At this year’s Eco Tourism Week 2025, the conversations went beyond sustainability, we focused on connection. Across generations, we came together to reimagine what a climate-positive tourism industry can look like when youth voices, creativity, and collaboration take center stage.
Inter-Generational Keynote: Melati Wijsen on “Youth Voices for a Green, Sustainable Future”
Our keynote session featured Melati Wijsen, renowned youth climate advocate and co-founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags. With the theme “Youth Voices for a Green, Sustainable Future,” Melati invited us to reflect on how the tourism industry can meaningfully contribute to climate action and why young people are essential to that mission.
When asked what makes the 3rd World Tourism Day with the theme “Tourism and Climate Action” meaningful, Melati shared her optimism about how youth are reshaping the narrative of sustainability. She emphasized that young leaders are not waiting for permission to act they are already creating change within their communities, businesses, and networks.
Eco Games for Young Makers: Creative Ways to Protect Our Environment
Following the keynote, the energy continued through the Eco Games for Young Makers by Eco Games Bali provided by The Meru, a hands-on activity designed to inspire environmental awareness among children and young participants nearest Banjar.
Through teamwork, creativity, and play, participants explored simple yet powerful ways to protect the environment from reducing waste to rethinking everyday habits. These games demonstrated that environmental education doesn’t have to be serious to be impactful; it can be joyful, engaging, and community-driven.
By blending learning with action, the Eco Games fostered a spirit of curiosity and empowerment among the next generation of changemakers.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Both sessions from Melati’s insightful keynote to the playful Eco Games reflected Eco Tourism Bali’s mission to connect education, community, and sustainability. They showed that protecting our planet requires both wisdom from experience and courage from youth.
As we look ahead, we are reminded that climate action is not a single generation’s responsibility — it is a collective effort. When we listen, learn, and lead together, we move closer to a tourism industry that not only celebrates nature but safeguards it for generations to come.