"Together for Blue and Green: Selma Bichbich’s Mission for a Sustainable Future"

Can you give us a brief overview of your project and how it addresses SDG 13?

Together for Blue and Green is a youth-led environmental NGO in Algeria dedicated to addressing climate challenges through education, advocacy, and innovation. Our initiatives focus on climate resilience, sustainability, and youth empowerment, aligning with SDG 13: Climate Action by fostering grassroots solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

One of our flagship programs, Youth-Led AI for Climate Resilience and Civic Engagement, exemplifies this commitment by integrating technology and policy advocacy to tackle pressing environmental issues. The project has engaged youth across North Africa, equipping them with AI-driven tools to analyze climate risks, propose solutions, and advocate for systemic change.

Through capacity-building workshops, policy dialogues, and grassroots activism, Together for Blue and Green empowers young changemakers to lead local and regional climate initiatives, ensuring that the voices of youth and vulnerable communities are included in decision-making processes. This approach contributes directly to SDG 13's targets, particularly in enhancing climate education, strengthening resilience, and advocating for stronger climate policies.

What inspired you to tackle climate change as part of your project?

Growing up in Algeria, I witnessed firsthand how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, from increasing desertification to devastating wildfires. However, what struck me most was the disconnect between awareness and action—many young people cared about the environment but lacked access to platforms, opportunities, and resources to engage meaningfully in climate action.

My journey in international climate discussions, from COP negotiations to regional youth assemblies, exposed me to global climate activism and policy-making. But I realized that North African youth, especially in Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, were often absent from these spaces. There was an urgent need to create a space where our voices could be heard and where youth could take ownership of climate solutions.

This inspired me to launch Together for Blue and Green, where we empower young people to turn climate knowledge into action. Whether through policy drafting, AI-driven projects, or local environmental initiatives, I believe that sustainable change starts at the grassroots level. We are not just advocating for climate action—we are taking it.

What specific goals did your project aim to achieve in relation to combating climate change?

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing Algeria and the broader North African region, with increasing desertification, wildfires, and water scarcity threatening both ecosystems and communities. Together for Blue and Green, a youth-led environmental NGO, was founded to bridge the gap between climate awareness and climate action by empowering young Algerians to take leadership in sustainability efforts.

Our project has three key goals: advocating for youth inclusion in climate policy, advancing sustainability through real-world solutions, and creating platforms for climate action. Through initiatives like Youth-Led AI for Climate Resilience and Civic Engagement, we equip young changemakers with the skills and tools needed to develop AI-driven solutions for environmental challenges. We also advocate for policy reforms that prioritize climate resilience and sustainability, ensuring that youth voices are represented at local, regional, and international levels.

Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. We focus on green and blue economy models, supporting youth-led projects in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and water conservation. Our campaigns also address issues such as food waste, plastic pollution, and responsible consumption, promoting a culture of sustainability among young Algerians.

Beyond advocacy, we take concrete action by creating platforms for engagement. Many young people in Algeria are passionate about the environment but lack structured opportunities to translate their concerns into impactful projects. Together for Blue and Green provides them with the resources, training, and networks to launch their own climate initiatives. Campaigns like #AlgeriaYouGotThis, launched during Algeria’s wildfires, mobilized global support from 80 countries, demonstrating the power of youth-led environmental action.

By empowering youth with knowledge, tools, and opportunities, Together for Blue and Green is ensuring that climate action in Algeria is not just a discussion but a movement. We are committed to turning awareness into action, fostering sustainability, and creating a future where young Algerians lead the fight against climate change.

How did your project contribute to raising awareness about climate change or reducing its impacts?

Our work is rooted in both education and action. Through Students' Climate Call, we have hosted two successful editions, bringing together young voices to discuss climate solutions, policy recommendations, and grassroots initiatives. The event has helped create a network of engaged students who are now advocating for stronger climate action in their communities.

Additionally, our Youth-Led AI for Climate Resilience and Civic Engagement summer program has equipped participants with technical and advocacy skills to address climate issues using AI-powered solutions. Through a series of workshops, Instagram live sessions, and training programs, we provide young people with insights on topics like climate finance, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and digital activism. These platforms have allowed youth to not only learn but also take action through local projects and campaigns.

Did your project focus on any particular aspect of climate change (e.g., mitigation, adaptation, education)? If so, could you explain this focus?

Yes. Our work covers education, adaptation, and advocacy. We recognize that awareness alone is not enough, youth need the skills and tools to develop real solutions. This is why our summer program focuses on adaptation strategies, equipping young participants with AI-driven approaches to tackle wildfires, water scarcity, and food security challenges in North Africa.

Through our NGO’s advocacy work, we also focus on policy engagement, ensuring that youth voices are represented in decision-making spaces. Whether it’s through the MENA Youth Environmental Assembly or our contributions to regional and global climate summits, we push for youth-driven solutions that address the real challenges our communities face.

