Mete Coban MBE is a British politician, social entrepreneur, and community leader best known for his groundbreaking work in youth engagement, climate policy, and civic innovation. As of July 2024, he serves as the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, leading one of the world’s most ambitious urban sustainability agendas. From founding the youth-led charity My Life My Say to becoming Hackney’s youngest councillor at just 21, Mete Coban’s journey reflects determination, representation, and action. His story embodies the next generation of leadership—driven by inclusivity, purpose, and climate justice.
Early Life and Education
Born in London to Turkish Cypriot parents, Mete Coban’s early life was shaped by resilience and community values. His parents, who arrived in the UK as asylum seekers, instilled in him a belief in fairness, education, and public service. Growing up in Hackney, one of London’s most diverse boroughs, he developed a deep understanding of social inequality and civic participation.
Mete attended local state schools before studying Political Science and Government at the University of Greenwich, where he later earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Practice. During his time at university, he became active in politics and community organizing—laying the foundation for his future in public service.
Mete Coban’s Age and Background
As of 2025, Mete Coban is 32 years old. His youthful rise to leadership has made him one of the most recognized young politicians in Britain. When he was first elected to Hackney Council in 2014, he was just 21, making him the youngest councillor in the borough’s history. His early start in politics has allowed him to build over a decade of experience in policy, youth empowerment, and environmental leadership by his early thirties.
The Birth of My Life My Say: Empowering a Generation
In 2013, Mete Coban founded My Life My Say (MLMS), a charity dedicated to strengthening democracy by empowering young people to have a voice in political and social decisions. The organization grew from a small community initiative into an internationally recognized movement, engaging tens of thousands of young people across the UK and beyond.
Under his leadership, MLMS hosted national youth summits, ran voter-registration drives, and partnered with institutions like the European Parliament, YouTube, and Facebook to increase civic participation. The charity’s work gained attention for bridging the gap between young citizens and policymakers, and Mete Coban became one of the most prominent youth advocates in Britain.
In 2020, his dedication to young people earned him a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honor from Queen Elizabeth II.
Political Journey: From Hackney to City Hall
Hackney’s Youngest Councillor
In 2014, Mete Coban was elected as a Labour councillor in Hackney’s Stoke Newington Ward. His election at just 21 years old was a milestone—he represented a new generation of leadership in local government. His passion for community engagement quickly made him a respected figure within the council.
Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment & Transport
By 2021, he had risen to the position of Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment & Transport in Hackney Council. In this role, he spearheaded Hackney’s Green New Deal, a £61 million investment in sustainability projects. His initiatives included creating green jobs, improving cycling infrastructure, and launching a Community Energy Fund to support local renewable projects.
Mete Coban’s work in Hackney set a model for how local councils could combine environmental action with social justice—ensuring that climate policies benefited ordinary people, not just corporations.
Deputy Mayor of London: Leading on Environment and Energy
In July 2024, London Mayor Sadiq Khan appointed Mete Coban as the Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy. This appointment made him one of the youngest individuals ever to hold such a senior position in London’s government.
In his new role, Mete Coban is responsible for delivering London’s net-zero and clean-energy strategy, expanding renewable-energy capacity, improving air quality, and ensuring the city’s environmental policies promote fairness and inclusion. His focus is clear: “The green transition must benefit every Londoner.”
He continues to champion community-led environmental projects, affordable housing retrofits, and green-skills employment for under-represented communities. Mete Coban’s leadership has positioned him at the forefront of London’s sustainability revolution.
Mete Coban’s Age, Family, and Personal Life
Although Mete Coban is a public figure, he keeps details of his family and personal life private. What is known is that he comes from a working-class Turkish Cypriot family who settled in the UK seeking safety and opportunity. His upbringing in Hackney shaped his understanding of diversity and resilience.
Mete Coban often speaks proudly of his roots, noting that his parents’ courage and sacrifice inspired his passion for social justice and equal opportunity. He continues to live in London and remains connected to his community through both his political work and charitable efforts.
Mete Coban’s Net Worth and Career Achievements
While exact figures for Mete Coban’s net worth are not publicly available, his income primarily comes from his public-service career and leadership roles in various organizations. As a Deputy Mayor, he receives a government salary in line with senior London officials, and he also holds honorary and advisory roles in civic organizations.
