On February 11, 2021 the first POP Climate Leadership Conversation as a tribute to POP Chief Mentor was held with Dr. Erik Solheim, former Executive Director of UNDP and Patron of WSDF Patron. The conversation focused on youth leadership particularly in issues regarding plastic pollution. Dr. Solheim emphasized how all big changes in society have come from youth leaders because they are more active, more dynamic, and have fresh ideas.

Dr. Solheim also shared the need for mass movements from the youth to pressurize political and business leaders into regulating the market and finding solutions. The youth “keep up the temperature and pressure for change”. During the conversation, Ms. Priyanka Prakash, asked about solutions to the plastic pollution issue. Dr. Solheim explained a three point plan that includes avoiding plastic wherever we can, finding natural materials to substitute oil in the production of plastics, and recollecting and recycling the plastics we do use.

Ms. Stuti Mishra asked about the leadership strategies necessary to implement impactful solutions to the plastic pollution issue, to which Dr. Solheim added the importance of leading by example and continuing the pressure on political and business leaders for real and lasting change. Dr. Solheim added that when it comes to plastic, every action counts. He is hopeful about this issue because many different solutions exist and as long as we spread the message of the importance of loving and caring for nature while not leaving plastic waste behind, we will be able to improve the current situation.

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Watch the full conversation