Ilona Mayerau-Lonné (she/her) is a 23-year-old student and youth advocate from New Caledonia. Within this biodiversity hotspot, the vibrant coral reefs and rich cultures have shaped her lifelong commitment for the Ocean.
Holding a Master’s degree in Communication, Media, and Creative Industries from Sciences Po Paris, coupled with a background in Economics and specialized training from Columbia University, Oxford, the University of Cape Town, HEC Paris, and the UNFCCC, Ilona bridges storytelling, geopolitical strategy, and emerging technology to tackle marine challenges. Her academic and professional journey reflects a core belief: innovation must serve both people and planet, whether through AI-driven climate solutions, marine ecosystem protection, sustainable finance mechanisms, or environmental diplomacy.
Her dedication extends far beyond academic and professional spheres. Since childhood, Ilona has followed Sea Shepherd’s campaigns, led beach clean-ups across New Caledonia’s coastlines, and championed youth activism. As an active Overseas Countries & Territories Youth Network (OCT-YN) member, she has consistently amplified Pacific voices in European and international policy arenas, engaging directly with EU Commissioners. Most recently, she represented New Caledonian youth at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, where she contributed to the Citizen of the Ocean Youth Manifesto.
Fluent in French and English, with working knowledge of Spanish, Russian, and Italian, Ilona is a passionate advocate for OCT perspectives, which are too often overlooked in global negotiations. As she joins the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, she aims to elevate islands’ voices, drive youth-led innovation, and forge stronger connections between communities and ocean conservation. For her, the Ocean is not just an ecosystem, it’s a living legacy that unites us all, regardless of where we live.