STORY
The Story
"This is a defining era for us, with so much to do, but even more to gain."
At just 16, Aliza Ayaz wrote a paper on Pakistan’s water crisis that was picked up by the United Nations. It wasn’t a school project—it was the spark that launched an international journey bridging diplomacy, climate science, and activism.
Raised between cultures, Aliza opted to study in the UK to pursue health sciences at UCL, but quickly realized her mission couldn’t wait for graduation. Disturbed by the link between rising air pollution and mental illness in cities like London and Karachi, she founded the Climate Action Society—a student-led movement that would go on to influence UK-wide youth engagement and policy on sustainability. By 20, she had helped shape the UK’s Kickstart and Green Homes Grant schemes, presented at the UN, and catalyzed the parliamentary declaration of a climate emergency.
Her approach is bold, interdisciplinary, and deeply personal. Aliza doesn’t just advocate for change—she helps design it. She has developed sustainability strategies for governments, universities, and even the Cannes Film Festival, where she was the youngest and only British-Pakistani speaker at the Marché du Film.
Today, Aliza is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and Executive Director of CAS. She has judged prestigious awards like the Pinnacle Awards and spoken at over 300 events globally—from TEDx and The Economist’s Sustainability Week to medical summits, school assemblies, and corporate ESG roundtables.
In 2024, she became the youngest recipient of the Professional Leadership in Banking & Finance Award at the House of Lords.
Her story has been featured by BBC, CNN, Vogue, Forbes, GQ, and Sky News, and her leadership continues to inspire a generation navigating climate anxiety, health inequality, and global uncertainty.
“The climate crisis is overwhelming—but so was every fight for justice in history. I believe in action that includes everyone, from boardrooms to classrooms.”
Aliza currently splits her time between advising businesses, mentoring students, and leading conversations that connect sustainability with health, equity, and innovation.
Follow her media handles to find out what she's currently up to.
TV: Featured on BBC, CNBC, Sky News, CNN. Magazines: Covers for BossWomen, BeBeautiful, featured in DIVA, The Independent, VogueArabia, Social Diary, Zett German Publication.
"We can empower the next generation to influence change by seeing them and listening to them"