On May 7, 2025, the Human Rights and Humanitarian Forum convened at UCLA under the theme “At the Crossroads: Driving Integrated Action for a Resilient Future.” Among the standout events of the Forum, co-hosted by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA Law, was the session “Rising Generation: Young Activists Redefining Justice and Humanitarian Action.”
Designed in a TED-style format, the session spotlighted young changemakers who are actively reshaping the future of human rights, humanitarian response, and climate justice. From dismantling harmful social norms to developing innovative grassroots solutions and mobilizing legal systems, their work exemplifies the courage and creativity of a generation refusing to accept the status quo.
Hadiqa Bashir, Aurora Luminary and Founder & Executive Director of Girls United for Human Rights, shared her journey from a child bride-to-be in Pakistan’s Swat Valley to a fearless activist fighting harmful traditions like Swara and child marriage. She recounted the moment her friend, married off at a young age, returned to school bruised and silent, sparking a lifelong commitment to justice. Defying her own arranged marriage at age 11 with the support of a family member, Ms. Bashir chose activism over submission, eventually founding Girls United for Human Rights at just 13. Today, her organization educates families, collaborates with religious leaders and lawmakers, and empowers girls through education and innovation in STEM and climate initiatives. “Girls deserve a childhood, not chains. They deserve to dream, they deserve to speak, they deserve freedom,” said Ms. Bashir.
Ana Giménez Pozzoli, Aurora Luminary and Co-Founder of the Center for Integral Crisis Management (CEGIC), Cuenca Experience, and Ducha de Sol, shared her deeply personal journey of volunteerism, which runs in the family and began with her parents’ work in an orphanage. Inspired by powerful encounters—like one with Andrés, a young man experiencing homelessness who couldn’t finish school due to lack of basic resources—Ana has committed her life to social and climate justice. She co-founded CEGIC, a center focused on creating replicable solutions for crisis-affected communities lacking infrastructure. Drawing inspiration from the Andean condor of her native Argentina, she emphasized the power of collective strength, the importance of returning to one’s community, and the need to co-create sustainable change. “I invite you to join us in revolutionizing what hurts us—not through hatred, fear, or confrontation, of which the world already has plenty, but together; to revolutionize with tenderness, like Pope Francis has reminded us,” noted Ms. Giménez Pozzoli.
In her talk, Ayisha Siddiqa, J.D. Candidate at UCLA School of Law, Climate Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General (2023–2025), and Founder and Executive Director of Future Generations Tribunal, shared a story of early Indigenous leaders drawing leadership lessons from the natural world, learning to govern through balance and protection of future generations. Inspired by this, she helped create the Future Generations Tribunal to give legal and ethical weight to climate crisis testimonies from impacted communities worldwide. “I have witnessed firsthand the profound impacts of the environmental crisis. And I am scared. Scared of what is to come for the children of my tribe and the people around the world,” said Ms. Siddiqa. “That is why my colleagues from across the globe and I have taken it upon ourselves to set the rules for the future, because we don’t have time to keep asking for it to be considered.”
This session served as a powerful reminder that the rising generation is not only demanding change but is leading it.