The successful implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) depends not only on effective policies and adequate resources, but also on people. Achieving transformative change requires strengthening the knowledge, values, skills, and leadership needed to drive biodiversity action across all sectors of society. 

The KMGBF recognises the importance of knowledge sharing, capacity development, and the meaningful participation of rightsholders. As Parties advance implementation towards 2030, there is a growing need to explore how transformative learning, particularly non-formal, youth-led approaches, can complement formal education systems and empower youth to become active contributors to biodiversity governance, conservation, and sustainable development.

Around the world, youth organisations like GYBN are demonstrating innovative approaches to transformative learning through fellowships, peer-to-peer learning, community education, and capacity-building programmes that equip young people to engage in policy processes, lead local action, and foster collaboration across sectors.

This side event will explore the role of transformative learning as a key enabler of KMGBF implementation, bringing together youth, governments, educators, and partners to share experiences, discuss enabling conditions, and identify opportunities to strengthen investment in youth-led learning and capacity development.

Objectives

• Explore the role of transformative learning and non-formal education in achieving the KMGBF.

• Showcase innovative approaches to youth-led capacity development that strengthen biodiversity knowledge, leadership and action.

• Share lessons from initiatives such as GYBN's Nature-Culture Fellowship, Fellowship Programme, chapter-led training and other youth-led learning initiatives.

• Discuss how governments and partners can integrate and support transformative learning within national biodiversity implementation.

• Foster partnerships to expand access to inclusive, youth-led learning opportunities and strengthen capacities for biodiversity action through 2030.

Illustrative Case Studies 

• GYBN Nature-Culture Fellowship (NCF)

• GYBN Fellowship Program

• Nurturing Collective Transformations: Learning & Unlearning in Harmony with Nature

• Chapter-led capacity building initiatives

• Peer-to-peer learning and mentorship

• Community-based and non-formal biodiversity education

Expected Outcomes

The side event will strengthen recognition of transformative learning as a critical enabler of KMGBF implementation and demonstrate the value of investing in youth-led education and capacity development. By highlighting practical examples and fostering dialogue among governments, youth organizations, educators and partners, the event will generate recommendations for integrating transformative learning into biodiversity policies, programmes and capacity-development efforts. It will also strengthen partnerships that empower young people to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation and governance through 2030 and beyond.