ycsa in 2024
The Youth Congress for Sustainable Americas (YCSA) convened 12 young leaders from Costa Rica, alongside the vice minister of youth, and 5 delegates representing various countries at Parque La Libertad in San Jose, Costa Rica, as part of the 2024 America Summit organized by the @thebiennial
This vibrant gathering served as a platform for robust discussions on a wide range of sustainability issues. From the restoration of ecosystems to the promotion of youth engagement in decision-making, participants shared their diverse projects and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Specific initiatives such as beach cleanups, ecosystem restoration projects, and support for rural communities were discussed, underscoring the commitment to practical actions. Moreover, partnerships with international organizations were highlighted as key to addressing regional environmental challenges effectively. demonstrating the tangible actions being taken by youth leaders to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Participants expressed their commitment to working together across borders and sectors, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes and the need for holistic approaches to sustainability. A common thread throughout the discussions was the recognition of the vital role of youth in shaping sustainable futures. The call for inclusive decision-making and a holistic approach to sustainability resonated strongly among participants, emphasizing the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors.
In closing, participants were invited to further dialogue during discussion on community integration and renewable economies Panels over lunch. These opportunities for continued collaboration underscored the event's commitment to translating words into action.
In October 2024, the Biennial of the Americas and the Youth Congress for Sustainable Americas (YCSA) proudly participated in COP16 on Biodiversity, held in Cali, Colombia. This event provided a transformative platform for our youth delegates to engage in global biodiversity discussions, connect with influential organizations, and advance their knowledge and leadership skills in sustainability and climate action.
With 17 accreditations, including 10 youth delegates and key allies from Hanns Seidel Stiftung Colombia and Fundación Neotropical Cuencas, our delegation actively contributed to panels, workshops, and strategic conversations. These efforts enhanced institutional visibility and strengthened our commitment to fostering impactful youth leadership in biodiversity conservation.
Key outcomes included the establishment of partnerships with organizations such as Stop Ecocide International and the Earth Law Center, increased access to funding opportunities for biodiversity projects, and the formulation of local action plans by delegates. Delegates also gained vital skills in policy advocacy and sustainable development, setting a foundation for future projects and collaborative initiatives.
Looking forward, the Biennial aims to expand support for youth participation in such events by offering pre-event orientations, defining delegate roles more clearly, and ensuring access to additional resources. The lessons and experiences from COP16 will drive continued advocacy and collaboration, empowering young leaders to address global biodiversity challenges.
For a closer look at our delegates’ impactful contributions, explore our documented moments through photos and videos on our social media channels. Together, we are advancing a sustainable future by prioritizing youth perspectives in global dialogues on biodiversity conservation.
On October 31, 2024, during the COP16 of Biodiversity in the Green Zone, the Youth Congress for Sustainable Americas (YCSA) organized the impactful event "Youth Participation in Environmental Processes" at Universidad ECCI in Cali, Colombia. The event featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Paola Valencia (Neotropical Cuencas), Salomé Ramos (Tu Planeta, Tu Casa), Ana Guzmán (The Nature Conservancy), Natalia Barrera (RedJODS / RNJA), Rommy Schreiber (EcoPazífico), Maythe López (Asedtech / Alcaldía de Soledad), and Alejandro Cárdenas (Guardianes de las Playas). They explored how youth-led initiatives can connect local actions with global agendas like COP16, focusing on the essential role of art, culture, and grassroots efforts in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
The event highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, skill-building, and empowering young leaders to create lasting environmental impact. Participants shared experiences from various environmental projects, forging connections to strengthen collective action. For those unable to attend in person, the event was live-streamed to ensure broader engagement.
The session provided a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue, inspiring youth to take bold steps toward a sustainable future. You can revisit the event summary on Vimeo or YouTube. We thank all the attendees, allies, and speakers for making this event a success, showcasing the power of youth participation in driving impactful environmental change. (here the conference live recording)
On December 6, 2024, the Post-COP16 Conversation: Reflections and Challenges in Biodiversity took place at the Hno. Martín Carlos Auditorium, Universidad La Salle, Bogotá. This event provided a platform to analyze the commitments made during COP16 on Biodiversity, held in October in Cali, Colombia. The event reflected on key learnings and significant challenges, emphasizing the need for concrete actions to protect biodiversity at both national and international levels. Discussions focused on fostering collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, and youth organizations, highlighting biodiversity management plans, the participation of diverse stakeholders, and the importance of ensuring environmental initiatives are economically viable to encourage private sector investment. The dialogue underscored how biodiversity is deeply interconnected with economic and cultural activities, making investments in its protection more compelling and feasible.
The event was made possible with the participation of organizations such as Red JODS, Pacto x el Clima, Biennial of the Americas, the Governorship of Meta, and the Red Nacional de Jóvenes de Ambiente - Nodo Bogotá, alongside panelists representing public, private, financial, citizen, and youth sectors. By analyzing COP16 commitments, participants worked towards transforming global agreements into local actions, strengthening multisectoral collaboration, and building a sustainable future.
