Please complete this message from the year 2060. There are no right answers — only yours.


I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like (one word) and in the street you can hear (sounds, voices, music). Energy comes from (a source), it is managed by (who?) with generosity and wisdom and we have never again had to worry about (something that worries you today).

In the future, being a child is about (activities in the territory), being an elder is about (a role in the community) and caring for the commons means (a concrete practice).

In the future we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to (a creative use). We grow (native food) and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for (a need of the territory). And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for (what you most enjoy doing).

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face (a difficulty) and resist (a force or system). We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026 and we always give thanks and remember their efforts as brave and generous.

We proudly remember (name of the process or collective) every time we see (a part of the territory important to you). Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is (your message)


For more about Otros Futuros, head to their website.

Comments (44)

Radhika Singh

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like rain and in the streets you can hear children laughing, birds returning, and many languages spoken without fear. Energy comes from the sun, the wind, and the tides; it is managed by communities with generosity and wisdom, and we have never again had to worry about dignity being sacrificed for survival.

In the future, being a child is about climbing trees, reading rivers, and learning the names of constellations. Being an elder is about carrying memory gently and teaching people how not to repeat old mistakes. Caring for the commons means everyone leaves a place healthier than they found it.

In the future, we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to build climate shelters, public art, and floating gardens. We grow millets, amaranth, and native greens, and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for restoring groundwater and cooling cities without harming the Earth. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for music, storytelling, long walks, and sitting together without urgency.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face apathy, extraction, and the illusion that endless growth was progress. They had to resist systems that treated both people and nature as disposable. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026, and we remember their efforts as acts of quiet courage.

We proudly remember the Great Restoration every time we see rivers flowing clean again after decades. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is this: the future was never saved by certainty. It was saved by people who chose to care before they were forced to. ♥️

Suleymen Abduremsn Omer
Suleymen Abdureman Omer

Hello Radhika 👋🌍

This is beautifully written and incredibly inspiring. I especially appreciate how your vision connects environmental restoration with dignity, inclusion, culture, and community ownership.

The lines about children laughing, birds returning, and many languages being spoken without fear create a future that feels not only sustainable, but also deeply humane and healing.

I also love the idea of energy being community-managed and rooted in renewable sources like the sun, wind, and tides. It reflects a future where climate solutions are democratic, accessible, and centered around people rather than profit alone.

Thank you for sharing such a hopeful and thoughtful vision — it reminds us that reimagining the future is also about reimagining relationships, belonging, and collective care 🤝🌱

Theresa Rose Sebastian Moderator

Hey Radhika! This is beautiful - I particularly love your sections about carrying memories gently and many languages spoken without fear! How did you find reflecting on this piece?

Suleymen Abduremsn Omer
Suleymen Abdureman Omer

Hello Theresa 👋🌍

I also found those sections very powerful and deeply meaningful. The idea of carrying memories gently and creating spaces where many languages can be spoken without fear really reflects the kind of inclusive and compassionate future many of us hope to build.

For me, reflecting on this piece felt both emotional and inspiring because it reminds us that climate futures are not only about technology or policy, but also about culture, identity, healing, and human connection.

It encouraged me to think more about how movements can create environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued while working toward collective change 🤝🌱

Radhika Singh

Thank you so much, Theresa. Reflecting on this piece felt strangely emotional but also hopeful. I think imagining a better future requires us to first grieve what feels fragile in the present, our ecosystems, languages, communities, even our sense of slowness and belonging. Writing it made me realise that climate work is not only about preventing collapse, but also about protecting memory, dignity, and the possibility of softer ways of living together. I’m really glad those parts resonated with you.

Suleymen Abduremsn Omer
Suleymen Abdureman Omer

Hello Theresa 👋🌍

I also found those sections very powerful and deeply meaningful. The idea of carrying memories gently and creating spaces where many languages can be spoken without fear really reflects the kind of inclusive and compassionate future many of us hope to build.

For me, reflecting on this piece felt both emotional and inspiring because it reminds us that climate futures are not only about technology or policy, but also about culture, identity, healing, and human connection.

