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How To Create A Culture Shift: Xiye Bastida
Xiye Bastida, Climate activist on the urgency of her work. When I gave the closing speech at the World Leaders Summit at COP26 last year, most of the world leaders had already left. Standing backstage beforehand, I’d heard Prime Minister Modi of India and various heads of state speak and thought, ‘This is it, next they’re going to be listening to me.’ After an announcement that an Indigenous Mexican youth activist was giving the closing speech, I went on stage and the room was practically empty. I understand they all have busy schedules, but not staying three minutes to hear the voice of the next generation was startling to me. I still gave the speech as if the room was full, because it’s stories like mine that move people to act.