COP16: Saudi youth willing and able to actively participate in environmental decision-making

The distinguished Youth Leaders of Saudi Arabia discussed “COP16: Saudi Youth Expectations and Opportunities”, Report informs.

The Youth Roundtable event was hosted by the Center for Sustainability and Climate at Prince Sultan University, UNDP – Saudi Arabia, and Vision for Sustainable Africa (VSA). The event was in collaboration with Report News Agency (Azerbaijan), UNGC, UNCCD, UNESCO, Oxford Impact Group and FBN.

The active participation of youth in UNCCD COP16 is crucial for ensuring that the policies and actions adopted reflect the needs and aspirations of future generations. Their engagement is key to driving forward a resilient and sustainable agenda for land and climate. Professor Mohammad Nurunnabi, Founder & President - Vision for Sustainable Africa (VSA); Founding Director - Center for Sustainability and Climate at Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia; Academic Visitor - University of Oxford, moderated the session.

In a keynote speech, HH. Princess Layan Faisal Al Saud, UNDP – Saudi Arabia Country Office said “Youth are determined to be agents of positive change. The UNDP seeks to harness young people's passion and foster their potential by working with governments, civil society, and youth led networks to enable an environment that focuses on inclusive governance, meaningful action, and creating a sustainable future. The UNDP has been involved in various, initiatives globally, including building partnerships between youth environmental peace builders, promoting social entrepreneurship and green job creation, facilitating youth participation in local decision-making processes, and supporting youth led environmental projects”.

According to Professor Mohammad Nurunnabi “There has never been a better time to give our attention to youth… to their ambitions for the future and to the challenges that limit their ability to reach their potential. Sixty-seven percent of Saudi’s population is under 35. And almost half of Saudi’s workforce (47 percent) falls into this “youth bulge.” Saudi youth are the vision for Vision 2030 and today’s change-makers. Young people should be viewed as potential assets as our best sources of strength, of inspiration, of new ideas.”

In terms of expectations from the UNCCD COP16, the Saudi Youth highlighted that the youth should be centered around addressing critical environmental and sustainability challenges. The participants emphasized the need for action-oriented commitments to combat desertification and land degradation. They highlighted the importance of scaling up efforts to address these issues and bridge the gap between youth and decision-makers. Additionally, there was an emphasis on focusing the sustainable land management, water security, and agricultural innovation. The participants also expressed the desire for increased youth representation and engagement in policy decision-making related to environmental issues. Overall, their expectations revolve around concrete actions to address land degradation, sustainable resource management, and increased youth involvement in decision-making processes.

Some challenges were highlighted regarding sustainable land management, desertification, education, skills, and engagement. Young people should have more resources related to land management policy, which hinders their ability to participate officially and contribute effectively. Some young people feel that they should have more opportunities to engage in activities related to land management. They highlighted that young people globally face financial barriers that prevent them from participating in activities related to sustainable land management. There is a need for improved education and skills development related to sustainable land management and environmental conservation. These challenges underscore the need for greater access to resources, improved educational opportunities, increased youth participation, and better communication and transparency in engaging youth in addressing environmental and sustainability issues.

Finally, the opportunities for young men and women in Saudi Arabia are multifaceted and interconnected with the global agenda for sustainable land management and environmental conservation. The participants highlighted several opportunities, including young people in discussions and decision-making processes related to sustainable land management and environmental policies.

Recognizing the potential of young people to leverage technology and innovation to address environmental challenges and communicate the importance of environmental conservation to wider audiences. In terms of community development and education, the youth exploring the opportunities to grow community development models and bridge the knowledge gap between rural and metropolitan areas, particularly in terms of sustainable living, food consumption, and land management. They also highlighted encouraging collaboration and joint efforts among young people, older generations, and various entities to address environmental challenges and implement best practices. Advocating for the representation of youth from marginalized communities and small rural areas, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their perspectives are considered in environmental initiatives.

In terms of how young men and women should come together in this global agenda, the participants stressed the importance of unity, collaboration, and inclusivity. They highlighted the need for diverse representation and the inclusion of youth from all backgrounds in environmental discussions and decision-making processes. Additionally, they emphasized the significance of intergenerational collaboration, where young people can learn from older generations while also contributing their innovative ideas and technological skills to address environmental challenges.

Overall, the participants underscored the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment that enables young men and women to actively participate in the global agenda for sustainable land management and environmental conservation.