Overview

The Youth Leadership in Sustainability Science & Policy initiative supports emerging youth leaders in developing a strong understanding of sustainability governance, biodiversity law, and science–policy interfaces. The programme focuses on strengthening policy literacy, evidence-based engagement, and leadership capacities relevant to contemporary environmental and development challenges.

The initiative contributes to broader efforts to promote inclusive and intergenerational approaches to sustainability governance, aligned with international biodiversity and sustainable development agendas.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Enhance youth understanding of sustainability science–policy interfaces

• Strengthen literacy on biodiversity governance, environmental law, and policy processes

• Support leadership development and constructive policy engagement

• Encourage informed youth participation in sustainability discussions at local, regional, and international levels

• Foster networks among young leaders, practitioners, and experts

Focus Areas

The Youth Leadership in Sustainability Science & Policy initiative engages with topics including:

• Biodiversity governance and international environmental law

• Science–policy interfaces and evidence-based decision-making

• Sustainable development and policy coherence

• Youth participation in environmental governance

• Intergenerational perspectives in sustainability transitions

2025 Youth Leaders Cohort

The 2025 Youth Leaders Cohort brings together young professionals, students, and community actors with interests in sustainability science, public policy, and environmental governance. Participants engage in learning, dialogue, and reflective activities that strengthen their capacity to understand and contribute to sustainability-related policy discussions.

The cohort reflects diverse academic backgrounds, regional perspectives, and practical experiences, enriching collective learning and exchange.

Activities and Engagement

Programme activities include:

• Capacity-building sessions on sustainability science and policy processes

• Policy dialogues and facilitated discussions

• Youth reflections on sustainability governance challenges and opportunities

• Knowledge-sharing and peer learning

• Engagement with ongoing regional or global sustainability processes, where relevant

Activities are designed to support critical thinking, inclusive dialogue, and practical understanding of governance dynamics.

Programme Updates and Contributions

Updates, reflections, and selected outputs from the Youth Leadership in Sustainability Science & Policy initiative are shared through linked posts below.

Global Youth Sustainability, Science & Policy Instagram

Youth Blogs and Articles:
OECMs: Expanding Conservation Through Inclusion By Annabel Koven, BSc Enviro Sci Cand (Brown)

Alignment with BLGI’s Work

The Youth Leadership in Sustainability Science & Policy initiative complements the broader work of the Biodiversity Law and Governance Initiative by supporting capacity-building and knowledge exchange at the interface of law, policy, and sustainability practice. While distinct from BLGI’s legal research activities, the programme contributes to long-term efforts to strengthen informed participation and leadership in biodiversity and sustainability governance.