Manon is one of 17 inaugural members of the IUCN Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). The first of its kind, the YAC was launched in April 2024 to support the implementation of the IUCN Youth Strategy across the Union. The YAC is comprised of youth from across the globe, each bringing their own diverse experiences to support meaningful youth engagement in IUCN’s policies, processes and programmes. Get to know Manon and other YAC members as we introduce them.
Hi everyone, my name is Manon Bourhis! Since 2023, I have been working with the IUCN French Committee, supporting the team and participating in strategic meetings at the national and international levels.
From September 2021 to June 2022, I served as the Climate and Energy Coordinator at RESES. I represented youth at international climate negotiations as a YOUNGO delegate, participating in events such as Youth4Climate, COP26, and Subsidiary Body (SB) meetings. Before that, I interned at the office of Soraya Martinez Ferrada, a Member of the Canadian Parliament, from December 2020 to May 2021. During this time, I wrote environmental reports and policy briefs for Ms. Martinez Ferrada, facilitated youth groups to discuss policy issues, and engaged in urban agriculture and food security projects in her riding.
I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Montreal and a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Regulation from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Additionally, as a co-founder of l’Écothèque from 2019 to 2021, I organized educational events on global warming and created and managed a project on post-coronavirus life titled “Vision du Futur.” I have also authored articles analyzing the progress of international negotiations, provided training for students on international negotiations and energy and produced podcasts on sustainable living!
I am a passionate advocate for the environment and conservation with extensive experience both nationally and internationally, and I believe my dedication and skills make me a key player in the environmental field, committed to conservation and raising awareness of climate and energy issues.