Global youth caucus combats land degradation and connects young professionals in science and environmental policy

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the only legally binding framework set up to address desertification, drought, and land degradation. The convention is a multilateral commitment to mitigate the impact of land degradation and protect our land, so we can provide food, water, shelter, and economic opportunity to all people. 

The UNCCD Youth Caucus is the formal youth constituency to the UNCCD, formally set up in 2019 during the 14th Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the UNCCD in New Delhi, India. The Youth Caucus engages in UNCCD processes and has different regional and thematic groups for youth (ages 18–35) to join. Regional Working Groups include North America, Latin America and Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Middle East and North Africa, and Asia-Pacific; the thematic working groups include Sustainable Land Management and Restoration, Gender and Land Tenure, Food Security and Agriculture, and Peace and Security. With themes in crop, soil, and agronomic sciences, all Working Groups are relevant to members of the Societies.

Working group activities

Each working group has its own activities throughout the year, ranging from educational sessions to drafting policy papers for UNCCD events. This past year, the North America Regional Working Group had monthly meetings to update members on UNCCD events and build knowledge of UNCCD processes. Additionally, we presented a policy paper to country delegates and partner organizations in Panama City last December.