It encouraged me to think more about how movements can create environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued while working toward collective change 🤝🌱

Jasco John

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like a four-leaf clover and in the street you can hear drums beating and birds singing. Energy comes from clean sources, it is managed by all of us with generosity and wisdom and we have never again had to worry about waste and pollution.

In the future, being a child is about learning to keep the environment clean, being an elder is about teaching the values of cleanliness and caring for the commons means keeping the streets clean.

In the future we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to create eco-bricks and useful community materials. We grow our own crops and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for turning waste into clean energy and protecting the environment. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use to enjoy our clean streets.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face pollution, climate change, and unhealthy living conditions. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026 and we always give thanks and remember their efforts as brave and generous.

We proudly remember EcoReturn Movement every time we see our clean streets, green parks, and healthy rivers. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is: let's keep it clean and protect the Earth for future generations.

Theresa Rose Sebastian Moderator

Thank you for this beautiful reflection Jasco! I'd be super interested to hear more about this four-leaf clover air. What does it smell like? Does it personify something more?

Jasco John

Theresa Rose Sebastian Thank you for asking!

The four-leaf clover 🍀 air is the smell of rare luck made ordinary — a world where clean air is no longer a wish but a given. It carries the freshness of dew on leaves, the earthiness of healthy soil, and the lightness of a breath taken without fear.

But more than a scent, it personifies hope fulfilled. Just as a four-leaf clover is rare and precious, clean air was once something we could only dream of. In that future, what was once rare has become everyday — a reminder that the extraordinary can become normal when we choose it together.

It is also the smell of belonging — of a community that has learned to live in harmony with the land, not against it.

Dramane Ouattara

J'ai voyagé dans le futur et nous l'avons créé. Sur notre territoire, l'air sent la et dans la rue, on entend des bruits, des voix, de la musique.
L'énergie provient de la nature, elle est gérée par la communauté avec générosité et sagesse, et nous n'avons plus jamais eu à nous soucier du climat la paix et la sécurité.

Dans le futur, être enfant, c'est s'amuser ensemble apprendre et innové, être aîné, c'est s'occuper de l'agriculture l'élevage la pêche et prendre soin des biens communs, protéger la nature, et les sources d'énergie.

Dans le futur, nous utiliserons les plastiques issus de l'ère des énergies fossiles pour faire des matériaux de construction, des mobiliers. Nous cultiverons bio et notre nourriture sera notre médecine. La dernière technologie inventée dans notre communauté répond à l'emploi et à plusieurs defidt. Et notre temps libre, abondant, nous l'utiliserons pour les loisirs.

Parvenir à cet autre avenir n'a pas été sans défis. Nos ancêtres, sur ce territoire, ont dû affronter les vagues de chaleur, les émissions de gaz à effet de serre résister au changement climatique, les effets du gaz à effet et à leur habitude. Nous savons combien il était difficile de vivre ce qu'ils ont vécu en 2026 et nous leur sommes toujours reconnaissants et nous souvenons de leurs efforts courageux et généreux.

Nous nous souvenons avec fierté de eco-community chaque fois que nous voyons Bamako . Merci à eux et à vous tous, car même si vous ne rencontrerez jamais ceux qui récolteront les fruits de vos efforts, vous continuez à semer. Merci de nous avoir imaginés il y a tant d'années.

J'ai voyagé dans le futur et avant de revenir, mon message pour vous est que le futur est saint, moins coûteux et sans maladie mais seul les solutions écologiques et a travers le changement systémique et comportementale.

Default profile image
Moyosore Abiona

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like jasmine and in the street you can hear birds chirping, and the breeze gently blowing. Energy comes from a local dam which is managed by representatives of the Home Owners' Association with generosity and wisdom and we have never again had to worry about air and noise pollution.

In the future, being a child is about learning about environmental stewardship, being an elder is about sharing knowledge and caring for the commons means holding out space for everyone by deliberately maintaining the environment.

In the future we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to produce diverse items like bags, hand fans and sleeping mats. We grow scent leaf and bitter leaf and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for dam maintenance to ensure the trickle pipes in the dam wall remains unblocked. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for story-telling, riddle-sharing and learning music.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face extreme health challenges and resist strong opposition from the government and policy makers. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026 and we always give thanks and remember their efforts as brave and generous.

