It is imperative to transform traditional power dynamics to empower indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth to assume leadership roles commensurate with their contributions to nature and aligned with principles of social justice. IUCN will develop strategic partnerships to fully support advance of the rights-based approach within the CBD Kumming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), with particular emphasis in the intersections between the Convention, the GBF, the Gender Plan of Action and the new Programme of Work of the article 8j on traditional knowledge following a holistic-integrated approach - Mayte Gonzalez, IUCN Head of Human Rights and Conservation Team
IUCN has a long-standing history in youth leadership, now outlined in the IUCN Youth Strategy (2022-2030). This key document summarises the Union's commitment to empowering young professionals in nature conservation. It serves as an overarching guide based on four principles:
- Ensure that efforts are Union-wide, involving actions by all parts of IUCN;
- Mainstream the engagement of young people in IUCN programmes, projects, and governance;
- Young people must co-design and lead the Youth Strategy and its implementation; and
- Youth Strategy outcomes must be realistic, measurable, and sufficiently resourced.
RCF24ENCA aims to serve as a platform for spotlighting and elevating the work of young conservationists in the region through strengthened intergenerational dialogue and knowledge transfer. These approaches are strategised and implemented in partnership with the IUCN Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).
For the first time, RCF Europe, North and Central Asia is sponsoring the participation of a volunteer cohort of six young conservation leaders from across the regions. They will participate in the programme designed to enhance their skills while empowering them to contribute to the programme and engage fellow young experts.
On the road to Abu Dhabi and the 2025 IUCN Congress, youth inclusion and representation will be ever-powerful. Young professionals are strongly encouraged to participate in a range of RCF24ENCA youth-centred opportunities:
- Insightful capacity-building sessions and workshops;
- Inspiring intergenerational breakfast meetings with senior conservation leaders;
- Networking opportunities with experts from across Europe, North and Central Asia;
- Youth Oasis space to convene with fellow young professionals;
- Information on youth engagement at IUCN Commissions; and
- Cultural activities and conservation field trips.
All this and more await young professionals at RCF24ENCA in Bruges. Join us!
Check the RCF24ENCA Youth Oasis Programme
Meet RCF24ENCA Youth volunteers
Established in April 2024, YAC is a new body of IUCN and a key driver for the IUCN Youth Strategy implementation. It connects young conservationists and the broader IUCN network, ensuring that youth voices are heard and integrated into the organisation's work.
The role of IUCN Youth Advisory Committee (YAC):
- Promoting the IUCN Youth Strategy across all parts of the Union to support and synergise existing efforts, and catalyse new ones to achieve the intended outcomes;
- Measuring and communicating outcomes from the Youth Strategy, according to the 2030 Action Framework;
- Enhancing resourcing and capacity across the Union to ensure delivery of the Youth strategy outcomes through effective advocacy.
YAC contributions to RCF24ENCA:
- Providing overall advisory on youth considerations, integrating young professionals’ voices and perspectives;
- Enhancing RCF outreach to mobilise young professionals;
- Strengthening youth empowerment by advising on youth elements of the programme;
- Replicating the #Nature4All Youth Oasis model in the RCF context; and
- Capacity building for young professionals prior to RCF.
Return to the RCF24ENCA homepage