Youth Climate Action
What We Do?
The Global Youth Climate Action Fund (GYCAF) is the first of its kind climate fund dedicated to financing youth-led climate action around the world. The idea for the fund was birthed at COP25 and developed over a three months consultation period that involved virtual dialogues with finance experts to help curate a vehicle that supports and champions youth-led climate action. This initiative is hosted by BLI Global.
Advocating for Climate Finance
Mission & Vision
Goals
To spearhead and launch the first Global Youth Climate Action Fund that financially supports young people to take climate action and create green sustainable ecosystems both at the grassroots and globally.
Specific Goals
10 Year Strategy
GYCAF is working to close the USD 100 billion pledge between 2020 and 2030. The goal is to encourage private sector donors to contribute towards fulfilling our pledging quotas and still be able to disburse funds as needed to grantees and investees on a rotational basis. Fundraising efforts involve lobbying at UN Climate events, liaising with private donors, foundations and grants, and approaching investment funds to co-finance term sheets.
At the end of the 10 year cycle, performance of existing vehicles and portfolios will be reviewed and a determination will be made whether to close the fund or restructure the investment activities with more ambitious targets.
Our Team
Program and Research Associate
Yutong Deng manages research projects, and supports global youth-led climate solutions. With experience spanning policy analysis, data visualization, and strategic communications, she has contributed to climate, technology, and innovation programs across think tanks, nonprofits, and academic institutions. She specializes in turning complex data into actionable insights, strengthening partnerships, and advancing youth engagement in climate policy.
Yutong completed her Master's in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and has an Undergraduate Degree in International Studies with a minor in Communication. Yutong has research experience in environmental sustainability. She collaborates with the team to complete project management analysis and reporting outcomes. Yutong reports on our impact and investment funding to inform future financing initiatives.
Fundraising/Investment Coordinator
Maria is co-founder of GYCAF and in charge of identifying and securing financial support and investment commitments to ensure the smooth running of the Fund's activities. She also works with the Program team to streamline project activities in line with budgetary needs. Maria has experience working in the financial industry and is currently pursuing an MBA in Finance.
Strategic Manager
Gonzalo Carruitero is the Strategic and Innovations lead. He is currently pursuing his Master in Sustainability and Social Innovation from Hec Paris and holds a Bachelor’s in Geography and Environmental Management. He has several years of experience working on corporate sustainability missions, with expertise in biodiversity, nature-based solutions, and sustainable finance.
Originally from Peru and with a background in Environmental Engineering, Gonzalo champions innovation within the fund and works with the team to ensure timely achievement of goals Together with the team he collaborates with external partners to build strategic alliances that will propell the fund forward. He is in charge of promoting environmental, energy, economic and social sustainability. He leads the team in analyzing grant and financing strategies to ensure alignment with the fund’s long-term vision and impact.
Operations/Strategic Coordinator
Robert works in the background to provide advisory support on operations and guidance on strategy and program implementation. He plays an essential role in ensuring that projects align with donor and board expectations for our fiscal sponsor, BLI Global including analyzing funding and investment decisions.