ycsa in 2025
From May 5–7, four delegates from the Youth Congress for Sustainable Americas (YCSA) represented the voices of youth across the Americas and the Caribbean at the 6th International Symposium on Conservation Impact, hosted by the Salazar Center at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Their participation in the closing plenary and an intergenerational networking session highlighted the role of youth in biodiversity, spatial planning, climate action, and inclusive governance. At our information booth, over 75 attendees engaged with our work, and more than 15 young professionals expressed interest in joining or collaborating with YCSA.
The delegation forged new alliances with actors in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico and gained recognition from leaders like Ken Salazar, who emphasized youth involvement in decision-making spaces. Their impact extended beyond the event, positioning YCSA and the Biennial of the Americas as leading advocates for youth in conservation. This experience reaffirmed the value of empowering young voices to shape more sustainable and inclusive futures.
