Social Entrepreneur, Climate Activist, & UN Advisor

Recognized by

Speaking

Hikaru Wakeel Hayakawa is a Caribbean and Japanese American social entrepreneur and climate activist.

He is the Executive Director and a founding director of Climate Cardinals, one of the world’s largest youth-led climate organizations, mobilizing 16,000 volunteers across 134 countries. He developed its signature translation program in partnership with Translators Without Borders and Google Cloud. In 2023, Climate Cardinals became one of the first youth-led organizations to secure six-figure funding from Google’s philanthropic arm.

Hayakawa represents Climate Cardinals on UNESCO’s Youth Climate Action Network Steering Committee and has spoken at events hosted by Harvard, Columbia, Google, and the United Nations.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Grist, and Teen Vogue.

Rooted in Purpose, Driven by Impact

Shaped by his roots and driven by a vision for a more equitable future, Hikaru is the Executive Director of Climate Cardinals, one of the world’s largest youth-led climate organizations, and a trusted advisor to the UN.

His mission is to cultivate hope, empower the next generation, and build a sustainable future for all.

Mobilizing 16,000 volunteers across 134 countries

Hikaru developed Climate Cardinals’ signature translation program in partnership with Translators Without Borders and Google Cloud.

In 2023, Climate Cardinals became one of the first youth-led organizations to secure six-figure funding from Google’s philanthropic arm.

Be a part of the change and support Climate Cardinals.

Featured Collaborators

  • Google

  • Clinton Global Initiative

  • Smithsonian

  • UNESCO

  • Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Nation

  • UN Environment Programme

For Hikaru, this work is more than a career—it’s a mission to build a better world.