Background:
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.
Objectives of the Inter-generational Partnerships Group (IGP):
- Create an environment for learning and exchange between young professionals and the expertise within IUCN and CEESP
- Support young professionals in their projects, research, advocacy, and other initiatives, by providing spaces to collaborate, providing opportunities, and broadening their social and ecological knowledge and understanding.
- Support young professionals in having a stronger and more coherent voice within IUCN, IUCN CEESP, and also in strategic environmental debates.
Work Plan 2023-2025
- Networking and community building: Support the young professionals in CEESP to exchange learnings and collaborate with each other. Conduct networking events and webinars.
- Knowledge sharing webinars: Conduct regular webinars to share information on relevant topics with experts.
- Creating resources: Developing knowledge products, opinion pieces and capacity building material with fellow CEESP young professionals and other members.