Recognitions · Research · Voices
The work, the writing, and the people it lifted.
Global collaborations, published research by our co-founders, coverage of our approach, and stories from the changemakers we have walked alongside.
International representation
Two global platforms. One community-rooted mission.
17–28 August 2026 Mongolia · UNCCD COP17 ↗
Ijas H. and Jaseel C. K.
Represented Ignite as an accredited observer organisation in civil society meetings, plenary sessions and global conversations on land restoration.
1–4 September 2026 China · APCYS 5.0 ↗
Ijas H. and Naji Mahfood
Represented Ignite’s Cooperative Youth Collective, connecting Kerala’s grassroots changemakers with the wider cooperative movement across Asia and the Pacific.
August 2026Press release — APCYS 5.0 ↗
The Ignite Foundation is also a member of the UNCCD Youth Caucus, standing with young people worldwide on land, desertification and drought.
Recognitions
Where our work has been invited into global conversations.
Asia-Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit (APCYS 5.0)
Hangzhou, China
Ijas H. and Naji Mahfood represented The Ignite Foundation at the ICA Asia and Pacific summit. Our proposed Cooperative Youth Collective for Kerala’s social impact sector was selected among the Top 10 cooperative projects in the region.
Acceleration Week for Global Youth Development Programs
Shanghai & Wuhan, China
School for Social Transformation invited to participate in the programme on Volunteerism and Poverty Reduction, co-hosted by the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF) and UNICEF.
UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Mongolia
The Ignite Foundation is an accredited civil society observer organisation to the UNCCD. Co-founders Ijas H. and Jaseel C. K. represented the Foundation at COP17 in Mongolia.
Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN)
Asia-Pacific
Representatives attended the GYBN Asia-Pacific meet and collaborated on the School for Social Transformation.
UNESCO-APCEIU Leadership Workshop & Funding
South Korea
Supported by UNESCO-APCEIU on the Design Lab — translating Sustainable Development Goals to Malayalam; our representative attended the 6th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED.
Research
Published papers by our co-founders.
Experiential learning for environmental education: A case study of the School for Social Transformation by The Ignite Foundation ↗
Jaseel, C. K., Hakkim, I., & Mahfood, N. (2025)
Climate Educators Network, ASER & School of Policy and Governance
Environmental education among youth: A case study of The Gulmohar Foundation
Jaseel, C. K. (2024)
Madras Christian College, Chennai
Making environmental citizenship for a sustainable future
Jaseel, C. K. (2023)
RMP Institute & Ministry of Environment, Government of India
Enabling hyper-local leaders for climate action: A case study of The Ignite Foundation
Jaseel, C. K., IJAS Hakkim & Mahfood, N. (2025)
Madras Christian College & Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development
Voices
Hyper-local problem solvers.
Sivabalan
Bangalore · SST 1st edition alum
A law graduate and artist, Siva founded Micha Meedhi in 2023 — a social enterprise repurposing urban scrap into functional, artistic products. Beyond products, it hosts workshops that use upcycling to teach sustainability and design thinking.
Vishnumaya
Kannur · SST 7th edition alum
When the ecological future of Muthappan Mala became uncertain, Vishnumaya initiated a grassroots awareness campaign — notices, school engagement sessions and community discussions on biodiversity and natural disasters.
M Niyas
Muthukad · 10 km from Changemakers Ashram
A student at Digital University Kerala, Niyas stepped into an auditing role in the Vana Samrakshana Samithi under Peruvannamuzhi Reserve. His project strengthens transparency, community participation and youth engagement in local forest governance.
Irshad
Balussery · SST 9th edition alum
Irshad’s project envisions a community-based emotional space where elders gather for emotional circles, art, storytelling and digital literacy. Through ‘Meet the Grandparents’ sessions, his model rebuilds intergenerational bonds.
Important links
Reports, videos & compliance.
SST on Climate Action — Impact Report ↗
Short Video on School for Social Transformation ↗
Climate Summit '24 — Day 1 ↗
Climate Summit '24 — Day 2 ↗
December 202522 community action projects across Kerala (PDF) ↗
Initiatives led by participants of the 8th and 9th editions of the School for Social Transformation, supported by the Azim Premji Foundation.