Blog of Shaleen Wanjiru and Mary Muia, SI UNEA Representatives in Nairobi.
Since the success of its inaugural edition in 2022, the Global Youth Environment Assembly (GYEA), convened by the Children and Youth Major Group at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has been a testament to youth-driven collaboration and advocacy. Rooted in the imperative of meaningful youth engagement, this assembly provides a unique platform for young environmental enthusiasts and policy advocates worldwide to converge, exchange ideas, and influence the global environmental agenda.
Figure 1 Ms. Shaleen Wanjiru a Youth & a Soroptimist International Representative Nairobi Center.
Scheduled strategically ahead of the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR) and the Sixth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in 2024, the assembly is poised to play a crucial role in aligning youth perspectives and priorities with the overarching theme of “Effective, Inclusive, and Sustainable Multilateral Actions.”
The GYEA is designed to cover a range of topics that are focused on capacity building related to engaging with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), discussions on UNEA 6 and other emerging environmental issues. The assembly aims to enhance the capacity of youth to actively engage in environmental matters and provides a platform for knowledge sharing and networking among young environmentalists.
#Youth4People and Planet
The Global YEA 2024 brought together over 300 youth in-person from across the world to Nairobi, with the aim of amplifying their voices in the global environmental decision-making platform, catalyzing innovation and fostering collaboration towards a more just, equitable and sustainable future. Guided by the principle of intergenerational equity, the assembly was poised to make significant strides in advancing environmental multilateralism and ensuring that youth remained at the forefront of global efforts to address environmental challenges. At the opening session, a fusion of high-level keynote addresses from invited guests and capacity development of the youth delegates aimed to acquaint them with the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP and its thematic focuses.
The Global Youth Environment Assembly (GYEA) took place from February 17th to 18th, 2024, ahead of UNEA-6 scheduled from February 26th to March 2nd, 2024, at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEA’s objective is to contribute to restoring harmony between humanity and nature, thereby improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations. This mission is pursued under the theme of “Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.”
Figure 2 Mary Muia Mentoring Young Soroptimists Voices in Nairobi UN Center.
The draft resolutions will be presented at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), scheduled from February 26th to March 2nd, 2024. GYEA concluded as Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UN Environment Programme, powerfully stated: “Youth leadership will be the difference between success and failure across the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.”
The Global Youth Environment Assembly (GYEA) had 17 session in total, covering everything from the High Level Opening Plenary; issues concerning young peoples rights to participation and to a clean and sustainable environment; resource use; pollution; multilateral agreements; and more, before resolving the final consultation on draft resolutions.
SI UNEA 6 Nairobi Reps Mary, Victoria, Habiba & Shaleen
The first day started with the high-level opening session of the Global YEA 2024, aiming to achieve the following outcomes:
- Inspiration and Renewed Commitment: Through keynote addresses delivered by high-level leaders, delegates were inspired and reaffirmed in their commitment to intergenerational equity and the empowerment of youth in environmental governance.
- Introduction to the 2024 GYEA: Delegates gained a comprehensive understanding of the assembly’s objectives, thematic focus, and participatory mechanisms, setting the stage for meaningful engagement and collaboration throughout the event.
- Capacity Development: Facilitated workshops enhanced the advocacy skills and knowledge base of delegates, particularly in the realm of Children and Youth advocacy, showcasing key achievements and advancements made between UNEA5 and UNEA6.
- Presentation of Roadmap: Delegates received a clear roadmap for the assembly, outlining key milestones, thematic priorities, and expected outcomes, fostering a shared understanding of the journey ahead and facilitating effective participation.
Concluding Thoughts
GYEA 2024 showcased youth collaboration and advocacy, empowering over 300 delegates in Nairobi. Guided by intergenerational equity, the assembly fostered commitment to environmental stewardship. With keynote addresses and capacity-building workshops, youth gained skills for active engagement. As we approach UNEA-6, youth voices are pivotal in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The draft resolutions mark a step towards effective multilateral actions. Together, we strive for a just, equitable, and sustainable future.