee to the UN Ocean Decade, NOAA (@noaa), Fugro (@fugro), and the University of Barcelona (@unibarcelona) at the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona. This event focused in on how to deepen youth engagement within the decade sharing H2OO’s successful model of the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade program. This workshop provided a collaborative space for youth to share perspectives, discuss barriers, and brainstorm actionable solutions to strengthen their involvement in the Decade’s work.

“In my path as an activist, Heirs to Our Ocean was the organization that taught me what meaningful youth and children engagement truly looks like. In 2024, at the UN Ocean Decade Conference, I had the privilege of experiencing another moment of meaningful youth engagement and empowerment, funded and supported by Heirs. I spent hours with other youth from around the world, ages 16 to 25, collaborating to build and plan our event: “Engaging Youth Under 25 in the Decade: A Model of Success.” In Barcelona, I was excited to share my experience in building a Youth Advisory Council in Brazil and meaningfully involving Brazilian youth in taking action on the Ocean Decade. Finally, I am deeply grateful to all the other youth who inspired me with their experiences and to Heirs to Our Ocean, which continues to set the example of what true youth engagement and leadership look like.” – Catarina Lorenzo, 17, H2OO Global Youth Leader

“In my work over the years I have noticed that excluding the perspectives of small, underrepresented groups, especially developing island nations, we risk hindering equitable progress. Because of this I sought to increase my participation in critical global leadership spaces. In doing so, I discovered Heirs To Our Ocean, particularly their U.S. Youth Action Council for the United Nations Ocean Decade, where I joined as a Movement Working Group Committee member.

Like finding a shell on the sand, this opportunity connected the shores of my island community to Barcelona! As a key participant in “Engaging Youth Under 25 Meaningfully in the Decade: A Model of Success,” I was able to highlight and discuss the urgent need for Indigenous youth leadership in the Decade’s actions. Together, we initiated dialogues to formulate a strategic, worldwide youth action council agenda that ensures all youth groups are included in the conversation for more inclusive, sustainable solutions by 2030.

In retrospect, I never imagined that this opportunity would yield such tremendous success, and I am incredibly thankful for the privilege of being part of it.

As tåotåo tasi, we are but one in the determination of our blue future.” – Henry Hofschneider San Nicolas, Jr., 20, 4th & 5th Cohort Member U.S. YAC UNOD

[insert Dakota’s share here]