Topics: Environment and Climate Change
Regional focus: Middle East and North Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
Origin: Sudan
Fellowship: Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow

Nisreen Elsaim is an environmental and climate activist with over ten years of experience working on issues related to policy, peace and security, migration, adaptation, and different areas related to climate change. She is a member of numerous advisory groups, having led and mentored a large number of young people in regional and international spaces.

Nisreen Elsaim has held numerous positions within the United Nations system, among others as Liaison Consultant of the UN Youth African Delegate Program as well as Chair of the UN Secretary-General Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, advising the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on his Climate Change Strategy. She is also an expert in energy and climate policy, with experience as a junior negotiator with the African Group of Negotiators in technology transfer. She also wrote several policy papers on climate change, renewable energy, and youth empowerment. In 2022, she was Marianne initiative laureate by French President Emanuel Macron and in 2023 she was selected as  Young Activist of the year by UN Geneva, Prince Albert of Monaco and Geneva Mayor.  

Nisreen Elsaim earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy, both from the University of Khartoum, Sudan.

Last updated: 2024