Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner

Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner is a Marshallese poet, educator, and environmental activist who received global notoriety for her speech and performance at the 2014 UN Climate Summit. At the summit, she received a standing ovation from world leaders after performing her poem “Dear Matafele Peinem.” The poem, addressed to her daughter, serves as a moving call to action to protect island nations, like the Marshall Islands, which are greatly impacted by climate change and are the most at risk for further environmental destruction. In 2017, Jetnil-Kijiner published her first book, Iep Jaltok: Poems from a Marshallese Daughter. This collection of poems provides insight into the daily life and traditions of the Marshallese people who live in the ever-present threat of climate change.

In addition to her writing, Kathy is one of the co-founders of Jo-Jikum, a non-profit that encourages Marshallese youth participation in combating climate change. Through her work with Jo-Jikum, Jetn̄il-Kijiner remains dedicated to creating and sharing solutions to protect the Marshall Islands from looming environmental threats.