Vaishnavi Verma is a climate advocate, policy researcher, and aspiring environmental economist focused on climate finance, public policy, and youth engagement. She is the Founder & President of Climate Cadets Collective (C³), a global youth-led initiative advancing SDG 13 through research, education, and regional forums. Vaishnavi has interned with NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance, gaining valuable experience in policy evaluation and fiscal frameworks.

She is currently pursuing the Indian Army’s inaugural internship at the Directorate General of Financial Planning, where she engaged with senior officers and visited military headquarters to understand defense budgeting and governance. She is a 2024 Millennium Fellow, an OMLAS Fellow, and currently part of the Global Shapers Fellowship Program. Vaishnavi’s work centers on climate finance, governance, and youth-driven policy solutions, complementing her academic research and leadership in environmental economics.

OMLAS Experience: “Being part of the OMLAS sessions was truly inspiring. Listening to women from Pakistan, Nepal, and especially Afghanistan share their experiences, challenges, and determination was deeply motivating. It reminded me why cross-border dialogue and youth leadership are so important. Building on my previous engagements through Climate Cadets Collective, this experience strengthened my belief in the power of collaboration and empathy across regions. Each session felt like a step toward shared progress, where stories of resilience turned into collective hope for South Asia’s future.”