A Week in Cologne: My Experience as a Bayer Young Environmental Envoy, Dec 2004

Insight; In today’s fragmented world, building bridges across cultures and generations is vital to solving global environmental challenges. When I joined the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy program in 2004, I discovered the power of youth, dialogue, and international collaboration to spark real change. I dream of a world where every young voice is given a platform to lead with purpose, vision, and science-backed solutions.

In 2004, I had the incredible opportunity to represent Colombia in the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy program in Germany. This initiative, part of Bayer’s global social responsibility efforts and supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), brought together university students aged 18 to 24 from over 20 countries, all united by a shared passion for environmental stewardship.

For one transformative week, we immersed ourselves in a vibrant program of expert talks, interactive discussions, and presentations centered around environmental challenges, sustainability, and Bayer’s innovations in these fields. Each delegate shared their own project, creating a platform of diverse perspectives and actionable ideas. Presenting my work in this international setting was both a proud and humbling moment—it reminded me how powerful youth-driven innovation can be.

Field Trips: Learning by Seeing

A major highlight of the week was the series of field trips that offered us a close look at how Germany is implementing practical, scalable environmental solutions:

• Leverkusen Municipal Waste Management Centre (AVEA): We observed how the city handles waste management, from source separation to recycling and final disposal. Public policies—ranging from tax incentives to community education—demonstrated how policy can shape environmental behavior at scale.

• The Burrig Incinerator Plant: Here, we explored the process of waste-to-energy incineration through a guided tour that revealed each step of the operation. This visit helped me understand the technical and regulatory complexities of large-scale waste treatment.

• Max Pruss Water Quality Boat: Aboard this innovative research vessel, we learned how water quality in the Rhine River is continuously monitored through real-time data collection. It was a vivid reminder of how environmental science and technology must go hand in hand.

The Final Celebration

The week ended on a high note with a farewell dinner at the Bayer Leverkusen Football Stadium. Laughter, music, and shared stories made for an unforgettable evening of cultural exchange. It was a fitting close to a program that had given us so much more than knowledge—it gave us a sense of shared mission.

Reflections That Still Resonate

Looking back, this experience was a turning point. It blended technical insight with human connection, challenging my worldview and expanding my network in ways I never anticipated. The friendships I formed that week remain alive to this day, reminding me that environmental leadership knows no borders. I carry that lesson with me still—across every country, every project, and every challenge I take on.