The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is committed to entrenching youth involvement in regional development and sustainable initiatives. Currently, young people constitute approximately 35% of the SADC population, emphasizing the need for their active participation in developmental processes. Recognizing this demographic advantage, SADC has been implementing numerous programs to promote youth innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and participation as illustrated in our website https://www.sadc.int/pillars/youth-development-empowerment. Indeed, SADC is committed to amplifying youth voices in regional integration. These commitments and efforts align with global objectives, including the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and are part of a broader commitment to sustainable development, guided by frameworks such as the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, SADC Vision 2050, and the African Youth Charter. Notably, the SADC Youth Empowerment Policy Framework (2021-2030) provides a robust policy foundation to address challenges faced by the youth, ranging from unemployment to limited educational opportunities.

As SADC prepares to attend COP 16, it is crucial to highlight the region's progress in integrating youth into biodiversity conservation efforts. The region has also validated its Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to champion the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal GBF. COP16 therefore presents a unique platform to showcase ways in which we are partnering with the youth population in various ways such as capacity building, enterprise development and policy engagement to drive achievement of the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and particularly the implementation of the GBF. This forms the premise for the side event titled SADC Youth and Partners: Championing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework that will bring together youth entities, governments and non-governmental organisations to share their work with youth in the SADC region in promoting a collaborative approach towards biodiversity conservation. The side event will be hosted by the SADC Secretariat in collaboration with African Wildlife Foundation, Southern African Regional Youth Environment Network (SARYEN) and, WILDTRUST,

Objectives of the Side Event

The objective of this side event is to bring together stakeholders such as youth organizations, partners, and stakeholders across the SADC region (and across Africa) to showcase and amplify youth-led actions and programs that contribute to the GBF.

1. Showcase Youth Leadership Programs: Present successful youth-led initiatives and programs within SADC and the African region that contribute to biodiversity conservation and investments.
2. Promote Collaboration: Encourage partnerships between SADC, youth organizations, and other stakeholders to amplify the impact of youth involvement in biodiversity and sustainable development efforts.
3. Highlight Achievements: Demonstrate the tangible (evidence-based) outcomes of youth engagement in biodiversity projects.
4. Encourage Participation: Motivate young people to take active roles in environmental governance and biodiversity conservation, leveraging the platforms provided by SADC and international events like COP 16 and encourage other RECs to engage youth.

Expected Outcomes/How will success look like

1. Increased awareness of the role of youth in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework.
2. Strengthened partnerships and networks among youth organizations, SADC, and other stakeholders.
3. Enhanced visibility of SADC’s efforts and achievements in youth empowerment and biodiversity conservation.
4. Avenue to mobilize resources and support for youth-led biodiversity initiatives.