The successful implementation of the Nagoya Protocol depends not only on governments and institutions but also on the active engagement of citizens, young people, researchers, innovators, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and the private sector. Across developing countries, youth-led initiatives and community-driven solutions are emerging as powerful catalysts for biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and equitable benefit-sharing.

This side event will showcase innovative approaches that place citizens and young people at the center of biodiversity action. Through case studies, interactive dialogue, and solution-oriented exchanges, participants will explore how youth entrepreneurship, citizen science, digital technologies, environmental education, community stewardship, and local innovation ecosystems can support the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol while creating sustainable livelihoods and strengthening biodiversity governance.

The event will bring together representatives from civil society organizations, youth networks, research institutions, Indigenous and local communities, and the private sector. Special attention will be given to successful examples from developing countries that demonstrate how collaborative action can generate tangible biodiversity outcomes while ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources.

Beyond knowledge exchange, the session aims to foster long-term partnerships and multidisciplinary collaboration across sectors and regions. Participants will identify opportunities for joint projects, research cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and innovation partnerships that can accelerate the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Expected outcomes include:

* Increased awareness of citizen- and youth-led contributions to ABS implementation.

* Presentation of innovative biodiversity solutions and scalable good practices.

* Creation of new partnerships among civil society, academia, governments, and the private sector.

* Development of a collaborative network supporting youth engagement in biodiversity governance.

* Identification of concrete opportunities for future cooperation, funding, and knowledge exchange