We proudly remember Fight4All every time we see Green Avenue where environmental stewardship and preservation is taught to young kids and adults alike. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is the hope of a healthy planet though it seems flickering is still achievable if we prepare for it.

Default profile image
Akshita Kharb

I have been to the future and we made it.In our territory ,the air smells like flowers and in the streets you can hear the chirpings of birds..Energy comes from the biomass and it is managed by passionate youngsters with generousity and wisdom we have never been again to worry about poor air quality.
In the future , being child is about playing freely , being an elder is about teaching kids about nature and caring for the commons means respecting the nature.
In the future we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to decorate our parks.We grow wheat and our food is medicine.The latest technology invented in our community is for improving agricultural practices. In our free time , which is plentiful , we use for gardening.
Getting to this other future was not without challenges.There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face extreme weathers and resist it .We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026 and we always give thanks and remember their efforta as brave and generous .
We proudly remember cleaning every time we see lakes.Thank you to them and to all of you bacause even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts , you keep planting.
Thank you for imaging us so many years ago .
I have been to the future and before returning , my message to you is conserve environment

Mohamed Hussien Abdelaziz PH.D.

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like rain and in the streets you can hear children laughing, old musicians playing, and many languages spoken without fear.

Energy comes from the sun, the wind, and the wisdom of living with the earth instead of against it. It is managed by communities and institutions that finally learned that power without ethics destroys itself. We never again had to worry about dignity becoming a privilege.

In the future, being a child is about learning through exploration, growing food, building things with your hands, understanding nature, and asking difficult questions without being silenced. Being an elder is about guiding memory, protecting meaning, and helping society remain human while technology keeps evolving. Caring for the commons means everyone plants more than they consume.

In the future, we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to build resilient infrastructure, public art, and floating agricultural systems for vulnerable regions. We grow dates, olives, medicinal herbs, and native crops adapted to the climate of each territory. Food is no longer designed for addiction, but for healing.

The latest technology invented in our community is for restoring trust between humans, institutions, and intelligent systems. It helps societies govern AI transparently, ethically, and collectively instead of surrendering to invisible power.

And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for reading, teaching, music, long conversations, silence, and rebuilding our relationship with beauty.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors had to face disinformation, ecological collapse, digital manipulation, loneliness, greed, and systems that rewarded extraction more than wisdom. They had to resist the normalization of meaninglessness.

We know it was hard to live through 2026. We remember that many people felt exhausted, fragmented, and uncertain about whether humanity still had a soul beneath all the noise and acceleration. But they continued planting anyway.

We proudly remember the Era of Responsible Awakening every time we see restored rivers, public learning gardens, ethical AI councils, and cities designed for humans instead of consumption alone.

Thank you to all of you because even though you would never meet those who harvested the fruits of your efforts, you kept building, teaching, protecting, questioning, and imagining us into existence.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is this:
Do not measure progress only by intelligence, speed, or profit. A civilization survives by the depth of its conscience. Protect what is human before asking technology to save humanity.

Theresa Rose Sebastian Moderator

This is beautiful - I particularly love your comment about elders guiding memory and food being for healing. How did you like doing this reflection?

Anas Aminu portrait – Youth4Climate applicant
Anas Aminu

I've been to the future and we made it. In our community, the air smells like wet soil after the rain, and in the streets you can hear children learning, birds singing, and young people discussing ideas instead of conflicts.

Energy comes from the sun and is managed by communities with fairness and wisdom. We no longer fear darkness, pollution, or hopelessness.

In the future, being a child means growing with education, creativity, and safety. Being an elder means guiding the younger generation with knowledge and peace. Caring for the commons means planting trees, protecting water, and supporting one another.

We transformed plastics from the fossil fuel age into eco-bricks, school materials, and community projects. We grow millet, maize, moringa, and vegetables, and our food has become our medicine.

The latest technology in our community helps farmers predict weather, save water, and improve clean energy access. Our free time is spent storytelling, learning, football, music, and community gatherings.

Getting to this future was not easy. Our ancestors faced climate change, poverty, unemployment, and systems that ignored vulnerable communities. But they continued planting hope even during difficult times.

