About Us
The Bed Exchange Platform is an initiative by Klimadelegation e.V. and Fridays for Future Bonn designed to support young climate activists, especially those from disadvantaged regions, in attending the Bonn Climate Change Conference by organising a cost-free bed exchange between locals from Bonn and young activists. Climate conferences of the UNFCCC play a pivotal role in shaping global climate policies. However, gaining access to these conferences is an ongoing challenge, particularly for the youth from the Global South. With the UNFCCC having its secretariat in Bonn and conferences annually in Bonn, the Bed Exchange Platform aims at supporting young climate activists in attending the Bonn Climate Change Conferences by providing cost-free accommodation solutions.
Our Mission
Our mission is two-fold:
Facilitating Access to SB60:
Climate conferences like SB60 pose significant financial challenges for young activists, particularly those from the Global South. High visa costs, travel expenses, and accommodation fees often present insurmountable barriers. The Bed Exchange Platform aims to address this issue by connecting young climate activists with generous local hosts willing to offer free lodging. By doing so, we enable these experts in sustainable development to actively engage with the conference's objectives and to fight for climate justice.
Fostering Intercultural Exchange:
Beyond offering accommodation, our platform strives to foster intercultural dialogues between young climate activists from the Global South and the Bonn community. These interactions revolve around themes of climate justice as well as intercultural differences and similarities. Through shared experiences and discussions, we aim to strengthen global commitment to tackling climate change and its consequences.
Our Journey
This project originated from humble beginnings. In 2022, we launched the Bed Exchange Platform with a spontaneous Google Forms survey and manual matching efforts. Our team worked tirelessly to match approximately 40 climate activists with generous hosts. The success of this endeavor fueled our commitment and in 2023, we expanded our team. Leveraging our collective passion, we developed a digital platform that streamlined the process, connecting around 200 activists with accommodating hosts.
Organisations behind bedexchange
Klimadelegation e.V.
Is a German youth NGO that advocates for the interests of young people and future generations in ambitious, intergenerational, and sustainable climate protection, climate justice, and an adaptable, livable world within and outside of UN climate conferences. Activities include meetings with negotiation delegations and ministries, as well as creative actions at conferences. Additionally, the organization aims to familiarize young people with international climate policies and processes, empowering them to take action on their own
Fridays For Future Bonn
FFF Bonn is a local branch of the global youth movement dedicated to addressing the climate crisis. Aligned with the wider organization's goals, this autonomous group operates in Bonn, Germany, advocating for climate action. They actively engage in climate strikes, local activism, and dialogues with political leaders to emphasize the importance of meeting the 1.5-degree Celsius target. Their commitment to the environment and youth empowerment makes them a vital force in advancing climate awareness and policy change in Bonn.
Team members
Niklas
Co-founder of Bedexchange & Member of Klimadelegation e.V.
Co-founded the Bettenbörse Project 2022 with the desire to remove obstacles to the climate conference especially for young activists from Global South.
Malin
Co-founder of Bedexchange & Member of Fridays For Future Bonn
Climate conferences are very important for the global fight against the climate crisis. But if youth activists from the most affected areas have little chance of attending these conferences, fair solutions for all people, especially those most affected by climate change, will never be found at the conferences. That's why I co-founded the Bed Exchange in 2023 to remove at least one small barrier to participation in the conference for young climate activists.
Tobias
Co-founder of Bedexchange & Member of Klimadelegation e.V.
It is important to me to see the Bed Exchange as part of the support structures for international civil society that we are building around the Bonn Climate Change Conference, but also around UNFCCC events throughout the year. With these structures, we as civil society can work more visibly and consistently on a future-oriented international climate policy.
Jolyne
Co-founder of Bedexchange & Member of Fridays For Future Bonn
Co-founded the Bedexchange 2023 with the desire to remove obstacles to the climate conference especially for young activists from Global South.
Alissa
Co-founder & Member of Students For future Bonn
Co-founded the Bedexchange 2023 with the desire to remove obstacles to the climate conference especially for young activists from Global South.
Mario
Web Developer
Co-founded the Bedexchange 2023 with the desire to remove obstacles to the climate conference especially for young activists from Global South.
Asier
Product Designer UX / UI
Joined the Bettenbörse Project in 2023 to support the team in designing an intuitive and user-friendly website.