An iconic youth leader, 19-year-old Toronto resident Kehkashan Basu is a trailblazer who has been challenging the status quo and social strictures which impede the progress of future generations. She is a global influencer, environmentalist, champion of children’s rights, peace and sustainability campaigner, a passionate advocate for women’s rights, and a tireless advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Kehkashan is a United Nations Human Rights Champion, the youngest ever global coordinator for the UN Environment Program’s Major Group for Children & Youth, a Climate Reality Leader, and a TEDx speaker.  She is the founder president of the social innovation enterprise Green Hope Foundation which provides a networking platform for young people in 15 countries to engage in the sustainable development process.  

Kehkashan won the International Children’s Peace Prize in 2016. She is also the recipient of the 2019 Innovator of the Year Award, the John Muir Conservation Award for Habitat Restoration, the Energy Globe Award and the Turner Prize for Social Change. A powerful voice for future generations, she has spoken at over 125 United Nations and other global fora across 25 countries.