However, what truly defines his value isn’t monetary—it’s social capital. Mete Coban’s impact on policy, youth engagement, and environmental innovation has positioned him among Britain’s most influential young leaders. His recognition by the Obama Foundation, the C40 Cities network, and the London Marathon Foundation reflects his growing influence in global urban leadership.
Mete Coban Wikipedia and Public Recognition
Although Mete Coban does not yet have a full Wikipedia page with comprehensive biographical details, he is widely covered across reputable outlets, including The Guardian, The Times, London.gov.uk, and C40.org. His career achievements and policy initiatives are well documented across government and media platforms, marking him as one of Britain’s most promising public leaders.
He has also been featured in international programs like the Obama Foundation Leaders: Europe, where he represents the UK among changemakers working on democracy and climate action. His presence in such forums reinforces his status as a global thought leader in youth engagement and environmental policy.
Leadership Philosophy: Climate Justice and Social Equality
One of the most distinctive aspects of Mete Coban’s leadership is his focus on equity-driven climate policy. He believes environmental progress must go hand-in-hand with social justice. His approach ensures that green policies don’t just improve air quality or reduce emissions—they also create jobs, lower energy costs, and improve quality of life for working families.
Coban’s philosophy emphasizes three pillars:
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Representation – Empowering young and under-represented voices in decision-making.
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Resilience – Building communities capable of adapting to climate change.
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Responsibility – Ensuring leaders are accountable for the social outcomes of environmental policy.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Mete Coban MBE has received several accolades acknowledging his service and innovation:
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Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to young people (2020).
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Obama Foundation European Leaders Fellow (2024).
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Named Chair of ReLondon Board (2024), the city’s waste and circular-economy partnership.
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Appointed to the C40 Cities Board (2025), joining a global coalition of mayors and environmental experts.
These roles demonstrate how his influence extends far beyond local politics—he is shaping the future of climate leadership at both national and global levels.
Vision for London’s Green Future
As Deputy Mayor, Mete Coban’s mission is clear: make London a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable city. His policies focus on:
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Expanding clean-energy infrastructure
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Supporting green jobs and skills training
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Improving air quality and active travel options
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Enhancing biodiversity through the Local Nature Recovery Strategy
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Accelerating building retrofits for energy efficiency
He envisions a “just transition”—where the shift to net zero benefits everyone, especially low-income and minority communities that have historically borne the brunt of pollution and neglect.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Mete Coban has been praised for his modern approach to politics: open, tech-savvy, and community-centered. Many young Londoners view him as a role model who proves that politics can be a force for good.
While he has faced some media scrutiny—as most high-profile figures do—he remains respected for his authenticity and clear commitment to public service. His communication style is approachable and inspiring, often using social media to engage with residents and promote positive change.
Mete Coban’s Impact Beyond Politics
Beyond the council chambers and City Hall, Mete Coban continues to advocate for youth empowerment, democratic reform, and civic education. Through My Life My Say, he has inspired a generation to care about issues that affect their lives—climate change, housing, and inequality.
His belief that “politics should be done with people, not to them” guides his approach to leadership. He often collaborates with schools, universities, and community groups to educate and empower young citizens to get involved in public life.
The Future of Mete Coban: A Leader to Watch
At just 32, Mete Coban has achieved milestones that many politicians reach much later in life. His combination of policy experience, moral clarity, and social vision makes him one of Britain’s most promising leaders.
With his expanding influence in both national and international circles, many observers believe he could one day play a major role in shaping the UK’s national environmental policy or even rise to a senior ministerial position. Whatever his next steps, his trajectory continues to inspire young leaders across the world.
Conclusion: The Legacy in Motion
Mete Coban MBE’s story is one of courage, purpose, and progress. From a young community activist in Hackney to the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, he has demonstrated that leadership rooted in compassion and action can transform lives.
His commitment to empowering youth, advancing climate justice, and fostering inclusive democracy has made him a key figure in shaping London’s sustainable future. In an era where trust in politics is fragile, Mete Coban represents hope—the belief that one person’s vision, backed by integrity and persistence, can indeed change the world.
