Share
Isabel Wijsen Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerIsabel Wijsen

Founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags

Isabel Wijsen is a 20-year-old Dutch-Indonesian activist currently working as a senior at Green School, Bali. She is the founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags, which she co-founded in 2013 at just 10 years old, alongside her 12-year-old sister, Melati. After discovering that less than 5% of plastic bags in... Read more

Watch Isabel Wijsen in action

Popular Talks by Isabel Wijsen

  • Youth
  • Plastic Pollution
  • Waste

Biography

Isabel Wijsen is a 20-year-old Dutch-Indonesian activist currently working as a senior at Green School, Bali. She is the founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags, which she co-founded in 2013 at just 10 years old, alongside her 12-year-old sister, Melati.

After discovering that less than 5% of plastic bags in Bali were being recycled, and Indonesia was the second largest plastic polluter in the world, Isabel and her sister decided to begin their campaign Bye Bye Plastic Bags with the help of other children in Bali. To gain more public attention, the campaign organized beach cleanups, distribution of alternative bags, and engaged with local communities, businesses, and government officials to promote the adoption of eco-friendly practises. They organised a 20,000-person beach cleanup in 2018, which collected 65 pounds of waste. The sisters also started a petition in 2015 which would eventually gather 100,000 signatures. After staging a dawn to dusk hunger strike, they were able to successfully arrange a meeting with Bali’s then governor, and as of June 23, 2019, the Balinese government officially enforced a ban on plastic bags, straws, and styrofoam. This campaign, advocating for the rejection of plastic bags, ultimately led to the first Indonesian province implementing the ban. Bye Bye Plastic Bags has now become a youth-driven NGO with 50+ global teams in over 40 countries. Isabel Wijsen’s achievements were recognised by her inclusion in the 30 Most Influential Teens by Time magazine in 2018.

Isabel Wijsen is also a cofounder of the Youthtopia movement, which focuses on empowering young people to contribute to positive societal reform. Through her leadership and advocacy, she has emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping a more sustainable and eco-conscious world.

Isabel is an accomplished storyteller. In 2017, she spoke at the United Nations, and continues to express her passion for talking in classrooms, helping to positively influence and encourage young people.

Isabel Wijsen is an inspiration and testament to the immense impact that young individuals can have on addressing global challenges. Her dedication to reducing plastic waste and raising awareness on environmental issues has not only transformed her local community in Bali but has also sparked a global movement, reminding us all of the power of youth-led activism.

Ready to invite Isabel Wijsen to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

How to book Isabel Wijsen as a keynote speaker

How do I book Isabel Wijsen for a keynote speech?

You can book Isabel Wijsen through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Isabel's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Isabel Wijsen's speaking fees?

Isabel Wijsen's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Isabel tailored to your event.

What topics does Isabel Wijsen speak about?

Isabel Wijsen speaks on Cities & Environment, Climate, Youthtopia. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Isabel to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Isabel Wijsen available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Isabel Wijsen for events worldwide, subject to Isabel's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Isabel Wijsen deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Isabel Wijsen is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Isabel Wijsen?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Isabel can accommodate.

Can Isabel Wijsen tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Isabel Wijsen on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Isabel can offer.

What languages does Isabel Wijsen present in?

Isabel Wijsen delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Isabel Wijsen a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Isabel Wijsen's areas of expertise include Cities & Environment, Climate, Youthtopia. To get a clear sense of Isabel's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Isabel Wijsen speak at?

Isabel Wijsen can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Cities & Environment, Climate, Youthtopia is relevant. Details of Isabel's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Isabel Wijsen offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Isabel Wijsen is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Isabel Wijsen?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Isabel Wijsen, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Isabel's current availability for your dates.