S5 pupil Saanvi Kumar of Cults Academy has been named the new Youth Climate Change President for Aberdeen.
Saanvi will be assisted by four vice-presidents: Finlay Robinson (S4 Dyce Academy), Anna Thompson (S6 Cults Academy), Yujin An (S4 Cults Academy), and Vinuth Wijemanne (S4 Cults Academy) as she takes on the role, which she will occupy for the school year 2023/24.
The role was created in 2022 to provide an opportunity for a young person to represent pupils’ voices at Council committees and working groups, and at climate change events throughout the year. The President also chairs the monthly Youth Climate Change Group.
L-R - Vinuth Wijemanne (S4 Cults Academy), Anna Thompson (S6 Cults Academy), Finlay Robinson (S4 Dyce Academy), Saanvi Kumar (S5, Cults Academy), Councillor Martin Greig, Education Convenor, Yujin An (S4 Cults Academy
Youth Climate Change President Saanvi Kumar said: “I am very grateful and thrilled to be appointed for such a valuable role. I believe this role is vital for young people in Aberdeen to be an important part of the way we address climate change in this city.
“I believe that young people all around the world have the energy and innovation to combat climate change. This year, I hope to make Aberdeen a climate-positive city by collaborating with these bright minds and tackling some of the main contributing factors to climate change in this city. I am eager to shape ideas and communicate with young people as Aberdeen’s 2nd Youth Climate Change President.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The quality of applications from young people interested in becoming the Youth Climate Change President was impressive and shows how engaged young people are in the changes we all need to make to tackle the climate emergency.
“I look forward to working with Saanvi and the Vice Presidents.”
In the first year since the post was created, the president, and the Youth Climate Change Group have been involved in discussions with staff at Aberdeen City Council and NESCOL, to highlight the climate challenges as they see them. They have also provided a focal point to promote citywide initiatives to children and young people across the city.