Youth

This side event will spotlight youth-led projects from around the world that are actively contributing to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and promoting marine conservation. We will explore how young ocean leaders are overcoming challenges—such as limited funding and trust from stakeholders—to protect marine ecosystems and drive impactful change.

Join us for an inspiring, youth-led event dedicated to saving our precious coral reefs! In this engaging session, young changemakers will explore five ways young people can be part of the solution to our coral crisis. From raising funds to support groundbreaking scientific research to influencing global policy, kids and youth around the world are already showing that they have the initiative and know-how to make a difference.

This session will present the "Latinoamérica Azul" declaration, the first youth-led document that outlines key demands and actionable recommendations for ocean conservation in Latin America. Created during the inaugural "Latinoamérica Azul" conference held in Costa Rica this past June, the declaration captures the voices and perspectives of over 100 young ocean leaders from across the region. Key topics within the declaration—such as climate change, marine protected areas, and sustainable fisheries—are crucial for addressing the primary threats to coral ecosystems and halting their decline. By engaging a diverse group of young advocates and stakeholders, this session aims to refine the declaration and develop a unified roadmap for presenting these youth-driven recommendations to regional policymakers. The enhanced declaration will serve as a strategic agenda for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025 in Nice, France, ensuring that youth perspectives shape international