Melati Wijsen

Melati Wijsen is a 24-year-old full time changemaker, published author, speaker, and founder of YOUTHTOPIA. Her changemaking journey began at the age of 12 when she started her first organization Bye Bye Plastic Bags. Since then, Melati has spoken on world stages such as TED and the UN, she co-chaired the World Economic Forum GPAP committee, sat on the inaugural Expert Advisory Panel for the Earthshot Prize, and has had her film, Bigger Than Us, premiere at the 74th Cannes Film Festival 2021. In 2023, she opened the stage for President Barack Obama at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. Today, Melati focuses on youth empowerment through short, meaningful peer to peer programs and providing them the tools they need to be changemakers. Her vision is to make YOUTHTOPIA the go to platform for young changemakers. Her first book; Change Starts Now, has been published by Harper Collins in January 2025 and shares 100 lessons on what she has learned in her 10+ years on the frontline of change.