The third Global MAB Youth Forum marks a key milestone for strengthening youth participation in UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Theme

Building on the 2017 and 2019 Global MAB Youth Forums, the third forum adopts the theme “Committed to the Future We Want.” Aligned with the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), it reflects MAB Youth’s strengthened commitment to addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development.

Objectives

The forum aims to:

·Enable MAB Youth to engage with and contribute to the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), with particular attention to Action Target 20, which focuses on developing the MAB Youth Network.

·Translate findings from the World MAB Youth Mapping Survey into shared priorities, innovative approaches, and concrete pathways for action.

·Facilitate the exchange of youth-led practices and initiatives in Biosphere Reserves related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community well-being.

·Foster coordination, leadership, and capacity-building among youth actors across the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

·Produce concrete youth-led outputs and recommendations that inform MAB’s governance and future action at national, regional, and global levels.

·Identify strategies to strengthen the integration of youth into MAB’s governance structures and decision-making processes.