On 4–7 August 2024, the AEON Environmental Foundation and UNU-IAS held a training session as part of the Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM), a new capacity development programme for youth.
Highlighting the role of youth in global decision-making processes, the session featured lectures by UNU-IAS experts on biodiversity and climate change, development of presentation skills, and group discussions. A total of 18 undergraduate and postgraduate students from eight countries participated in the programme.
A speech contest was held on the final day, resulting in four winners:
- Best Performance Award: Shiho Ito (Global Studies Program, Akita International University)
- Runner-up: Taira Ishiguro (Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, the University of Tokyo)
- Third Place: Leonardo (Universitas Indonesia) and Bañares Lhiana Reign Saño (Graduate Program in Sustainability Science, the University of Tokyo, through Institute for Future Initiatives).
The top two students, Ms. Ito and Mr. Ishiguro, will participate in the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia (CBD COP 16) as a part of the UNU delegation, contributing to global discussions on biodiversity. Opportunities for various outreach and follow-up activities are provided to all participants throughout the year.
Please see here for more information about the Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM).