October 17, 2026 | 19:28
Society
Around 400 young people from around the world discuss biodiversity conservation challenges at YSU
The Global Youth Summit for Biodiversity has opened at Yerevan State University (YSU), bringing together around 400 young leaders from Armenia and abroad. Taking place on October 17-18, the international gathering offers young people an opportunity to discuss biodiversity conservation priorities, present their initiatives and take part in dialogue on environmental policy ahead of COP17.
The summit brings together participants aged 16 to 35, including 150 from abroad and 250 from Armenia. The two-day program features discussions, experience-sharing sessions and collaborative activities aimed at increasing youth participation in biodiversity conservation.
University cooperation for biodiversity conservation
Welcoming summit participants, YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan emphasized the importance of combining universities' scientific and educational resources to support biodiversity conservation.
Hovhannisyan also highlighted the Armenian University Coalition for Biodiversity (AUCB), established at YSU's initiative and bringing together 15 higher education institutions.
At COP17's Green Zone, coalition members will jointly showcase their research, innovative solutions and nature conservation initiatives. The collaboration also aims to strengthen ties among universities and bring scientific knowledge and research findings to a wider audience.
Youth participation: From decision-making to practical initiatives
The summit places particular emphasis on involving young people in shaping and implementing environmental policies.
Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan stressed that decisions made today will directly affect the lives of future generations, underscoring the importance of youth involvement in biodiversity conservation.
Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Krystyna Tatarian emphasized the importance of environmental education, saying it should extend beyond the classroom and become part of young people's daily lives and public dialogue.
Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, discussed the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and emphasized the need for young people to participate in decision-making at different levels.
Silvia Mestroni, Acting UNICEF Representative in Armenia, also addressed biodiversity conservation from the perspective of children's rights and well-being, highlighting the importance of healthy ecosystems for the safety and quality of life of younger generations.
Platform for international cooperation ahead of COP17
The Global Youth Summit for Biodiversity at YSU serves as an important forum for international dialogue on science and education ahead of COP17. Bringing together young people from different countries and representatives of the environmental sector, the summit promotes knowledge exchange, fosters new partnerships and encourages greater youth participation in biodiversity conservation.
Plans also include presenting ideas and proposals developed during the summit at COP17, with the aim of encouraging more active youth participation in international discussions on biodiversity conservation.
YSU's participation in COP17 also includes scientific discussions, collaborative initiatives by universities and public events.
The schedule of events and information on YSU's main areas of involvement are available on the university's dedicated YSU at COP17 page.
