The UNCCD Youth Caucus (UYC) seeks to promote youth engagement in all Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought-related initiatives in the multilateral system of the UNCCD.
With growing recognition of the importance of youth engagement and their unique perspectives in sustainable development, the UNCCD Youth Caucus was officially adopted by the parties in September of 2019 at COP14 as a platform for youth involvement in combating land degradation and drought.
Adopted at COP15, Decision 5/COP.15, specifically requested the secretariat to develop a Youth Engagement Strategy to ensure stronger, more effective, and meaningful youth participation in the convention's meetings and activities. This strategy aims to empower future generations to actively engage in land restoration
efforts and related policies.
ABOUT US
The Global Youth Caucus on Land and Desertification (UNCCD Youth Caucus) is the formal and dedicated children and youth engagement mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
OBJECTIVES OF THE UYC:
Empower Youth to Lead and Advocate
Support youth to take on leadership roles, engage in advocacy efforts, and influence decision-making on DLDD issues at all levels.
Raise Awareness and Amplify Youth Voices
Increase visibility of DLDD among youth and highlight youth-led advocacy and action through storytelling, campaigns, and strategic communications.
Strenghten Youth Capacity
Facilitate access to knowledge, training, and skill-building opportunities that prepare youth to meaningfully engage in DLDD areas.
Ensure Equitable Youth Participation in Policy and Governance
Create and promote inclusive pathways for youth to contribute to formal and informal policy processes within the UNCCD and related frameworks.
ABOUT THE UNCCD
Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. It is the driving force behind Sustainable Development Goal 15 and Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). UNCCD's history can be traced back to the first United Nations Conference on Desertification (UNCOD) in 1977, which adopted a Plan of Action to Combat Desertification (PACD). Despite the recognition that land degradation and desertification are major economic, social and environmental concerns to many countries of the world, in 1991 the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) concluded that the problem of land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas had intensified. 197 countries and the European Union are now Parties to the Convention. The Conference of the Parties (COP), which is the Convention's supreme governing body, held its first session in October 1997 in Rome, Italy.
Ready To Engage?
Whether you're an individual changemaker or part of a youth-led organization, you're welcome to join us!
Join the UYC Community