Driving Change for Climate and Liberty - Meet Ishenesu Madembo

My name is Isheunesu Madembo, and I’m from Harare, Zimbabwe. I am deeply passionate about addressing climate change and promoting liberty—two causes I believe are fundamental to creating a sustainable and just world. My focus includes tackling plastic pollution, advocating for sustainable urban planning, and supporting freedom of speech and democratic governance in Zimbabwe. These passions were strengthened during my SUSI experience one year ago, which broadened my understanding of these issues on a global scale.

Through SUSI, I learned the importance of intersectionality in tackling global challenges. For example, I explored how climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities and how promoting liberty can support climate action. The program also equipped me with skills in cross-cultural communication, policy analysis, project management, and advocacy, which I’ve put to great use in my work.

Before SUSI, my perspective on climate change was largely local. The program showed me how interconnected these issues are globally—how actions in one country ripple across the world. It also deepened my understanding of liberty, helping me appreciate the diverse ways it is interpreted and applied across cultures. Personally, SUSI boosted my confidence in public speaking and cross-cultural collaboration, making me more open-minded and adaptable.

Since completing SUSI, I’ve used the skills I gained to make tangible progress toward my goals. I’ve built a coalition of young climate activists across countries to lead awareness campaigns on sustainable environmental practices. I’ve applied digital advocacy tools introduced during the program to support coalitions working to reduce violence against women. And I’ve recruited more young activists to get involved, significantly increasing engagement in my projects. Leadership training has been invaluable in my role as National Coordinator at Students for Liberty, where I organized Zimbabwe's first-ever John Galt School, focusing on liberty education.

SUSI gave me the tools, networks, and confidence to keep driving change for a better, more just world.

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Global Student Leaders are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and implemented in partnership with Meridian International Center.