The environmental leadership journey of Erfan Firouzi reached a monumental milestone when he was awarded the prestigious Environmental Leadership Award at the Round Table Global Youth Awards 2022. The formal award ceremony took place in the UK, where Erfan’s work was showcased through an inspiring video presentation, highlighting his impactful initiatives in environmental conservation. Later, during COP28 in 2023, Erfan was ceremonially handed the award trophy by none other than Tiffany Kelly, the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of Round Table Global and Beyond Bamboo.
This dual acknowledgment underscores the significance of Erfan’s work and the global admiration for his leadership in championing sustainable solutions. The award not only celebrated his past achievements but also symbolized his future role as a changemaker, solidifying his status as a Global Change Ambassador and a Beyond Bamboo Youth Ambassador.
A Landmark Presentation at the UK Ceremony
The award ceremony in the UK was a gathering of world-renowned leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to shaping a sustainable future. At this event, Erfan’s contributions were presented through a compelling video that detailed his remarkable journey in environmental leadership. His initiatives—ranging from mangrove restoration to youth empowerment—were showcased as a model for innovative conservation efforts.
Tiffany Kelly, a sustainability trailblazer and the founder of the Global Youth Awards, emphasized Erfan’s impact during the UK presentation:
“Erfan Firouzi’s work is an inspiring testament to what young leaders can achieve. His projects not only address critical environmental challenges but also inspire communities to take meaningful action.”
COP28: The Trophy Handover
The celebratory moment for Erfan reached its zenith during COP28 in 2023, where he was presented with the award trophy by Tiffany Kelly herself. This moment was especially symbolic as COP28 served as a global platform for discussing and addressing climate change—a cause Erfan has passionately championed.
Erfan’s receipt of the trophy during this high-profile event elevated the significance of his work and underscored the global importance of empowering young environmental leaders.
Becoming a Beyond Bamboo Youth Ambassador
In recognition of his work and potential, Erfan was also invited by Tiffany Kelly to become a Beyond Bamboo Youth Ambassador. Beyond Bamboo, a sister organization to Round Table Global, is dedicated to promoting ethical and sustainable practices.
As a Youth Ambassador, Erfan works to:
- Develop innovative conservation solutions aligned with sustainable development goals.
- Promote ethical consumerism and inspire youth to embrace sustainable lifestyles.
- Amplify global efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
From Global Youth Awards to Global Change Ambassador
Following the award ceremony in the UK and the trophy presentation at COP28, Erfan was officially inducted as a Global Change Ambassador by Round Table Global and plays an important part in their legacy project. In this role, he joins a distinguished network of individuals committed to advancing the organization’s Three Global Goals:
- Education for All
- Empowerment of Women
- Environmental Rejuvenation
As an ambassador, Erfan will leverage coaching, mentoring, and global resources to further his conservation projects and inspire communities worldwide.
Global Youth Award Finalists
ENVIRONMENT LEADERSHIP
Nabilah Chowdhury (18, Australia)
Nikita Dhawan (16, India)
Erfan Firouzi (18, Dubai)
Vijay Prakash (15, India)
INNOVATION
Chrisvee Neville (19, Malaysia)
Lucas Tejedor (18, Brazil)
Jhansien G. Malapit (25 Phillipines)
Riva Tulpule (17, UAE)
CHANGE
Team Bertho (17, Bangladesh)
Srijanita Maurya (17, India)
Zoe Miller (25, UK)
Erfan Firouzi (18, Dubai)
The Significance of Erfan’s Leadership
Erfan Firouzi’s achievements demonstrate the power of grassroots action and global collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. His dual recognition—first in the UK and later at COP28—signifies the global resonance of his work and the urgent need for scalable, community-driven solutions.
In his remarks at COP28, Erfan reflected on the collective responsibility to protect the planet:
“This award represents more than just my work—it’s a reminder of what we can achieve together. Let’s harness our collective creativity and passion to build a future where humanity and nature thrive in harmony.”
A Future of Possibilities
Erfan’s journey is far from over. With his roles as a Global Change Ambassador and Beyond Bamboo Youth Ambassador, he is poised to lead initiatives that inspire meaningful action worldwide. His work serves as a beacon for young leaders, proving that with vision, dedication, and collaboration, it is possible to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
Keynote at the 2023 Awards Ceremony
Erfan’s recognition reached new heights in 2023, when he was invited to deliver a keynote address at the Round Table Global Youth Awards ceremony. Addressing an audience of global leaders, changemakers, and environmental enthusiasts, Erfan spoke about:
- His Journey: From his early passion for nature to becoming a global advocate for sustainability.
- Key Initiatives: Projects like mangrove restoration in the UAE, youth empowerment through education, and biodiversity conservation.
- Call to Action: Inspiring the audience to harness the power of collective action to combat climate change and protect ecosystems.
Erfan’s keynote resonated deeply with the audience, sparking discussions on the transformative role of young leaders in shaping a sustainable future.