We proudly remember youth-led climate movements every time we see greener communities and empowered young people.

Before returning, my message to you is this: never underestimate small actions. A single idea, a single tree, or a single voice can inspire a generation and transform a community.

Hi! It's Frances at youth a COP 30 meeting.
Frances Karploh Tarpeh

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like wet leaves and in the street, you can hear the quiet chippings of birds nesting in nearby trees, the humorous hoots of monkeys as they jump from one neighbor's tree to another, the low hums of flying propeller cars and public tricycles move by as families go about their daily hustles, the exciting laughter of children as they play and run past and the melodious rings and booms of the sassa and talking drums as the wisemen call for storytelling session projected in the night sky as everyone sit around the campfire in the square.

Energy comes from the river, the sun, the wind and food composts, it is managed by communities with generosity and wisdom, and we have never again had to worry about Global warming, constant floodings, intense droughts, injustice, hunger and uncurable diseases like cancer.

In the future, being a child is about living happily and healthily, being an elder is about setting examples, offering guidance and support as well as leading inclusive dialogues with everyone and caring for the commons through collective efforts from the community.

In the future we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to build durable housing units, designed furniture, footwears, jewelries, bodywears, fashionable bags, household utensils and decorations. We grow rice, vegetables and cassava and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for sensory and sensitivity movement guidance for persons with disabilities. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for planting more trees, debating new sustainable ideas and monitoring our mangroves swamps, organic seed banks and climax with swimming or sky gazing at the top of our waterfall ridge.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face oppression, abuses and injustices and resist an unjust, corrupt and racist system. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026 and we always give thanks and remember their efforts as brave and generous.

We proudly remember Great Enlightenment every time we see our organic farms thriving and families living longer and healthily. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is never underestimate the little efforts you are making to drive change and bring about the future you envision even when you don't see it. Dare to do and be different for it will be worth it.

Anaïs Magliocco Moderator

Thank you for sharing Frances! I loved your storytelling of your surrounding environment; I felt immersed in it.
It's also so powerful to remind everyone that we shouldn't underestimate our "small" efforts, because no effort is too little.
How did you feel completing this exercise?

Hi! It's Frances at youth a COP 30 meeting.
Frances Karploh Tarpeh

Thank you😊! I felt emotional and inspired writing this. As I was writing this, I couldn't help acknowledging that if our ancestors weren't steadfast in achieving their dreams and we're unsuccessful, we wouldn't have all the advance necessities of modern society that's giving us peace and comfort today. I felt like I have a duty and a role to play too. I felt like my little efforts will pave a way for others to follow to help my dreams of the future come true.

Chimi Syakayuwa

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like freedom and in the street you can hear birds singing and children's laughter. Energy comes from the sun, it is managed by the communities with generosity and wisdom and we have never again had to worry about power shortages.

In the future, being a child is about carefreeness, being an elder is about guiding the younger community with wisdom and knowledge and caring for the commons means being considerate of others around you and the generations to come.

In the future we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to make arts and designs. We grow maize, our local vegetables and herbs and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for sustainable waste management. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for exploring the nature around us.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face extreme temperatures and resist corruption. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026 and we always give thanks and remember their efforts as brave and generous.

We proudly remember all the environmental advocates and activists every time we see the forests around us. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is to take care of your planet, you only have one.

Chimi Syakayuwa

Anaïs Magliocco Freedom smells like clean air; I don't have to choke through the smoke from a forest fire somewhere, I don't have to be able to smell fumes in the air from some industrial processes or something like that, I don't have to worry about adding another "issue" to my "respiratory issues".

Default profile image
Aizhan Zhusupova

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like pertichor and in the street you can hear birds chirping and children laughing. Energy comes from the sun (a source), it is managed by the governments with generosity and wisdom so everyone have solarpanels on roofs and we have never again had to worry about electricity shortages.

In the future, being a child is about discovering the nature around, being an elder is about being with family and and caring for the commons means playing an active role in society, because elders now live longer and have stronger health.
In the future we used the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to 3D print a scenes from the past, to remember everything and not to repeat the mistakes. We grow many kinds of vegetables, fruits and berries in organic ecosystems and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for making public places more functional and unifyng. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for hiking, walking through beautiful green forests, clean rivers, and fresh mountain air where nature is healthy, peaceful, and full of life.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face drought, lack of water in our main reservoir and resist a corruption in our government. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026 and we always give thanks and remember their efforts as brave and generous.

