Social Entrepreneur and Climate Activist

Ela Gokcigdem is a Turkish American ocean finance researcher and youth advocate passionate about protecting our oceans. After presenting at the 2023 BUEI Youth Climate Summit, she launched Young Leaders in Ocean Governance in Bermuda, creating hands-on opportunities for local youth and early-career leaders to learn about ocean economics, governance, and funding coastal conservation. She recently earned her master’s degree in international and development studies from the Geneva Graduate Institute, focusing her research on finding creative ways to fund marine protection. Ela is thrilled to return to the BUEI Youth Climate Summit to support, inspire, and connect with young leaders taking bold action for our blue planet.