Understanding how young people can meaningfully engage with United Nations processes is essential for driving effective advocacy and influencing policy in the realms of climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management. This interactive session will serve as an introduction to the major youth constituencies recognized within key UN environmental frameworks, helping participants navigate the often-complex structures of global governance.
The session will spotlight four prominent youth platforms:
- YOUNGO – the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), actively shaping climate negotiations and policy outcomes.
- GYBN (Global Youth Biodiversity Network) – the youth voice under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), advocating for youth inclusion in the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.
- UNCCD Youth Caucus – a growing platform for youth engagement in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), focusing on sustainable land use, soil conservation, and land rights.
- Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) – a formal stakeholder group under the UN General Assembly and several other UN processes, which represents the interests and inputs of children and youth across sustainable development agendas.
Participants will gain insights into the structures, mandates, and impact histories of these constituencies, and most importantly, learn how to get involved—whether by joining working groups, contributing to position papers, participating in negotiations, or initiating youth-led campaigns at local and international levels.
Whether you're a seasoned youth advocate or just beginning your journey in global environmental governance, this session will equip you with the knowledge and networks to amplify your voice and turn passion into policy influence.
Speakers:
Opeyemi Elujulo, MGCY SDG 2 Co-Focal Point
Ajuna Tadeo, YPARD Steering Committee Member and YPARD Uganda Country Representative, Focal Point for UNCCD Subgroup of YPARD Policy Working Group
Karen Salazar, Focal Point for CBD Subgroup of YPARD Policy Working Group
Upendra Bhusal, YPARD Nepal Country Representative, Focal Point for UNFCCC Subgroup of YPARD Policy Working Group
Shaik Imran Hussain Choudhary, Co-founder of Prakheti, YOUNGO Food and Ag WG Focal Point
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