The UNCCD Youth Forum, from 5 to 7 December 2024 provided a platform for youth to strengthen capacities, share commitments and create opportunities to combat desertification, land degradation and drought. Building on the success of previous forums, the fourth Youth Forum focused on empowering youth to drive meaningful change in addressing these global challenges.

Recognizing youth as a vital force for sustainable development, the Forum leveraged the momentum of the newly launched Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) and foster intergenerational dialogue. This initiative reflects UNCCD's commitment to empowering young leaders and ensuring their active involvement in implementing the Convention’s objectives.

The Forum aimed to:

  • Empower youth to advocate for sustainable land management and amplify their voices
  • Encourage implementation of YES through stakeholder collaboration
  • Facilitate networking among young leaders and foster intergenerational partnerships
  • Provide capacity building on land restoration and conservation strategies
  • Promote solutions for green, land-based jobs and sustainable livelihoods

Key topics includes:

  • Opportunities for youth in policy, governance and entrepreneurship
  • Collaboration to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality
  • Intergenerational partnerships for sustainable land management

In preparation for COP16, selected Youth Negotiators participates in the Youth Negotiators Academy to enhance their negotiation skills and prepare to engage in decision-making processes on land and drought issues, leading future conservation efforts.

The Youth Forum culminates on People’s Day with a high-level event where ministers, senior government officials and youth activists presented the Forum's outcomes and commitments to foster intergenerational collaboration and drive innovative solutions for a better future on land.