#OurFutureEurope
Below you can find the YCPs that are enrolled in Young Climate Professionals programme 2024/25.

Grzegorz Fabijanowski
Grzegorz is a Manager of Network Planning in the mobility sector, specializing in bus and train transportation. With a background in logistics engineering, he has extensive expertise in transport planning, considering sustainability, cost efficiency, and ecological factors. Passionate about green cities and sustainable infrastructure, they focus on optimizing current transportation methods without drastic changes, exploring solutions like green fuels, LNG, electric power, and carpooling. Grzegorz aims to balance customer needs with the limitations of existing infrastructure, driving the evolution of urban mobility toward a more sustainable future.

Xhesjana Brahimi
Xhesjana is an Albanian entrepreneur and the founder of Soiree.al, a candle business known for its commitment to sustainable practices. With a background in Computer Science and three years of industry experience, Xhesjana transitioned from tech to focus on creating eco-friendly, handcrafted products. Her business emphasizes sustainable sourcing, environmentally friendly packaging, and educating consumers on the importance of green practices. As an influencer, she actively promotes environmental awareness and sustainable living through her platforms. Xhesjana is passionate about aligning her business with her values and helping others adopt a more eco-conscious lifestyle.

Cátia Ribeiro
Cátia is a Masters student in Energy Management and Engineering at the Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon. Her academic path began with Environmental Engineering at the University of Aveiro, where she was awarded a research initiation grant in the field of erosion and forest fires, which granted her the opportunity to do an internship at the Mediterranean Forest Research Institute in Athens, Greece. Currently, her main interests are in the field of Sustainable Energy and Energy Communities.
During her university years she was part of several organisations where her role was always related to sustainability and solidarity. Her hobbies include contemporary dance and outdoor activities such as hiking in beautiful landscapes!

Flori Imeri
Flori is a dedicated medical student currently studying General Medicine at the University of Medicine Tirana in Albania. Originally from Dibër, North Macedonia, Flori completed his medical high school education in Struga, where he excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, winning first place in regional first aid competitions and leading his basketball team to victory in Skopje. Flori is passionate about exploring the world and enjoys playing basketball and football with friends in his spare time. Fluent in Albanian, English, and Macedonian, he aims to become an exceptional doctor who contributes to a healthier and more sustainable world. Committed to environmental responsibility, Flori envisions future community projects that promote green energy to stabilize climate change. He draws inspiration from the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger: “We simply must do everything we can in our power to slow down global warming before it is too late… The science is clear. The global warming debate is over.”

Slavenija Popovska
Slavenija is a full-time student juggling a busy schedule while passionately diving into the world of sustainability and climate change. Always on the lookout for ways to make a difference, she’s not just learning about eco-friendly practices—she’s writing about them too! With a knack for words and a deep love for the planet, Slavenija often finds herself crafting engaging copy on topics like green living and sustainable innovations. She believes that small steps can lead to big changes, and she’s all about spreading the word in the most fun and relatable way possible. Whether she’s studying, working, or writing, Slavenija’s mission is clear: make the world a better, greener place, one word at a time.

Veronika Králová
Veronika is a law student at Charles University, specializing in Human Rights and Environmental Law. She is a junior researcher at the Institute of State and Law under the Czech Academy of Sciences, focusing on Climate Law and Sustainability, where her main focus is intersectionality in climate litigation and climate justice.
Veronika is also the founder of a faculty association dedicated to human rights, where she organizes events such as debates and workshops on climate justice, fostering discussions on the intersection of human rights and environmental issues. Additionally, she was involved in the Youth Climate Fellowship for Central and Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, where she collaborated with young professionals to address climate challenges in the region.

Kalina Walczuk
Kalina is a first-year student of Inter-Faculty Studies In Environment Protection at Warsaw University. She believes that education is power, and therefore wants to raise awareness of climate change among society. She has conducted eco-educational projects in high schools, and with her participation in the YCP project, aims to spread it wider, as institutional eco-education in Poland is being neglected. She is a vegetarian for environmental reasons, and is trying to live minimalistic – on the principle of practice what you preach! She enjoys fitness and healthy lifestyle and is passionate about dance, especially traditional Polish music. Kalina loves spending time in nature, hiking in mountains and swimming in lakes. Besides different activities, she values time with family and friends, seeing relations as super-important in the modern, fast-paced world. She is fascinated about the idea of co-working, integration of local communities and acting together for a better future.

