Current Role | Founder, Youthtopia |
Previous Position | Co-Founder, Bye Bye Plastic Bags |
Key Recognition | TIME's Most Influential Teens | TED Speaker | UN Youth Advocate |
Background and Early Foundations
Melati Wijsen was born and raised in Bali. At the age of 12, she co-founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags with her sister to tackle the island’s plastic crisis. Her early activism caught global attention and inspired a youth-led environmental movement
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2013 | Launched Bye Bye Plastic Bags |
2015 | Delivered viral TED Talk at TEDGlobal London |
2020 | Founded Youthtopia, a platform for changemaker education |
- Youth-led chapters in 50+ locations
- Named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
- Bali implemented plastic bag ban in 2019, partly due to her advocacy
Leadership Style and Influence
Melati leads with passion, energy, and clarity. Her leadership style is youth-first, community-based, and action-oriented. She empowers others to challenge systems and take bold steps toward sustainable change.
Legacy and Future Focus
Melati continues to redefine what youth activism can achieve. Through Youthtopia, she is building the next wave of empowered young leaders across Asia and beyond.
