About Ellyanne
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun-Githae is a Kenyan leader, researcher and author who started planting trees at four years old to tackle drought and food insecurity — and has since taken that same solutions-first approach to the boardrooms and assemblies where the future is decided.
Inspired by Nobel Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai, she works through peace and diplomacy rather than protest, engaging presidents, CEOs and policymakers while equipping children and young people to take direct action. Today her focus is on preparing young people for an economy being reshaped by AI.
What I do
Researching how AI will change economies, classrooms and jobs — and training young Africans in practical AI skills so they are ready for it.
Research & papersMore than a decade of tree planting and mangrove restoration with schools and coastal communities to counter drought and protect livelihoods.
Her journeyAs a Zero Malaria Ambassador alongside David Beckham, she highlights how floods and heat drive malaria — from COP28 in Dubai to affected communities in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
In the newsLeading children to the table — from presenting a declaration to President Macron to organising the first-ever child-led Global Children's Climate Summit.
MilestonesResearch & publications
AI is set to add $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030 and create 97 million jobs while optimising renewable energy. But its energy-hungry infrastructure — 945 TWh of demand and $6.7 trillion in investment — raises hard questions about sustainability and inequality.
Chlystun-Githae, Ellyanne. “Reflections on AI, Energy, and the Economy: A Youth Perspective”. Zenodo, September 23, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17185368
Children's book · Environment
Children's book · Environment
Children's book · Environment
2023 · Presented to the World Bank, 2024
The journey so far
2015Aged four, a kindergarten project on heroes leads her to Wangari Maathai — and to planting her first trees to fight drought.
2018Honoured as one of Kenya's heroes on Mashujaa Day, alongside marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge.
2019 – 2020Eco-Warrior Award and youngest Rotary Paul Harris Fellow; appointed to the task force that restored Nairobi's Michuki Memorial Park.
Presents the Children's Declaration to President Macron, leads 17 children to host the first child-led Global Children's Climate Summit, and speaks at COP28 as a Zero Malaria Ambassador.
2024Keynote youth speaker at UNGA79, the UN Global Compact CEO Breakfast and UNICEF's Future Youth Employment Forum. Promoted to Cadet Corporal.
2025Moderates the AI session with Strive Masiyiwa, joins UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed on the Diamond Session and publishes new AI research.
Recognition
News & media
At the UN General Assembly, Ellyanne moderated a session on artificial intelligence with the founder of Econet, who is building AI data centres across Africa.
Watch on LinkedInEllyanne joined the high-level Diamond Session panel as a speaker, bringing a youth perspective to the conversation.
Watch on YouTubeThe BBC follows Ellyanne's journey from her first seedling at four to influencing policymakers on drought, food security and climate.
Read on BBCAs featured in
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