Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Born in Colombia and raised in the triple-border region, Joyce grew up immersed in the natural and cultural diversity of the Paraná River Basin and the Guarani Aquifer, one of the world’s largest reservoirs of fresh potable water. Surrounded by the Atlantic Forest’s breathtaking biodiversity, she developed a profound connection to the environment early on.

Her journey, however, did not begin underground in the water systems but far above, as an amateur astronomer. During her high school years, she studied exoplanet habitability, exploring what makes planets capable of supporting life. But it was the uniqueness of Earth—its fragile yet dynamic systems—that ultimately captivated her.

“Understanding the unparalleled nature of our planet,” Joyce recalls, “made me realize the urgency of addressing the threats to its stability caused by our anthropocentric paradigm. That realization set me on a path to be a catalyst for transformation.”

Joyce is deeply passionate about fostering cross-border cooperation through the water-energy-food nexus. She views water not as a source of conflict but as a tool for cooperation, advocating for “hydro-diplomacy” as a means to unify communities and resolve tensions in regions impacted by water-related disputes.

Her work has been rooted in empowering youth to become the architects of this cooperation. In 2016, she co-founded the Youth Collective of the Paraná Basin #3, a binational platform that mobilizes youth from 25 cities affected by disputes surrounding the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the world. By nurturing local leadership and fostering civic engagement, the initiative has turned conflict into collaboration.

“Young people are catalysts for change,” Joyce says. “Working with them means investing in the present and unlocking the potential for a new civilizational paradigm.”

Joyce’s belief in the power of education and engagement has driven her to co-found several impactful organizations across Latin America. In 2015, she helped launch the Moema Viezzer Environmental Educative Observatory, which works to strengthen community engagement in biodiversity conservation and climate action. Its achievements include the Foz do Iguaçu Municipal Plan for the Atlantic Forest, a critical initiative to preserve the region’s ecosystems.

In 2018, she co-founded the Paraguayan Youth for Water Network, empowering young professionals to lead projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water). The network has mobilized youth across Paraguay through national forums and capacity-building programs, bridging gaps between policy and local action.

As a young woman navigating male-dominated decision-making spaces in Latin America, Joyce has faced challenges of representation and recognition.

“Too often, women are invited to participate to fulfill diversity checklists,” she explains. “This stigmatization overlooks the incredible contributions women make in their communities.”

Rather than let these challenges define her, Joyce has embraced them as opportunities to create change. She advocates for mentorship as a key strategy for empowering women in leadership, emphasizing that collective intelligence and empathy are invaluable traits women bring to decision-making.

“I’ve found that women’s ability to think from multiple perspectives enables more effective management and innovative solutions,” she says.

One of Joyce’s defining missions is her advocacy for indigenous peoples, ensuring their voices are integral to conversations about climate change and resource management. She sees indigenous knowledge not only as a cultural treasure but as a critical asset for achieving sustainable development.

Her work extends to fostering international cooperation through her role in global initiatives like the BRICS Youth Energy Agency. As a strong advocate for strengthening ties among emerging economies, Joyce has been instrumental in shaping youth-focused programs that address the challenges of energy transition and sustainability.

Additionally, Joyce is a participant in Rosatom's Impact Team 2050, an international youth program aimed at fostering dialogue and innovation around global sustainability challenges. Her involvement underscores her commitment to collaboration and leveraging diverse perspectives to build a sustainable future.

“Energy transitions must be inclusive,” Joyce asserts. “We cannot achieve global sustainability without integrating the voices of indigenous communities and young leaders who understand the realities on the ground.”

In 2023, Joyce was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as a Youth Advisor on Climate Change. Representing her region on a global platform, she has emphasized the importance of migrant and youth voices in shaping sustainable solutions.

Her vision for the future is grounded in collaboration and transparency. “We must encourage dialogue across cultures, ages, and economic backgrounds,” she asserts. “Only through intentional conversation can we find convergence points to address shared challenges.”

For Joyce, this work is not about temporary achievements but a lifelong commitment to building resilient systems. “I won’t always be a young person,” she reflects, “but I’ve created platforms that ensure the next generation has the tools to continue this work.”

Joyce Mendez’s story is a reminder that the challenges of today require solutions rooted in collaboration, education, and hope. From empowering youth in the Paraná Basin to advocating for global environmental justice, her work exemplifies the transformative power of collective action.

As the climate emergency intensifies, Joyce’s message resonates with urgency and possibility: “We cannot simply observe the changes happening around us; we must engage and advocate for our communities. The future depends on what we do now.”

Her vision for a better world—where water becomes a tool for peace, where youth are leaders, and where women play pivotal roles in shaping the future—serves as an inspiration for us all. Joyce reminds us that change begins when we step forward with courage, armed with knowledge, and driven by the conviction that a better future is possible.