AYSB2022
#AYSB2022 At a Glance
The African Youth Summit on Biodiversity (AYSB2022) was held online from 21-23 April 2022, with the theme "African Youth Voices - Towards A Stronger Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework". The summit aimed to engage African youth in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework to protect biodiversity in Africa and contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Over the three days that followed, speakers and delegates explored the theme and addressed a number of critical issues: from the impact of biodiversity loss in Africa and how we can advocate for biodiversity and identifying how we can lead for the future. Conversations were enriched by contributions from a diversity of participants, including representatives from the government, independent professionals, international networks, as well as young leaders taking part in biodiversity conservation.
Youth Statement
This youth statement was produced at the African Youth Summit on Biodiversity. It highlights the importance of biodiversity, climate change, and pollution to Africa's development progress. The statement was drawn from the perspectives of 447 youth participants from 32 African countries, who represented the voices of thousands of young people throughout Africa. It acknowledges the rich biodiversity of Africa, the existential marginalisation of youth from most policy-making and governance structures, and the need to empower and involve young people in leadership and decision-making processes at the local, national, and global levels. The statement outlines several key messages and a call to action that encourage African leaders to move beyond pledges and allocate adequate funding and training opportunities that enhance the capacity of young people, encourage youth-led innovation, and green job creation.
Videos on Demand
If you missed the summit, you can watch the videos on demand on our YouTube channel.