Elizabeth Chavdarska
Elizabeth holds a BSc in International Relations and Macroeconomics from the University of Amsterdam. Her ultimate aspiration is to support the transition to a net-zero economy and contribute to societal well-being. To this end, her further academic education focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the technological pathways and associated costs related to achieving sustainable, low-emission development. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Bioeconomy, with a major in Biotechnology, at the Technical University of Munich.
Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for strengthening youth participation in environmental policy-making and the green economy. This commitment led her to join two youth-led European NGOs. As the Just Transition Coordinator at Generation Climate Europe, her work aims to empower young people to play an active role in shaping the transition away from fossil fuels and to elevate youth voices across different levels of governance. In her role as COP29 Project Lead at YES-Europe, Elizabeth is also involved in international climate policy, advocating for more decisive, fair and inclusive global climate action.

Iris Serra
My name is Iris and I’m currently studying International Cooperation and Development in Bologna, Italy. My passion and commitment for the environment come from my roots: I’m originally from Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean sea, which teached me the value of nature. I am starting an internship with ARPAE (Regional agency for prevention, environment and energy of Emilia Romagna) where we’ll work on the study and application of the RAMEA matrix (Regional Accounting Matrix including Environmental Accounts). I actively try to incorporate my beliefs in everyday’s life by trying to live as sustainably as I can, which led me to two of my biggest hobbies: thrifting and cooking vegan! I’m also deeply fascinated by environmental economics, so I’m planning to take my Master’s degree in Resource Economics and Sustainable Development. I’m sure that this project will give all of us new starting points for reflection and that it will help us build stronger communities.

Katarina Vasiljevic
Katarina is a last-year student at Faculty of Economics, University of Belgrade. She comes from Valjevo, a small town in western Serbia, known as one of the most polluted areas in the whole Balkans and Europe. She is actively involved in local initiatives with a view to mitigating pollution and improving environmental conditions. She has specific interests in many aspects of green literacy, environmental conservation and reducing pollution. In her free time, she loves to spend time in nature, hiking, riding a bike or walking with friends.

Marharyta Petrovych
Marharyta is currently pursuing a master’s degree in international business and sustainability at the University of Hamburg. Two years ago, she was awarded a prestigious DAAD full scholarship for her studies in Germany. In September 2024, she began a new chapter as a sustainability intern at Nordex, where she contributes to climate action initiatives within the renewable energy sector. Marharyta has also been actively involved in volunteering projects in Ukraine, focusing on climate change, ecology, and human rights. Her academic and professional interests include crisis management, resilience building, and sustainable development. In addition, her master’s thesis explores organisational resilience in open-ended crisis settings, with a particular focus on how Ukrainian businesses have adapted during the Russian invasion. Passionate about traveling, learning languages, and exploring new cultures, Marharyta draws on her global experiences to enrich her perspective on sustainability and drive positive change in her field.

Alessandra Ilvandrea Mazzuca
Born in Southern Italy and pursuing studies in the north, Alessandra Ilvandrea Mazzuca is a graduate student and a representative in Statistical Sciences Curriculum Economics and Enterprise, at the University of Bologna. As the coordinator of GAUSS, Ilvandrea has organised various initiatives centred around statistical intersectionality and environmental awareness. They are deeply committed to social causes and are an active volunteer for Plastic Free, an advocate for education, and a sighted volunteer for the Be My Eyes platform, which supports the visually impaired.
Ilvandrea’s driving passion is creating a sustainable future, environmentally and socially. Their advocacy extends to climate and social justice, where they emphasise the intersectional nature of these issues. As a multi-instrument enthusiast, Ilvandrea spent two months in Vienna honing their piano skills and advancing their German language proficiency at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien. Firm in their belief that all forms of oppression are interconnected, Ilvandrea sees it as a shared responsibility both individually and collectively to create a more just and equitable world for everyone.

Viktoriia Zakirova
Victoria is a dedicated student of international relations and works as an English teacher passionate about engaging in international projects, and always on the lookout for new opportunities to contribute and expand knowledge. Originally from Ukraine, she has a deep appreciation for travel, enjoys the richness of different cultures and experiences. Language learning is a significant part of the life. She is currently studying German, French, and Turkish while continuously striving to improve English. Curiosity and drive make her an active participant in various global initiatives, always eager to learn and grow. Whether it’s through travel, projects, or personal study, Victoria is committed to broadening perspective and staying involved in the world around. With a strong passion for international collaboration, she thrives in diverse environments and embraces the challenges that come with learning new skills and languages.

