Uniting Young Leaders Across the Americas for Climate Action

IDEAS & LEADERSHIP

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IDEAS & LEADERSHIP •

what is the Youth Congress for Sustainable Americas (YCSA)?

Presented by:

In partnership between the Biennial of the Americas and the Nature Conservancy and Presented by AT&T, Youth Congress for Sustainable Americas (YCSA) was launched in 2017 as a means to connect young leaders working towards sustainable goals across the Americas, stimulating and fomenting Climate Action Initiatives.

Our mission is dedicated to uniting young leaders from all countries across the Americas, fostering collaboration and solidarity in our collective pursuit of sustainability. We come together as a diverse and inclusive community, transcending borders, to address the urgent climate crisis and promote a just and sustainable transition. This commitment to diversity extends to our executive committee and the recruitment of new members, ensuring that our organization reflects the rich tapestry of voices and perspectives within our region.

In envisioning a future for the Americas that is ecologically thriving, socially just, and economically equitable, the YCSA strives to become a catalyst for transformation. Our vision is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and respect for indigenous wisdom, aiming to inspire a paradigm shift towards sustainability within the next decade.

Today, the YCSA has more than 70 young environmental leaders from countries all over America (North, Central, and South) and the Caribbean, growing more resilient each day. The YCSA represents a broad-based citizenry composed of young leaders, community activists, and professionals committed to forging new forms of cooperation and leadership for a sustainable future.

As an organization, we directly impact SDGs 4, 9, 11, 13, and 17. Our delegates, along with our campaigns, meetings, scholarships, and programs, including the Youth Accelerator Grant (YAG), extend our influence to other SDGs. Together, we're driving positive change across multiple dimensions of sustainable development.

YCSA Programs

  • The Youth Accelerator Grants (YAG), an initiative of the YCSA under the Biennial of the Americas, are dedicated to empowering youth-driven projects that create meaningful social and environmental change. Designed to support young leaders, the YAG program aligns with YCSA's sustainability, innovation, social justice, and cross-border collaboration values, targeting vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

    Since its inception, the YAG program has varied in the number and size of grants awarded—3 in 2021, 4 in 2022, and 2 in 2024—demonstrating a commitment to adaptive and impactful support. Each project funded reflects a shared vision of addressing critical global challenges while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Through the YAG program, young leaders between 18 and 35 years old are equipped with resources to turn innovative ideas into actionable projects. Eligible projects span diverse categories, including art and activism, technological solutions, ecological entrepreneurship, and volunteering, ensuring that every initiative fosters measurable and sustainable impact.

    The program prioritizes outcomes by measuring success through robust indicators, such as reduced CO2 emissions, increased water conservation, jobs created, and community engagement. The YAG initiative not only funds impactful projects but also strengthens the capacity of young leaders to drive lasting change in their communities and beyond.

  • The YCSA has actively participated in joint campaigns with TNC, such as the 2019 campaign #elvalordelanaturaleza, where delegates from 7 countries including Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada came together. Additionally, the YCSA has organized other events to foster dialogue, such as the Escazú Agreement, and to share experiences among different delegates. These engagements reflect our commitment to collaboration and the exchange of knowledge in our pursuit of a more sustainable future for the Americas.

  • Providing opportunities for delegates to access education and training, fostering personal and professional growth.

  • Facilitating participation in high-level discussions and exchanges, enabling delegates to contribute to urban sustainability solutions.

  • Equipping delegates with essential skills, knowledge, and tools to become effective leaders and change-makers in their communities and beyond.

80 +

Active YCSA Delegates

9

YAG projects funded since 2020

25,000 +

People Impacted

19 +

Countries Represented

delegate Benefits

  • Funding initiatives and projects: Delegates of the YCSA have access to funding opportunities for their sustainability initiatives and projects, helping them turn their ideas into impactful actions.

  • Participate in high-level discussion events: Delegates engage in high-level discussion events with thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, providing them with a platform to influence policy and drive meaningful change in sustainability.

  • Visibility and promotion of your initiatives: Delegates gain visibility for their initiatives through our platforms and publications, allowing them to showcase their work and amplify their impact across the Americas and the Caribbean.

  • Events to connect and show yourself: Delegates participate in events designed to connect them with like-minded individuals, organizations, and potential collaborators, providing a stage to present their work and expand their network.

  • Opportunities to learn and grow professionally: Delegates benefit from professional development opportunities, including workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs, to enhance their skills and advance their career in sustainability.