Chair - IUCN CEESP Young Professional
Swetha Stotra Bhashyam is the Global South Focal Point of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN). GYBN is a youth network of more than 1 million members ...
The IUCN CEESP Intergenerational Partnerships Group (IGP) seeks to foster an environment for learning and exchange between young professionals and the expertise within IUCN and CEESP. By providing this platform, we aim to enhance the holistic approach of young professionals in their projects, research, advocacy, and other initiatives, by incorporating both social and ecological knowledge and understanding. We hope that this will also provide a space for a stronger and more coherent voice for young professionals within IUCN and IUCN CEESP.
Chair - IUCN CEESP Young Professional
Swetha Stotra Bhashyam is the Global South Focal Point of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN). GYBN is a youth network of more than 1 million members, 600 member organizations, and 45 regional and national chapters, and is the official youth constituency of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Swetha Stotra Bhashyam is a wildlife biologist from India. She holds a master's degree in wildlife biology and conservation. She has dedicated the past 11 years of her life to working with several grassroots and international organizations in helping to conserve biodiversity and create a just transition. She joined the Global Youth Biodiversity Network in 2012 and has been working on policy advocacy under the Convention on Biological Diversity since then. Swetha has helped mobilize a vibrant movement for biodiversity within the youth community and has led in the effort to coordinate the creation of over 50 GYBN regional and national chapters. In the future, Swetha hopes to channel her energy into working on international projects that are meaningful, just, and impactful on the ground.
, full_htmlChair - IUCN CEESP Young Professional
Swetha Stotra Bhashyam is the Global South Focal Point of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN). GYBN is a youth network of more than 1 million members ...
Youth holds significant power as right-holders in tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis. As future inheritors of the planet, they have a vested interest in ensuring that the environment is protected for future generations. The impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss will not be felt equally across all generations. Younger generations are more likely to suffer the consequences of a degraded environment, such as reduced access to resources and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events. Engaging youth in addressing the crisis is an important aspect of intergenerational equity, which has been also identified as an enabling condition for the achievement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Youth bring a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, such as digital literacy, creativity, and passion for change. By leveraging these assets, youth can play a critical role in raising awareness, advocating for change, and driving innovation in the fight against the climate and biodiversity crisis. Moreover, engaging youth in environmental issues can empower them and provide opportunities for leadership development. By recognizing the power of youth, we can tap into their potential to create a just, equitable and sustainable future where we can live in harmony with nature.