Frequently Asked Questions

The Trident is a youth-led, cross-continental sailing journey to COP30 in Brazil—an odyssey for action, collaboration, and climate innovation. This isn't just another climate gathering; it's a vibrant intersection of cultures, ideas, and solutions aboard three sailing vessels powered by vision, courage, and collective responsibility.

Our crew—the "Tridents"—are changemakers from diverse corners of the globe, representing communities often left out of critical dialogues. Together, we're sailing beyond traditional boundaries to deliver fresh perspectives, bold climate solutions, and authentic stories from the frontline, directly into the heart of global negotiations.

Forget standard conferences or petitions—we're navigating ocean miles as a powerful metaphor for bridging climate ambition and tangible results, making every wave count toward real, measurable action.

"Marking 20 years since the Kyoto Protocol came into effect and 10 years since the Paris Agreement was signed. These milestones represent critical turning points in global climate policy—but commitments alone won't save our planet. Now is the time to transition from promises to concrete action.

The trident 20+10 symbolizes our commitment to transforming global goals into genuine, measurable progress. It's not just a reminder of promises made, but a powerful call-to-action: the next decade defines our planet's fate, and we're literally sailing towards the solutions we urgently need.

We sail because climate action needs more than words—it needs visibility, leadership, and courage in motion. Sailing embodies sustainability, resilience, and the courage required to tackle the challenges ahead. Each mile at sea represents our collective commitment to responsible innovation, resilience, and authentic climate action.

Sailing also unites. On board, cultures blend, ideas flow freely, and solutions are crafted by those whose voices are often drowned out by louder tides. By sailing, we symbolize our collective journey toward an inclusive, just, and sustainable future.

Our crew, known as The Tridents, represents a carefully chosen group of passionate young changemakers, advocates, scientists, entrepreneurs, and storytellers. Each member brings unique experiences from diverse communities worldwide—many facing immediate climate threats.

The Tridents aren't here to protest; they're here to propose. They share powerful insights, practical solutions, and authentic experiences directly with global leaders, media, and stakeholders. By funding The Tridents, you're amplifying genuine voices, investing in youth empowerment, and unlocking the immense potential of collaborative innovation.

The Avocado Framework is our structured approach to turning global climate promises into actionable solutions. Built on three strategic pillars—the Trident of climate action:

  • Nature-Based Solutions – Harnessing ecosystems to build climate resilience.
  • Clean & Just Energy Transition – Promoting equitable access to renewable energy.
  • Loss & Damage Fund – Ensuring frontline communities have the resources to recover and thrive.

By supporting the Avocado Framework, partners align their resources, reputation, and expertise with meaningful, measurable, and community-driven climate impact.

"Who manages logistics and safety?"
A professional, experienced sailing and logistics team oversees safety, logistics, and training. Each crew member undergoes rigorous selection, training, and preparation to ensure a safe, impactful journey.

Because waiting isn't an option. Because promises must become actions. Because youth leadership must translate into policy influence. The climate crisis is urgent, but so is the opportunity: be part of something historic.

Join us as we sail beyond promises—transforming global ambition into real-world impact. Together, we can chart a better course for our planet.

Project Launch

Ship acquisition phase begins

Preparation Phase

Ships secured and crew preparations

Journey Begins

Departure from European ports

COP30 Arrival

Reaching Brazil for the conference

The original plan: an Atlantic crossing

Track our route from Lisbon to Belém for COP30

Route Details

  • Distance: 4,800 nautical miles
  • Duration: Approximately 45 days
  • Departure: Lisbon, Portugal
  • Arrival: BelĂ©m, Brazil

Key Waypoints

  • Lisbon, Portugal
  • Madeira
  • Canary Islands
  • Cape Verde
  • Equator Crossing
  • BelĂ©m, Brazil

Vessel Information

  • Name: Ocean Advocate
  • Type: Sustainable Catamaran
  • Length: 24 meters
  • Propulsion: Solar & Wind Hybrid

The Trident Avocado Framework

Clean Energy Transition

Nature-Based Solutions

Loss & Damage Fund

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THE TRIDENTS đź”±

The passionate individuals driving our mission forward

Agustin Ocana

Agustin Ocaña

Solucionist & Founder Director

"GYC began as an impossible dream—planting a 3-meter tree of hope inside the heart of global negotiations at COP27. Three years later, we return not with a symbol, but with the wind itself at our back. What once stood as an inert figure of leaves now breathes through us, as movement, as mission. The Avocado Framework is no longer a concept—it is a current, guiding us across oceans and through systems. This voyage is not protest, but prophecy. A call to global leaders: walk with us, or be left behind. We are not arriving. We are already here. A collective of changemakers, aligned with the pulse of the Earth and the voices of millions. This is the journey that hope has been waiting for."

