On 4–7 August 2026, UNU-IAS and the AEON Environmental Foundation held the third international training session of the Global Youth MIDORI platform (GYM) 2026, a capacity development programme for youth. GYM aims to equip young people with skills and knowledge to address biodiversity loss, climate change and other sustainability challenges.
Engaging 17 university students from 12 countries, the session featured lectures by UNU-IAS experts and group discussions. A speech contest was held on the final day, resulting in three winners:
- Best Performance Award: Hiroto Maekawa (University of Toronto)
- Runner-up: Carlos Manuel Eusoya (University of the Philippines Manila)
- Third Place: Zannirah Rehman (Lahore University of Management Sciences)
The winners participated in the International Study Visit Programme in Tokyo during 26–29 August 2026. They engaged in various activities including an award ceremony and a laureates forum, exchange sessions with the MIDORI Prize Laureates, discussions with UNU-IAS researchers, and visits to recycling facilities to learn about circular economy initiatives in Japan.