We proudly remember the first years we tried to implement water and glaciers saving technologies every time we see our precious lake Issykkul, where water level now increased delightfully. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is to believe that you can resist all injustices in the system, you are not alone in this fight, there are the people who care and cooperate.

Anaïs Magliocco Moderator

That's amazing Aizhan! I loved that we could get some bits of your experience and background in your written exercise. How did you like completing it? How was it embedding your surroundings and legacy when writing it?

Ari Calvo

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like wildflowers and in the street you can hear the soft ballad of chirping birds, the loud laughter of elderly women, and the clinking sound of everyday celebration. People walk and bike free to dress and express themselves as makes them happiest. Art decorates the walls and parks are used for dancing and playing.

Energy comes from the sun, the water, and the air, it is managed by the community with generosity and wisdom and we have never again had to worry about climate change, inequality or injustice, since everything is managed by the community for the community with love and care.

In the future, being a child is about playing safely and learning from both human and nature, being an elder is about guiding through wisdom, enjoying the sunset of life with peace, and being appreciated and loved by the community. Caring for the commons means working with the environment not to extract, but collaborate.

In the future we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels when needed, such as gloves in healthcare, but we do not dream to waste them in consumerist pursuits. We grow local roots, fruits, and vegetables in polycultures and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for cleaning water bodies and the air from the pollution of the past. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for collective learning, hosting friends, and building community.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face the poisoned fruits of imperialism- corruption, climate catastrophes, extraction- and resist the impulse of the capitalist economy to think selfishly, individually. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026 and we always give thanks and remember their efforts as brave and generous.

We proudly remember our indigenous forerunners every time we see the orange sunset free of gray fumes, every time we hear the buzz of the bees and the chirping of the birds, every time we taste clean water and feel the sea on our skin free from oil. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is to keep pushing, keep fighting, keep living. Keep believing in the future you dream.

Anaïs Magliocco Moderator

It's super inspiring Ari, thank you for sharing! Your storytelling is really immersive. I especially felt touched by the words "the loud laughter of elderly women" as older generations of women have been through so much for us to have rights and freedoms, and they deserve nothing less than being able to embrace happiness and taking space with it! I guess we also don't see enough elderly women laughing loudly that often, and I hope that we get to see that more in our lifetime.

Daria Memoona

I’ve been to the future and we made it. The air smells clean after years of reducing smog, and the streets are filled with conversations, bicycles, and quiet electric public transport. Energy comes from solar and wind power, supported actively by governments and communities working together. Rural areas are no longer left behind because climate awareness and resources finally reached everyone.

Getting here was difficult. People in 2026 had to resist pollution, ignorance, and systems that ignored the climate crisis. But because they kept pushing for awareness, better public transport, and collective action, we now live in a future where communities work together instead of separately. My message to you is: keep planting the seeds of change, even if you cannot see the results yet.

Faith Wambiya

I’ve been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like rain and in the street you can hear children laughing, drums beating, birds singing, and stories shared in many languages. Energy comes from the sun and the wind, it is managed by communities with generosity and wisdom and we have never again had to worry about hunger and climate disasters stealing our futures.

In the future, being a child is about planting gardens, exploring rivers, building inventions, and learning from nature; being an elder is about guiding the community with memory and care and caring for the commons means every family giving time each week to restore forests, protect water sources, and share food with neighbors.

In the future we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to build durable homes, art, irrigation systems, and community spaces. We grow millet, cassava, sorghum, amaranth, and indigenous vegetables and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for storing clean energy and conserving water during droughts. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for dancing, storytelling, creating music, resting under trees, and celebrating each other.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face greed, inequality, climate loss, and displacement and resist systems that valued profit over people and nature. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026 and we always give thanks and remember their efforts as brave and generous.

We proudly remember the Uplift Her movement every time we see thriving farms, restored forests, and girls leading innovation across Africa. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I’ve been to the future and before returning, my message to you is this: do not underestimate the power of small acts done consistently with love and courage. The future changed because ordinary people refused to stop caring for each other and for the Earth. Keep building, keep imagining, and keep planting seeds whose shade you may never sit under.