Viktoriia Bioko
Viktoriia is a Ukrainian student and environmental advocate who moved to France in 2022, following the Russian invasion. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning at Université Grenoble Alpes, where she focuses on understanding natural and built environments in the context of climate change and biodiversity loss. She is particularly interested in finding ways to address these challenges while ensuring the accessibility of public spaces, taking into account both physical infrastructure and users’ mental well-being. Recently, Viktoriia completed a two-month European Solidarity Corps volunteering project in Greece, where she organized and led workshops for refugee youth, fostering eco-friendly habits and environmental awareness. This experience deepened her interest in non-formal education and sparked her desire to help organisations become more conscious of their environmental footprint.

Megi Marku
Megi is a Water and Sanitation expert with a BSc and MSc in Hydrotechnical Engineering. She is passionate about the topics of sustainable development, water, climate change, youth engagement and peace. She has previously worked with the World Bank on the UoF-CoE initiative, as a Youth Expert at the Global Commission on the Economics of Water and is currently leading two projects.
Megi is an expert in building collaborative relationships across cultures and sectors. She has represented many organisations and the youth of Albania in multiple global multi-stakeholder dialogues such as the UNFCCC COP28, SB60, UN HLPF, 10thWWF and more. She is a Co-Convener of the Group of Partners for Youth Affairs, Board member of the Young Water Professionals Albania, Vice President of AIESEC Albania and member of YOUNGO, MGCY, WYPW and more. Megi is a results-driven advocate, skilled at generating new ideas, public speaking and bridge building.

Fay Tsironi
Hello, I’m Fay, and I live in Thessaloniki. I study Biology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Over the past year, I have been exploring my passion for the earth and the environment through volunteering with environmental organizations, my studies, and mostly through self-exploration in nature. Some of the things I am passionate about are traveling, philosophy, the environment and the arts.
The topics I am eager to learn more about include sustainability and its applications in urban environments, how living in a big city versus in nature affects mental health, and our understanding of humanity. I am currently fascinated by people who live in the woods or by the sea, and I aspire to live that way in the future.

Natalia Więckowska
Natalia is a 21-year-old student from Poland. She completed her Bachelor’s in International Relations, and she continues her academic path with Masters in both International Relations and European Studies at the University of Warsaw. Her journey with climate advocacy started when she began volunteering for an NGO focused on promoting a greener future. She is passionate about environmental protection and promoting sustainability. Her main areas of interest cover international climate diplomacy, exploring how the EU and countries shape and influence global climate policymaking, and the implications of climate migration on international relations.

Weronika Giza
Holding degrees in International Relations and Culture Management, Weronika blends expertise in global policy and art. Throughout her international work experience, including a role at the European Parliament, Weronika has organised events of varying scales— a professional pursuit she finds particularly rewarding.
Currently based in Warsaw and working in a public administration position focused on EU energy, climate, and environmental policy, Weronika is dedicated to advancing sustainable strategies and tackling the issue of climate change. She sees significant potential in leveraging art and culture to communicate and educate on key topics, including the green transition and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
Outside of work she actively volunteers at cultural institutions and events, and regularly participates in various training programs and youth projects.

Ledianë Durmishi
Ledianë is a second-year PhD student at the Doctoral School of Economic and Regional Sciences at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where her research focuses on the impact of climate change on economic and rural development, particularly within marginalized communities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Rural Development Engineering from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where she graduated with excellent honours, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Hasan Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary.
In addition to her academic work, Ledianë has contributed as a climate change policymaker to the LIFE Co-Clima project, where she developed and implemented policies to support climate adaptation strategies towards marginalized communities. She has also volunteered with the Easy Sustainability organisation, gaining hands-on experience in project management and sustainability initiatives. Her work with these organizations reflects her deep commitment to promoting youth involvement in climate action and shaping climate policies. Ledianë is fluent in Albanian, English, Hungarian, Turkish, and is currently learning Spanish, enabling her to engage with diverse international communities. Her multifaceted involvement and passion for fostering sustainable development position her as a promising leader in climate advocacy.

Silvia Miadoková
Silvia holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. Her international experiences, including a high school exchange in Texas, internships in Greece, and study abroad programs in Germany, Hungary, and Spain, have deepened her commitment to global issues. She believes in fostering a more peaceful and inclusive world through cultural exchange and education, and she brings this vision to life through her work at the Fulbright Commission in Slovakia and her volunteering with the youth organisation Mladiinfo Slovensko whenever time allows. She is driven by her passion for environmental protection, feminism, and creating positive change. Her hobbies include listening to music and podcasts, watching romantic comedies, traveling, and snowboarding.

Sunčica Rosić
Sunčica is a final-year student at Central European University in Vienna pursuing her degree in Data Science and Society program. She obtained her IB diploma in Ruđer Bošković International School in Serbia. She was part of LUSDA (Students Diplomatic Association) during her exchange year at LUISS University in Rome. She is a board member of IG Vienna and Club Alpbach Belgrade, organisations dedicated to cultivating peace, integrity and vision. Sunčica also interned at Innovation in Politics Institute in Vienna, where she developed her interest in digital citizen participation and youth policy. She is a research assistant at the PhD project investigating the relationship between depression and handwriting. Sunčica is from Serbia.

