Given how serious and pressing our global problems are and how paralyzed our planet’s leaders seem to be, nothing is more important than mobilizing the next generation of rising leaders to finally address the challenge. Jess Rimington is just such an extraordinary young leader. She is dedicated to education equity and international grassroots collaboration as vehicles for global sustainable development. An activist since middle school, six years ago, at age 18, Jess Rimington founded One World Youth Project, which connects schools worldwide to transform students into empowered, discerning and empathetic global citizens. Introduction by Anisha Desai, Director of New Leaders Initiative at Earth Island Institute.

This speech was given at the 2010 Bioneers National Conference.