Start Small: How My Personal Action Sparked the Journey
Looking back, my first step toward environmental advocacy was simple yet impactful. As a teenager, I was deeply concerned about the waste management issues I observed in Phnom Penh. I still remember presenting a project on this topic to my classmates. While we didn’t win—finishing second place—our teacher praised us for the detailed and passionate explanation I gave to the class.
The project was a turning point. My teammates and I learned so much by venturing into the field—taking photos at dumpsites and observing how residential areas were affected by flash floods after the rain. Seeing the real-life consequences of poor waste management gave me a new perspective on the importance of addressing environmental issues at the grassroots level.
Fast forward to 2021, I joined the Movers Program, where I barely knew about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But my first workshops on SDG 13: Climate Action sparked something within me. It wasn’t just about learning; it was about realizing how much I could do as an individual.
- Start by exploring local issues that resonate with you. For me, it was waste management; for you, it could be deforestation, renewable energy, or urban mobility.
- Share your concerns within your immediate community—classmates, family, or friends—and invite them to brainstorm solutions together.
Build a Community: Empowering Others to Take Action
After joining the Movers Program, I quickly realized the power of collaboration. Over the next 40 days, I hosted 12 workshops and mentored 10 youth to host their own. This experience wasn’t just about numbers; it was about building a community of young changemakers.
One story that stands out is the growth of one of my mentees, an aspiring youth leader from Siem Reap province. From the beginning, her enthusiasm was evident—she frequently reached out to me with questions about preparing workshops and sought feedback to improve. She didn’t stop there; she found creative ways to engage her peers by incorporating simple quizzes into her sessions, making the learning process interactive and fun.
Seeing her evolve from a curious participant to a confident facilitator was incredibly rewarding. We remain in touch to this day, and I’m proud to see how she continues to inspire others in her community.
Together, our efforts reached over 7,000 youth in Cambodia in just two years. It showed me that collective action amplifies impact in ways I couldn’t have achieved alone.
💡Idea for Youth:
- Mentor someone! Whether it’s guiding them on hosting workshops or collaborating on a project, the ripple effect is transformative.
- Use existing platforms like Movers or similar youth networks to connect with others who share your passion.
Transform Collective Efforts into Systemic Change
Building on the momentum of my early workshops, I initiated Climate Action Week in 2021. This was Cambodia’s first-ever platform for youth to discuss and learn about climate change. It started small but grew into a nationwide movement.
By 2024, this effort evolved into Cambodia’s Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), bringing together policymakers, organizations, and over 300 youth participants. One moment during LCOY that truly moved me was witnessing youth from diverse backgrounds passionately sharing insights from their local communities. They didn’t stop there; they engaged in thoughtful discussions, adding depth and context to the national youth statement.
It was heartwarming to see the range of participants—from those attending their first-ever climate conference to experienced youth leaders running their own projects. There was a beautiful exchange of knowledge and experiences, with seasoned participants mentoring others and first-timers absorbing ideas with enthusiasm. That sense of collective purpose and collaboration reinforced for me how powerful youth can be when united by a shared goal.
Beyond Cambodia, I was honored to represent Cambodian youth on a global stage at Youth4Climate: Powering Actions 2022. Sharing our experiences and challenges with an international audience reinforced the importance of bridging local efforts with global conversations.
💡Idea for Youth:
- Leverage local initiatives to push for policy-level discussions. Events like LCOY show that youth-led movements can influence decision-making.
- Partner with organizations or governmental bodies to formalize your efforts into annual events or long-term programs.
Looking Back: Lessons from My Journey
From speaking about waste management in secondary school to leading youth conferences today, my journey has been one of growth and learning. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward,” as Steve Jobs once said.
One defining achievement that truly stands out for me is the recent success of the Local Conference of Youth 2024. Seeing youth participate with so much passion and energy reminded me of my own journey. I could see a glimpse of my younger self in many of them—the curiosity, the drive, and the hope to make a difference. It was at that moment that I felt reassured about the future of a sustainable society.
Their eagerness to learn, share, and collaborate with one another reaffirmed my belief that the seeds of change we plant today will grow into something extraordinary tomorrow. This is what fuels my commitment to continue this work—to inspire and support the next generation of changemakers.
💡Idea for Youth:
- Start where you are: Begin with what you know and care about.
- Build networks: Find your people—those who share your passion and vision.
- Think big: Dream beyond your personal action to how you can influence systems and policies.
Creating a sustainable society isn’t just about governments or corporations taking action—it’s about individuals who inspire collective efforts to push for systemic change. As youth, we have the power to lead this transformation, starting with personal action.
My journey—from speaking to classmates to representing Cambodian youth globally—has shown me that the ripple effect of youth-led efforts is real. Together, we can create the sustainable society we envision.
What step will you take today to begin your journey?
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Pengsan Houn
Pengsan is a climate advocate and youth-led initiative cheerleader from Cambodia, with a deep passion for empowering youth and promoting social entrepreneurship for sustainable development. He is the co-founder and partnership lead at the Youth Council for Climate Action and serves as a mentor and consultant for social enterprises in Cambodia. Pengsan has a proven track record of developing and managing impactful youth programs, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, and building cross-sector partnerships.
Follow Pengsan on IG: @____ps___
Pengsan Houn
Pengsan is a climate advocate and youth-led initiative cheerleader from Cambodia, with a deep passion for empowering youth and promoting social entrepreneurship for sustainable development. He is the co-founder and partnership lead at the Youth Council for Climate Action and serves as a mentor and consultant for social enterprises in Cambodia. Pengsan has a proven track record of developing and managing impactful youth programs, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, and building cross-sector partnerships.
Follow Pengsan on IG: @____ps___
