Young people play a vital role in the transformation toward a more just and sustainable world. The Workshop covered the methodologies and content of the latest reports from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), as well as various opportunities to get involved in IPBES processes.

The workshop focused on presenting the IPBES reports on transformative change and on the interconnections between biodiversity, water, food, and health (Nexus Assessment), as well as on discussions about shaping transformative change based on concrete case studies provided by the participants. In this context, participants also utilized concepts for developing positive visions of the future, such as the IPBES Nature Futures Framework (NFF).

The 25 young people aged 18 to 30 from German-speaking countries (including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Luxembourg), who are engaged in biodiversity, ecosystem services, and nature conservation, gathered on the island of Vilm to share their perspectives and gain a better understanding of IPBES’s outputs. 

Involving young people in the work of IPBES is crucial for fostering acceptance of the assessments among young people. As advocates, they will now disseminate and build upon the workshop’s findings within their respective networks to inspire more young adults to engage with the work of IPBES.