‘Make Earth Cool Again’ — 16 films by young Maldivians about climate change are on show at the Netherlands pavilion from 1 August to 1 September 2025.
In 2021, The One Minutes Jr. traveled to Malé, the capital and to Kulhuduffushi in the north for two workshops on climate change with young people, in collaboration with UNICEF for COP26. Over five days, participants learned camera and directing skills, storytelling, teamwork, and creative thinking. Each created a One Minute video expressing their personal perspective on climate change.
Aiham Abdul Rahman asks if climate resilience is possible without renewable energy like solar power. Kamilah warns the Maldives could be uninhabitable by 2050. Aishath Zeeba Hamid urges: Let’s not wait until it’s too late. These films amplify youth voices to inspire urgent climate action worldwide.
Watch ‘Make Earth Cool Again’
Participating Artists: Adam Haisham, Ahmed Naish, Aiham Abdul Rahman, Aishath Amani, Aishath Mauva Mohamed, Aishath Najdha Ali, Aishath Zeeba Hamid, Aishath Zunaam Rashid, Ajzal Ahmed Ali, Alyan Ahmed, Aminath Eanas Ahmed, Fathimath Aik Mohamed, Fathimath Maya Abdul Muhaimin, Ibrahim Samooh Ali, Mariyam Reena Ahmed, Mohamed Shafy Abdul Salaam
Workshop Trainers: Lyubov Matyunina, misha de ridder, Wouter Stroet
Director: Julia van Mourik
Collaborator: UNICEF Maldives
Worldwide, several dozen small island states – including Tuvalu, Fiji, the Seychelles, Barbados, Mauritius, the Maldives – are on the frontline of climate change. The Maldives is the lowest lying country in the world. With only 1% land and 99% water, it is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels that threaten to displace its population in the near future. It is vital for young people to share their stories to inspire climate action among peers and leaders.
This summer, Osaka, Kansai, Japan will host the World Expo 2025: a global event where more than 160 countries and organisations are brought together for cultural exchange and cooperation. From 1 August to 1 September, 2025 the Netherlands pavilion will present Ways of Learning: cultural educational methods and projects that uplift individuals by appreciating and challenging their own creativity, knowledge, and skills. They enable collaborative, inclusive, and practice-based forms of learning.