Marie Claire Graf

Marie-Claire Graf

Policy & Ship Logistics

""As we sail in rough waters, we must adjust not only our sails but also our crew. Intergenerational leadership is essential—when young people are enabled to take the helm in diplomacy and decision-making, we catch the winds of innovation. Only together can we navigate the stormy seas of environmental justice and set a steady course for meaningful and lasting change. "

Ella Matsdotter

Ella Matsdotter

Assistant Director & Logistics Lead

"Having lived in five different countries, I've learned that stories shape the way we understand the world. Climate change is more than numbers and policies—it's lived experiences, it's resilience, and it's action. This journey is about documenting those stories in real time, bringing the Atlantic crossing to the world, and making sure all the voices we take with us on our journey reach the decision-makers at COP30."

Marco Yáñez

Marco Yáñez

Climate Change Negotiator

"Discussing our future at the United Nations changed my perspective of the planet that we live on. The Ocean needs a voice, and for COP30 we will navigate to be that voice."

Kathleen Arthur

Kathleen Arthur

Brand Partnerships

"I've spent my time over the years trying to translate theory into practice. Finally that chance fell into my lap with GYC. Being a member of an International Community, born out of the Country Sides of Hong Kong, it's become more apparent that if we redirect even a fraction of our attention to our current global climate status, this means we are ALREADY ENROUTE to self awareness and development across all aspects of our lives. 1% better a day for 365 days is 365% better than the day we began this journey. For our children. Let life's reality inform your daily decisions."

Amalie Eikeland Holmefjord

Amalie Eikeland Holmefjord

Lead Norway Engagement

"I have been following COP as a youth delegate for Norway for the last two years, and in the midst of all that happens (and not happens) at a COP, the young people I have met, who have started incredible initiatives all over the world, is what gives me hope for the future. OMW20+10 will bring this hope to COP30."

Michael Chan

Michael Chan

Strategic Advisor

"Lifelong ocean-lover and Marine Biologist turned entrepreneur. Surfer & kitesurfer who believes with a passion in pursuing ocean-going skills. Michael promotes surf culture as a platform for professional self-development and to cultivate a profound understanding of the ocean for change."

Valeria Ocaña

Valeria Ocaña

Digital Marketing Expert

"There is nothing more powerful than disconnecting in the sea. Nature has helped me reconnect with myself, and that connection has driven me to empower creators around the world to make a difference in digital media. The Global Youth Coalition has been an inspiring platform that allows me to use my skills to take care of Mother Earth. There is nothing more meaningful than aligning what you do best with what you love most. Let's come together as a community of planet lovers and create real impact—because the world needs it now more than ever."

Irene Delfanti

Irene Delfanti

GYC Champ & Project Designer

"I grew up seeing water coming and going every year, crystallized in the white snow of the Alps. When I look out of my window now, I know that landscape has an expiry date and that that water is going to the ocean faster than ever. I am sailing to ride hee same current, organizing with the people I know have my same vision. We are not going to stand on the side and watch our world disappear, the time of nature is already here."

Carlos Shanka

Carlos Shanka

CoFounder GYC & Young Scientist

"Carlos Shanka is a Spanish-Senegalese environmental expert from the Canary Islands, Spain. His sustainability efforts at the University of Bristol, representing 29K students, earned him awards, including the most prestigious recognition in higher education in the UK and Ireland, the Sustainability Champion Green Gown Award. After interning at the UNDP, empowering youth and doing research on Nature-based Solutions, he founded Global Shapers Las Palmas, a pioneering youth hub in the Canary Islands, addressing local challenges by empowering and reuniting local talented youngsters. Conducting environmental research as a UNESCO Young Scientist, he is pursuing an MA in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies, the University of Sussex. He is an active member of different environmental organisations like UNFCCC's YOUNGO, or UNEP's CYMG, among others."

Our main supporter: the Union of Nature

The Trident was made possible by the Union of Nature Foundation (UON), our main supporter for this expedition. UON is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that brings nature-protection organisations together around one goal: protecting half the planet by 2050. Through UON.Earth, anyone can protect nature square metre by square metre, with geocoded proof of protection. During COP30, the boat became a shared base for GYC and UON in Belém.

What the partnership left behind

  • Yachana Foundation joins UON. Through the work of GYC founder AgustĂ­n Ocaña, UON accepted Ecuador's Yachana Foundation into its network. Yachana has worked in the Ecuadorian Amazon since 1991, combining rainforest conservation with education for Indigenous and mestizo youth.
  • More than 1,000 m² protected with students. A project with Colegio Johannes Kepler in Quito, Ecuador, led personally by AgustĂ­n, already protects more than 1,000 m² through UON.Earth.
Visit UON.Earth

Get Involved

Volunteer

Your Impact

Help organize climate actions and support our mission across continents

  • Lead local initiatives
  • Digital campaign support
  • Event coordination
  • Content creation

Partner

Your Impact

Enable sustainable solutions through strategic collaboration

  • Technical expertise
  • Resource sharing
  • Knowledge exchange
  • Network amplification

Press & Media

Media Contact

For press inquiries and interview requests:

Speerstrasse 36, 8038 Zurich, Switzerland

takeaction@theglobalyouth.co +41 77 807 10 68