Alena Dudkova
Alena is an emerging climate advocate with a diverse academic background. She holds a degree in International Economics from Belarus and is currently pursuing studies in Fine Arts in France. Her unique combination of economics and art fuels her passion for environmental sustainability and creative solutions to climate challenges. Alena’s interest in environmental topics has led her to actively participate in youth-led initiatives, including a youth exchange program in France focused on regional environmental issues and biodiversity preservation, as well as an online campaign focused on developing eco-habits of young generation.

Alba Tema
Alba recently graduated with a Master of Science in “Economics and Rural Development Policies” from the Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania where she was recognized as a distinguished student with a GPA of 9.96/10. Throughout her academic journey, Alba consistently demonstrated a strong interest in subjects and research topics related to the sustainable development of rural areas.
Her passion for sustainable development led her to join the Albanian Network for Rural Development (ANRD), a genuine civil society organisation dedicated to the sustainable development of rural areas. In her role as Project Officer and Researcher at ANRD, she was involved in the implementation of the regional project “Farm to Fork Academy. Our shared European future,” which is being carried out in six Western Balkan countries and led by ANRD. The experience at ANRD also offered her the opportunity to lead youth activism initiatives such as the Rural Youth Hub, the first organisation dedicated to rural youth in Albania, with a membership of 240 young people.
Growing up in a remote, mountainous area has deeply influenced Alba’s understanding of the unique challenges and potentials of rural communities.

Daniel Uusitalo
Daniel Uusitalo was born in Finland but grew up globally. Professionally, he is a venture capitalist focused on funding the next generation of renewable energy technology in Europe. Daniel is actively engaged with NGOs such as the World Economic Fourm and Global Shapers Community, and the Climate Reality Project. He holds a Master of Sciences from Aalto University, and a Bachelor of Sciences from Brunel Business School.

Valeria Dionisi
Valeria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Sapienza University of Rome and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Urban Planning for Transition at IUAV University of Venice. Passionate about addressing climate change, Valeria focuses on fostering ecological, digital, and social transitions to create resilient and inclusive communities. With experience as a project manager for climate change awareness, volunteer, and activist, she has developed strong skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and climate advocacy. Valeria is committed to reimagining cities through sustainable urban design that balances environmental protection with social equity.

Harriet Klepper
Harriet, a German youth-climate activist, is a Teaching Assistant for Sciences Po’s Law Clinic on Corporate Social Responsibility and Innovation and the ‘AI in Climate Change Management’ Head of Cluster for the German-Baltic Youth Conference 2024. Currently, she is pursuing a double master’s at Bocconi University and Sciences Po Paris. Passionate about sustainable plant-based food systems as a means of combatting and mitigating climate change, she is serving on the ProVeg Youth Board. Committed to ensuring that young voices are heard in the transition process towards a better future for all, she has most notably been a COP28 delegate in Dubai in 2023. In her free time, she loves to dance salsa and bachata and is a big fan of cooking delicious plant-based meals with friends.

Miguel Afonso
Miguel comes from Almada, Portugal, and is passionate about ecology, sustainability, and botany. With an academic background in environmental management, he has done extensive voluntary work with environmental organisations in his country. Miguel is a certified Sustainability Leader by United People Global (UPG) and is currently developing a project to combat the proliferation of invasive plant species in protected natural areas in Lisbon and Setúbal (PT). As an advocate for green literacy and active citizenship, he brings expertise in project ideation, communication, dissemination, and environmental education. Miguel has participated in various youth mobility projects, addressing diverse topics within EU programs. He is honored to be part of the YCP, aiming to deepen his contributions to solving environmental problems and promoting sustainability.

Daniela Waltl
Daniela is a geography student and climate justice activist based in Salzburg. She is an active member of activist communities, such as Fridays for Future and Erde Brennt Salzburg, through which she advocates for both local and global climate action. Daniela’s activism often incorporates artistic approaches to raising awareness, blending creativity with her passion for environmental justice.
With her academic background in Geography, Daniela is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Salzburg, focusing on natural hazards and alpine risk management. This scientific foundation provides her with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, enhancing her efforts to drive meaningful change. Daniela’s combination of academic knowledge and active participation within her social and activist networks empowers her to contribute to societal progress. She believes that collective hope and determination can overcome the challenges of our generation and ensure a liveable future for the planet.