Event ID: 13 Title: From Local Voices to Global Action: Co-Creating a Youth Declaration in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
This interactive workshop will share Canada's experience developing a national Youth Declaration for UNESCO Designated Sites as a model for meaningful youth engagement in the MAB Programme. Co-led by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and youth from Biosphere Regions and Global Geoparks, the process combined mentorship, site manager collaboration, and grassroots perspectives aligned with UNESCO's vision. Through a short presentation and breakout case study discussions, participants will explore how youth-led declarations can foster national networks, strengthen intergenerational collaboration, and position youth as structural partners rather than symbolic voices.
| Preliminary Agenda | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Content | Speaker |
| 1:15pm-1:30pm | Welcoming remarks Overview of youth engagement in Canada, from the creation of a Toolkit for site managers, to the drafting of a National Youth Declaration. Situating the work on the international stage. | Zoe Compton, David Béland |
| 1:30pm-2:10pm | Breakout groups Participants will join small groups to discuss case studies that explore the creation of tangible projects. The themes will include: Overcoming tokenism; youth exchange programs; organizing a youth conference; and building a national youth network. | Jenelle Booker, Courtney Vaugeois, David Béland, Rova Mirinda |
| 2:10pm-2:40pm | Reporting back Breakout groups will share the key ideas that emerged from their discussions, and participants will be encouraged to propose pilot project ideas to leave the workshop with new partnerships and action-oriented projects. | Jenelle Booker, Courtney Vaugeois, David Béland, Rova Mirinda |
| 2:40pm-2:45pm | Closing remarks | Zoe Compton and David Béland |
