Taking place a few months before the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the Global Youth Summit will enable young people from around the world to connect, exchange ideas and experiences. A Summit Outcome statement will be delivered to the IUCN Members’ Assembly in Marseille, France, as part of the commitment and Congress motion to working side by side with youth.
Young environmentalists are already leaders in many of their communities and are at the forefront of the movements to conserve nature and combat climate change. Through the youth engagement strategy for the IUCN World Conservation Congress and beyond – a partnership among the IUCN Secretariat, the six Commissions, and several IUCN Members – IUCN seeks to strengthen connections among such young leaders and their existing global networks, infuse their voices in decision-making processes, amplify their stories and add further momentum to the growing youth-led movements for nature and climate.
Virtual spaces open the opportunity for greater inclusivity, and a fully virtual event allows participants potentially unable to participate in an in-person Congress due to travel restrictions to be a part of it all.
Over two weeks, participants will be able to join over 25 youth-led thematic tracks, intergenerational dialogues, body awareness workshops and networking opportunities. They will also learn more about other opportunities to add their voice to global nature conservation efforts, including the Youth #ForNature Manifesto and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network’s Rallying Voices for Biodiversity efforts.
The Global Youth Summit is organised in partnership between the IUCN Secretariat, its six Commissions, and several Member organisations. It defines “youth” as those aged 18 to 35. However, in order to allow for meaningful intergenerational collaboration and exchanges, people of all ages are welcome to participate. Participation in the virtual Summit is entirely free of charge.
This is our chance to help shape a healthier, more resilient post-pandemic world from the city centre, to rural communities, to the most remote protected areas. Join us!