What were some of the challenges you faced while implementing your project, particularly in addressing climate change, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been engaging Algerian youth in structured climate action. Many young people are passionate about the environment but lack the platforms or resources to take meaningful steps. To bridge this gap, Together for Blue and Green has focused on creating opportunities, whether through grants for youth-led projects, mentorship programs, or access to international climate networks.

Another challenge has been securing long-term funding for sustainability-focused projects. Many environmental initiatives struggle with financial support, which is why we actively seek partnerships with organizations like the EU, Anna Lindh Foundation, and Med Dialogue to sustain our work.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to empowering Algerian youth, advocating for sustainability, and taking action to combat climate change. Through continued engagement, education, and grassroots projects, we are turning awareness into impact, one initiative at a time.

Can you share any specific outcomes or impacts your project had in relation to SDG 13?

Together for Blue and Green has made significant strides in addressing SDG 13: Climate Action by engaging youth, fostering collaboration, and taking tangible action to combat climate change in Algeria. Through initiatives like the Students’ Climate Call Event, Youth-Led AI for Climate Resilience and Civic Engagement, and a series of workshops and online sessions, we have created a platform for young Algerians to actively participate in sustainability efforts and climate advocacy.

Our initiatives have had a direct impact on raising awareness and driving action. The Students’ Climate Call Event, held in collaboration with institutions like ENSSMAL and the U.S. Embassy in Algeria, has served as a national platform for discussions on climate challenges and solutions, bringing together youth, university professors, and experts. Through debates, solution-driven dialogues, and networking opportunities, this event has empowered young people to take an active role in climate policy discussions and sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, the Youth-Led AI for Climate Resilience and Civic Engagement summer program has provided youth with the technical and strategic tools to develop AI-powered climate solutions, particularly for wildfire monitoring, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation. This program has expanded across North Africa, proving that young people can use technology to drive climate action.

Beyond large-scale initiatives, we regularly conduct Instagram live sessions, webinars, and interactive workshops on topics such as climate justice, environmental sustainability, waste reduction, and policy engagement. These efforts have enabled us to reach a broader audience, educate youth on key climate issues, and encourage action-driven participation.

Did your project involve collaboration with other students, organizations, or community members? If yes, how did this collaboration enhance your project's effectiveness in combating climate change?

Collaboration has been key to our success. Together for Blue and Green has worked with local and international institutions, including the French Embassy, U.S. Embassy, Algerian Youth Ambassadors Foundation, Peace First, YOUNGO, and UNMGCY, to amplify the impact of our projects. By working with universities, NGOs, and youth-led initiatives, we have created a strong network of changemakers who are not only advocating for climate action but also implementing real-world solutions.

These collaborations have enhanced our effectiveness by:

-> Providing access to funding and technical support for projects like AI-driven environmental solutions.

-> Expanding our reach to new communities through offline and online workshops.

Strengthening our credibility and influencing policy discussions at regional and international levels.

What were some key lessons you learned from working on this project related to SDG 13?

Through our experience, we have learned that:

Awareness is important, but action is crucial; in fact, many young Algerians understand climate change but need structured platforms to turn knowledge into action.

Youth can lead change if given the right tools; a great example would be our AI climate program, which proved that technology and innovation can play a key role in adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Sustainability efforts require long-term commitment, and while we have made an impact, securing continuous funding and resources remains a challenge for grassroots organizations.

Collaboration strengthens impact through partnering with government entities, NGOs, and universities has allowed us to scale our initiatives and reach more communities.

Inclusivity and engagement are key; by ensuring that youth from different backgrounds and regions participate, we make climate action more accessible and representative of Algeria’s diverse environmental challenges.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to continue your efforts to combat climate change beyond the scope of your project, and what role do you see yourself playing in future climate action initiatives?

Looking ahead, Together for Blue and Green aims to deepen its impact by expanding initiatives that empower Algerian youth in climate action. We plan to scale projects like Youth-Led AI for Climate Resilience and Civic Engagement, ensuring that more young people have access to technology-driven solutions for climate adaptation. Additionally, we envision institutionalizing the Students’ Climate Call Event as a national platform where students, experts, and policymakers collaborate to develop actionable solutions for Algeria’s pressing environmental challenges, such as desertification and water scarcity.

Beyond structured projects, we seek to establish sustainability hubs across Algeria, creating localized spaces for youth to lead grassroots climate initiatives. These hubs will offer training, funding opportunities, and mentorship, enabling young changemakers to transform awareness into impactful actions. By integrating climate education with real-world implementation, we strive to embed sustainability into Algerian communities, ensuring that climate action is not just a movement but a long-term societal shift.

On a personal level, I see my role evolving into an advocate and enabler of youth-driven climate solutions in Algeria and the MENA region. I will continue working to bridge the gap between policy and grassroots activism, ensuring that young voices are not only heard but also drive meaningful climate decisions. The goal is to sustain the momentum of youth-led climate action, fostering a future where Algerian youth are at the forefront of environmental resilience and sustainability.