Empowering Youth Voices: Key Outcomes from the Asia-Pacific Youth Development Forum 2024 on Sustainable Cities and Resilient Food Systems

The Asia-Pacific Youth Development Forum (APYDF) 2024 took place from October 15 to 16 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “Building Sustainable Cities and Resilient Food Systems.” Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and UNICEF, the event provided a platform for youth from across the Asia-Pacific region to engage in meaningful discussions regarding climate action and sustainable development. YPARD Asia Pacific Unit was invited to participate in this important event, with Mr. Nuriddin Samatov, the Country Representative of YPARD Uzbekistan, attending on behalf of YPARD.
‍

During the forum, Nuriddin participated in the panel discussion titled "Creating an Enabling Environment for Youth-Led Organizations to Lead Solutions Accelerating the Green Transition." This session aimed to showcase the impact of youth-led initiatives and explore strategies for empowering young people to contribute to the green transition. Mr. Samatov emphasized the necessity of integrating youth voices into climate policy,particularly in the face of urgent environmental challenges in the region. He highlighted successful strategies employed in Uzbekistan, where youth engagement in climate discussions has been prioritized. By organizing workshops and training sessions, YPARD has worked to equip young leaders with essential skills in climate-smart agriculture and policy advocacy. This proactive approach enables youth to not only comprehend sustainable practices but also to build networks that enhance their ability to influence local policies.
‍

The forum also emphasized the importance of using digital platforms and social media as tools for raising awareness and engaging youth in climate action. By conducting campaigns that highlight pressing climate issues, young leaders can reach a wider audience, including policymakers, who are increasingly recognizing the enthusiasm and innovation of youth in addressing challenges such as food security and environmental degradation.
‍

One of the major outcomes of the forum was the creation of policy briefs based on discussions held during various sessions. These briefs synthesize the insights shared by participants and offer actionable recommendations for local authorities and decision-makers. This structured approach ensures that the ideas and proposals generated by youth are presented in a format that is accessible and relevant to those in power.

APYDF 2024 also aligned with broader initiatives such as the World Youth Development Forum (WYDF) and the Eighth Session of the Committee on Environment and Development, highlighting the interconnectedness of youth innovation and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The discussions addressed key SDGs, including those focused on ending hunger, promoting sustainable economic growth, building resilient cities, and combating climate change.

YPARD is honored to have been invited by UNDP to participate in this forum and contribute to the panel discussion. Looking ahead, YPARD anticipates further collaboration with UNDP to strengthen youth engagement within agri-food systems.

‍

Additional reference list:

https://asef.org/news/asef-invited-as-partner-for-the-asia-pacific-youth-development-forum-apydf/ 

https://indico.un.org/event/1013112/ 

https://www.undp.org/asia-pacific/news/first-asia-pacific-youth-development-forum-unites-220-young-people-and-partners-champion-green-innovation-and-sustainable 

https://x.com/worldydf/status/1846756315936571744 

‍

‍