As the global climate community reflects on the outcomes of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), questions remain about how global climate commitments can translate into meaningful action within local communities. Young people working across agriculture and food systems are already developing solutions that contribute to climate change mitigation, strengthen resilience, and advance sustainable food systems.
To explore these connections, the Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) invites young people, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to a webinar titled “COP31: Results and Outlooks for the Future – Youth Mitigation Action from the Territories”, scheduled for Thursday, 10 December 2026.
The webinar will provide an opportunity to reflect on key outcomes of COP31, particularly those relating to agriculture, food systems, and climate mitigation, while highlighting youth-led initiatives translating climate ambitions into action at the community level.
Across different regions, young people are taking the lead in addressing climate challenges through agroecology, sustainable food production, ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, and community-based natural resource management. These initiatives demonstrate the important role of youth in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable alternatives.
However, connecting local experiences with international climate negotiations and ensuring that young people have meaningful opportunities to influence decision-making, access resources, and participate in implementing climate commitments remain important priorities.
The webinar will create space for reflection and knowledge exchange, bringing together young leaders and organisations to examine how the outcomes of COP31 can inform and strengthen climate action in their communities.
The session will feature reflections on key findings from COP31 negotiations relating to agriculture and food systems, alongside a video message from the COP31 Youth Climate Champion.
A central component will be a presentation of youth-led case studies from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia. Through these experiences, participants will learn how young people are responding to climate-related challenges in their communities, the solutions they are advancing, and how their work connects to the broader global climate agenda.
The webinar will also feature a panel discussion on Youth Climate Action and Advocacy After COP31, exploring opportunities, challenges, and pathways for strengthening youth engagement in post-COP31 climate processes.
Changemakers for Agri-food Action is an online webinar series launched by YPARD in 2024 to equip youth movements, including members of the YPARD Policy Working Group, with the tools, resources, and strategic knowledge needed to participate effectively in major international political processes.
The 2026 edition focuses on the synergies among the Rio Conventions, particularly their relevance to agrifood systems. Through knowledge-sharing sessions and expert discussions, the series seeks to strengthen young people's leadership and understanding of the interconnections between climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, while promoting agroecological approaches and integrated policy implementation.
The series is organised by YPARD on behalf of the GIZ Global Project “Ambitious Climate Contributions in Agrifood Systems” (ClimA), commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It contributes to efforts to strengthen the advocacy capacities of young people and youth organisations and support their effective engagement in climate-related dialogue and decision-making processes.
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