At the Summit youth leaders united to press for action to tackle the interlinked climate and biodiversity crises, calling for bold decisions at the Congress and other upcoming international meetings.
“We are tired of inaction. We are tired of your words. All we need is your action. If you can’t act: allow young people to do it.”
Brighton Kaoma, Director, UN SDSN Youth
Summit speakers included: Ms Barbara Pompili, French Minister of the Ecological Transition; Dr Bruno Orbele, IUCN Director General; Ms Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences.
“I am telling you, young people: we need you. We need your passions; we need your energy. We need your hope. You are the future.”
Dr Bruno Oberle, Director General, IUCN
Speeches were followed by a panel discussion on the need to achieve meaningful youth participation in inter-governmental processes, and how policymakers and youth can better work together to achieve our global goals.
“Young people are experts in the matters that concern their lives. We must ensure youth are engaged as equal partners and stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation when it comes to biodiversity conservation.”
Ms Jayathma Wickramanayake, UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth
The Summit’s conclusions are presented in the Global Youth Summit Outcome Statement. There will be further opportunities for input as the Statement evolves.
