The first-ever
IUCN One Nature, One Future Global Youth Summit
was launched on April 5th, 2021. With more than 4500 participants registered from 170 countries worldwide, the Global Youth Summit was two exciting weeks! This summit engaged the Union’s network and its collective expertise to help celebrate youth leadership in conservation.
As one of the key events leading up to the
IUCN World Conservation Congress, the Global Youth Summit enabled young people from around the world to connect, exchange ideas and experiences.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and to increase inclusivity and reach as many global youth as possible, the Summit was fully virtual. Special guests, partner organisations and young professionals were leading more than 40 interactive workshops as well as high level intergenerational dialogues, networking events, and body awareness sessions. The Summit facilitated IUCN’s ability to engage and empower the voice of youth at a critical time.
The Global Youth Summit defines “youth” as those aged 18 to 35. However, in order to allow for meaningful intergenerational collaboration and exchanges, people of all ages were welcome to participate. Participation in the Global Youth Summit was entirely free of charge.
This was our chance to help shape a healthier, more resilient post-pandemic world from city centers, to rural communities, to the most remote protected areas.