Image UNEP

International Youth Day -- 12 August

""Let us welcome and provide space to the 1.8 billion youth as they transition into leaders, citizens, consumers, producers, policy-makers and parents. Let us hear their voices as we collectively define the new normal. Let us welcome them as partners, among the leaders of today, for they will be the ones inheriting the planet tomorrow."  Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity

“Youth Engagement for Global Action” is this year's inspiring theme for International Youth Day. Youth are participating actively in the development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, a strategic road map towards a 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature, expected to be agreed by the global community in 2021.

The work of the Convention on Biological Diversity has been greatly enriched by youth. From their involvement in global decision-making to community actions, youth have become full partners in the fight against biodiversity loss. They are partners with vivid minds and unique perspectives, who can help define strategic priorities and implement creative solutions.

Youth can take action towards innovation and transformative change. They have the capacity to use and develop new technologies for the benefit of nature as well as to engage with marginalized groups in our societies.

Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, youth can be invited by governments to join their delegations in official meetings; they participate in technical meetings; they receive in-kind or financial support to implement projects; and they get recognition for their work.

Providing support to youth is not only an investment towards a world where we live in harmony with nature, but also in our institutions, better governance, sustainable development, gender and social equity.

Do you want to share your ideas with the world?

Youth are actively engaged in the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN). With 60 national chapters, GYBN enables youth to learn about the Convention, engage meaningfully in its processes, and implement projects in support of its objectives.

Have you ever thought about participating at an international meeting? To learn more about what you can do, visit The Global Youth and Biodiversity Network (GYBN), a network that aims to represent the voice of global youth in the CBD negotiations, raise awareness among young people of the values of biodiversity, and connects individuals and youth organizations in order to build a global coalition to halt the loss of biodiversity.

 

More Information:

Notification

Children & Youth

Interesting Publications