Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts

Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts is a 17-year-old climate and children’s rights activist from Belgium, whose work has gained international recognition for highlighting the devastating human toll of the climate crisis. In 2021, after nearly losing his own life while attempting to save his friend Rosa during the catastrophic floods that devastated Belgium and Germany—resulting in a tragic total of 220 fatalities—Benjamin founded the Climate Justice for Rosa campaign in her memory.

As a speaker at global summits such as COP27 and COP28, Benjamin consistently emphasises the urgent need for climate action to protect the children of today and tomorrow. He successfully lobbied for the creation of the annual EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis. As an EU Climate Pact Ambassador and climate advisor to the Child Rights International Network, Benjamin aims to amplify the voices of young people directly affected by climate change.

In addition to his advocacy work, Benjamin is also involved in climate litigation. He is a plaintiff in the TotalCriminal case, which seeks to hold leaders and stakeholders in the fossil fuel industry accountable for their role in the climate crisis. Through his activism, Benjamin not only raises awareness but actively pushes for policy changes that put children at the centre of climate discussions, recognising that their rights and futures are at stake."