People & Impact

Youth Climate Activist from Toronto Addresses UN Assembly

A 16-year-old environmental advocate from Toronto made waves at the UN Climate Summit, calling for stronger global commitments from world leaders.

At just 16 years old, Maya Ahmed stood before world leaders at the United Nations Climate Assembly in New York and delivered a passionate speech that captured international attention. The Toronto high school student, representing Canada’s Youth for Climate Justice, called for bolder climate commitments and criticized leaders for 'empty promises masked as progress.'

Ahmed’s appearance came after months of organizing protests, writing policy briefs, and lobbying officials through youth advocacy channels. Her rise as a climate voice began during the school strikes inspired by Greta Thunberg, but her message is uniquely Canadian, addressing indigenous sovereignty, northern community resilience, and fossil fuel dependency.

Wearing a simple red toque with a maple leaf pin, Ahmed opened her speech by recounting the flooding her relatives experienced in northern Ontario last spring. 'Climate change is not theoretical for us—it’s flooding our basements, torching our forests, and silencing our ice roads,' she said to a silent, captivated chamber.

The speech included pointed references to Canada’s oil and gas subsidies, drawing applause from environmental groups and criticism from some political figures back home. Despite the controversy, Ahmed has been praised for her composure and the clarity of her message: young people will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions.

Back in Toronto, her school hosted a watch party as students and teachers gathered to witness her address. Principal Ruth Yoon said the atmosphere was electric. 'It was powerful to see someone their age take that stage. It made politics feel personal and immediate for our students.'

Ahmed’s advocacy isn’t limited to big moments. She organizes weekly clean-up drives in local parks, leads climate literacy workshops, and recently helped launch a youth-led podcast that discusses environmental news with humor and urgency. Her approach balances direct action with education and dialogue.

She credits her activism to both family and faith. As the daughter of Somali immigrants, she speaks often about environmental justice as it intersects with racial and economic inequality. 'The climate crisis magnifies every other crisis,' she said in a recent interview. 'We can’t solve it without equity.'

In preparation for the UN speech, Ahmed worked with mentors from Toronto-based nonprofits and speech coaches from her debate club. She drafted at least 15 versions before settling on the final script, which she memorized in full. 'Every word mattered,' she said.

Following the assembly, Ahmed was invited to join an international youth advisory board tasked with reviewing climate pledges from G7 nations. She’s also been contacted by several universities offering early admission packages, though she says she hasn’t decided on her next steps yet.

Critics have tried to discredit her, labeling her views as too radical. But Ahmed remains undeterred. 'If wanting breathable air and a livable future makes me radical, then fine—I’ll own that,' she told a crowd at a rally outside Queen’s Park last weekend.

Support continues to pour in from across Canada. Artists, athletes, and activists have shared her speech on social media, and a GoFundMe campaign to support her advocacy travel expenses has already surpassed its initial goal. 'She’s the voice we need,' one donor wrote.

Whether she becomes a full-time activist or pursues another path, Ahmed has already made an indelible mark on the Canadian climate movement. Her message is clear: young voices are not waiting for permission. They’re demanding a future—and refusing to be ignored any longer.