Theresa Rose Sebastian Moderator

This really reminds me of the importance of intergenerational stewardship and the Indigenous principle that Xiye shared of the 7 generations thinking. Thank you for reflecting and sharing Faith!

Jose Gonzalo Flores

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like rain and native forests, and in the streets you can hear music, laughter and community celebrations.

Energy comes from the sun and is managed by communities with wisdom and generosity. We no longer worry about water scarcity or people being left behind.

In the future, being a child means learning from nature, and being an elder means guiding the community. Caring for the commons means protecting rivers, forests and each other.

We grow quinoa, potatoes and native foods, and our food is our medicine. The latest technology in our community helps us adapt to climate challenges while protecting our territory.

Getting to this future was not easy. Our ancestors had to resist inequality, extractivism and indifference. We remember their courage every time we see healthy rivers and restored ecosystems again.

I've been to the future and my message to you is this: never stop planting hope, even when change feels slow.

Suleymen Abduremsn Omer
Suleymen Abdureman Omer

🌍 Excited and ready for the next session of the CCMP 3.0 Movement Building Bootcamp!

Today’s workshop: Building Community 🤝
📅 May 19, 2026

Looking forward to learning practical strategies for strengthening collaboration, mobilizing communities, and building sustainable youth-led climate movements.

Together, we can transform local action into lasting systems change 🌱✨

#CCMP3 #Youth4Climate #MovementBuilding #ClimateLeadership #CommunityBuilding #ClimateAction

Suleymen Abduremsn Omer
Suleymen Abdureman Omer

🌍 Questions for the “Building Community” Session

1️⃣ How can climate movements build trust within communities that have limited awareness or confidence in climate initiatives?
Short description: Understanding practical ways to strengthen local participation, communication, and long-term engagement.

2️⃣ What are the most effective strategies for mobilizing young people into sustained climate action rather than short-term participation?
Short description: Exploring how to maintain motivation, ownership, and collective responsibility among youth.

3️⃣ How can community-led climate solutions remain inclusive and accessible to women, marginalized groups, and vulnerable populations?
Short description: Discussing equity, representation, and participation in movement building.

4️⃣ What role does storytelling play in strengthening climate movements and influencing social change?
Short description: Learning how personal stories, culture, and local experiences can inspire action and solidarity.

5️⃣ How can digital platforms and technology strengthen grassroots climate organizing without excluding communities with limited internet access?
Short description: Exploring the balance between digital innovation and community-based engagement.

6️⃣ What are some practical examples of successful youth-led climate movements that created measurable local impact?
Short description: Identifying lessons, strategies, and challenges from real-world experiences.

7️⃣ How can local climate initiatives connect with policymakers and institutions to create long-term systems change?
Short description: Understanding how grassroots action can influence policy and governance.

Suleymen Abduremsn Omer
Suleymen Abdureman Omer

🌍 Building Community Session

1️⃣ Building Trust
Creating strong relationships through transparency, participation, and local engagement.

2️⃣ Youth Mobilization
Encouraging long-term youth participation through leadership and collaboration.

3️⃣ Inclusion & Equity
Ensuring women, marginalized groups, and vulnerable communities are actively involved.

4️⃣ Storytelling for Change
Using personal experiences and local narratives to inspire climate action.

5️⃣ Digital & Grassroots Connection
Combining technology with community-based engagement for wider impact.

6️⃣ Youth-Led Climate Action
Learning from successful local initiatives that created measurable change.

7️⃣ Policy & Systems Change
Connecting grassroots movements with institutions and policymakers for sustainable impact.

Rehan Ullah

I’ve been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like rain-soaked soil and clean forests, and in the street you can hear birds, soft conversations, and children playing without fear. Energy comes from the sun and wind, and it is managed by local community councils with transparency and care, and we have never again had to worry about extreme heat waves becoming unlivable.

In the future, being a child is about learning in nature, exploring rivers, and growing food gardens, being an elder is about guiding decisions and passing down ecological wisdom, and caring for the commons means protecting water, forests, and shared land together.

