GYBN POLICY

Learn more about GYBN youth involvement in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

GYBN Engagement in the CBD

The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) is the official coordination platform for youth participation of the CBD.

Recognized and supported by the CBD Secretariat, GYBN brings the voices of global youth to the negotiations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Recognition of Youth in the Global Biodiversity Policy Arena

At CBD COP-11 in Hyderabad, India, GYBN assumed its role as the official youth coordination platform for the CBD. The newly appointed Executive Secretary, Mr. Bráulio Dias reiterated the CBD Secretariat’s support for GYBN, strengthening GYBN’s position in the process.

GYBN also closely collaborated with other caucuses, NGOs and governments, accommodating the diversity of all the different youth groups and initiatives in one united voice.

Through GYBN, young people successfully captured the attention of delegates, media and governments, advocating for stronger youth participation in biodiversity-related decision-making processes on all levels. GYBN made history at COP-11 - for the first time, youth participation was officially acknowledged for its importance in the decision-making process through COP Decision XI/8 approved and adopted by all CBD parties.

DECISION XI/8

B. Children and youth

The Conference of the Parties,

Acknowledging the importance of youth participation in decision-making process at all levels,

1. Encourages Parties and other governments to include youth fully in all relevant processes, and specifically in the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and in national biodiversity strategies and action plans, as activities under the United Nations Decade for Biodiversity; and

2. Invites Parties to continue to provide support for youth initiatives and other networks that support the three objectives of the Convention, such as the Global Youth Biodiversity Network.

COP 11

Parties officially recognise youth