Delegates from YPARD join other youths to amplify their voices at the Global Landscapes Forum Africa 2026

Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) was proudly represented at the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) Africa 2026 and the Community & Action Assembly by a delegation of five young leaders: Arthur Muiruri (President of the Kenya Agricultural Students Association), Atieno Gloriah (Co-Country representative- YPARD Kenya), Ezeofor Goodness (WYNA Fellow- Nigeria), Wilfrid (Country representative- YPARD Benin) and Irene Gitau (WYNA Fellow- Kenya).

The event brought together approximately 35 young leaders from 17 countries across Africa and beyond, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and community-led environmental action. Throughout the week-long programme, the YPARD delegation actively participated in workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, and collaborative learning activities. Discussions focused on pressing environmental and development challenges, including sustainable landscape management, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and the role of young people in shaping a more sustainable future.

The forum provided an important opportunity for the delegation to showcase YPARD’s work and engage with fellow youth leaders, researchers, practitioners, and development partners. Delegates shared information about YPARD’s global network, youth-led initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration, helping to raise awareness about the organization's efforts to empower young professionals in agrifood systems and sustainable development. To support these outreach efforts, informational materials were distributed to participants throughout the event.

A key highlight of the programme was a field visit to Oloolua Forest, where participants gained firsthand insights into community-led conservation and sustainable natural resource management. The visit demonstrated how local communities can play a central role in protecting ecosystems while supporting livelihoods and promoting environmental stewardship.

Beyond knowledge sharing, the event reinforced the importance of meaningful youth participation in environmental governance and decision-making processes. The Assembly concluded with strong calls for increased climate action, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and greater inclusion of local communities and young people in policy development and implementation.

Reflecting on the experience, the delegation emphasized the value of global youth platforms in fostering collaboration, exchanging ideas, and building partnerships that can drive sustainable change across landscapes and food systems. The participation of the YPARD delegation at GLF Africa 2026 further strengthened the network’s commitment to ensuring that young people are not only represented in environmental discussions but are actively shaping solutions for resilient landscapes, sustainable agrifood systems, and a more equitable future.

As YPARD continues to expand its engagement in international forums, experiences such as GLF Africa 2026 provide important opportunities to amplify youth voices, build strategic partnerships, and inspire collective action for people and the planet.

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