We use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to build durable community infrastructure and art installations. We grow millet, wheat, and native fruits, and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for early climate risk prediction and water conservation. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for storytelling, music, and walking in restored landscapes.

Getting to this future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors had to face climate disasters and resist systems of short-term profit over long-term survival. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026, and we always give thanks for their persistence and courage.

We proudly remember the “Community Restoration Movement” every time we see regenerated green valleys and clean rivers. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting.

I’ve been to the future and my message is: stop waiting for perfect solutions—start building local resilience where you are, with whatever you have, because real change is always community-made first.

Rynat Fattakhov

Я побывал в будущем, и мы его соткали. Нити наших усилий, туго сплетённые в один узор, держат этот мир: солнечные панели похожи на золотые стежки на крышах, а ветряки — на спицы, что вяжут ветер в энергию. Воздух пахнет влажной пряжей земли и хвоей — будто сама природа готовит новую ткань для жизни.

Дети здесь — юные ткачи: они изучают петли рек, завязывают узлы на стеблях овощей, учатся читать узоры погоды. Старейшины передают челнок мудрости из рук в руки, а общинные советы бережно подправляют общий узор, чтобы нигде не распустилось.

Даже старый пластик, наследие эпохи угля и нефти, не выброшен: он стал плотным кантом, что укрепляет мосты и площади, или яркими нитями в гобеленах на стенах домов. Мы едим хлеб из проса и пшеницы — он словно хлебная закваска для новых поколений: лечит и кормит одновременно.

Технологии здесь — как лупы и линейки для мастеров: они высчитывают риски, как портные вымеряют ткань, чтобы не было перекосов. А вечера мы проводим за общим станком: рассказываем истории, поём песни, и каждый голос — новая нить в полотне нашего мира.

Мы помним, как тяжело было ткать первые ряды. Особенно в 2026-м, когда шторм рвал нити, а ветер пытался разметать клубки пряжи. Но «Движение за восстановление сообществ» не отпустило челнок. И теперь, глядя на зелёные долины, мы знаем: это не просто пейзаж — это ткань, которую мы сделали сами.

Не ждите идеального полотна. Возьмите в руки то, что есть, и сделайте хотя бы один стежок. Перемены начинаются с первого узла.

Aloo Denish Obiero
Denish Aloo

It is really great reading about the imagined "futures" in the responses. It is possible. It is our collective responsibility to realize these. I am driven by a profound belief in taking meaningful actions that advance the wellbeing of humanity and his environment. I believe that each individual has a role to play regardless of the level, capacity, or sector involved, for we all share a collective responsibility.

Default profile image
Bini Yao Elysée

I've been to the future and we made it. In our territory, the air smells like life and in the streets you can hear children laughing, birds singing, and people sharing stories. Energy comes from the sun, it is managed by the community with generosity and wisdom, and we have never again had to worry about environmental destruction.

In the future, being a child is about exploring forests, learning outdoors, and creating solutions for the community. Being an elder is about guiding, mentoring, and preserving collective memory, and caring for the commons means planting trees, protecting water sources, and maintaining shared spaces together.

In the future we use the plastics left over from the age of fossil fuels to build durable community infrastructure and creative public art. We grow cassava, plantain, yam, and local vegetables, and our food is our medicine. The latest technology invented in our community is for restoring ecosystems and managing natural resources sustainably. And our free time, which is plentiful, we use for learning, creating, volunteering, and spending time in nature.

Getting to this other future was not without challenges. There were moments when our ancestors in this territory had to face climate change, pollution, and inequality, and resist systems that prioritized short-term profit over people and the planet. We know it was hard to live what they lived through in 2026, and we always give thanks and remember their efforts as brave and generous.

We proudly remember the Climate Catalysts Movement every time we see the restored forests, green community spaces, and clean rivers that surround us. Thank you to them and to all of you because even though you will never meet those who will harvest the fruits of your efforts, you keep planting. Thank you for imagining us so many years ago.

I've been to the future and before returning, my message to you is: Every action matters. Protect nature, empower young people, and never underestimate the power of a community united around hope. The future is built by what you choose to do today.


Please log in or sign up to comment.