The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has officially opened the Expression of Interest (EOI) for organizations and individuals interested in hosting sessions during the Children & Youth Resilience Hub at UNCCD COP17. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for accredited participants to contribute to one of the world’s leading environmental conferences by organizing discussions, workshops, presentations, and collaborative events focused on combating desertification, land degradation, drought resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.

The Children & Youth Resilience Hub has been designed to amplify the voices of young leaders and strengthen youth participation in global environmental policymaking. Through innovative sessions, networking events, and collaborative dialogues, the Hub aims to bring together youth organizations, technical experts, policymakers, researchers, government representatives, and development partners committed to building a more resilient future.

If you are already confirmed to attend UNCCD COP17, this is your opportunity to showcase your work, share innovative solutions, and engage with international stakeholders working toward land restoration and climate resilience.

About UNCCD and Youth Engagement

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) recognizes young people as key drivers of environmental action and sustainable development. Youth around the world continue to develop innovative approaches that address some of the most pressing environmental challenges, including:

• Desertification
• Land degradation
• Drought resilience
• Climate adaptation
• Ecosystem restoration
• Sustainable land management
• Community resilience

To strengthen youth participation, UNCCD has introduced several important initiatives, including:

• UNCCD Youth Caucus
• Land Heroes Campaign
• Capacity Building Marketplace
• Support for the Decent Jobs for Youth Initiative
• UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy (YES)

These initiatives ensure that young people actively participate in decision-making processes while contributing innovative ideas and practical solutions to environmental challenges.

What is the Children & Youth Resilience Hub?

The Children & Youth Resilience Hub serves as an inclusive platform during UNCCD COP17 where youth and partners can engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative action.

The Hub seeks to:

• Promote meaningful youth engagement.
• Showcase youth-led innovations.
• Encourage knowledge sharing.
• Build partnerships across sectors.
• Facilitate policy discussions.
• Strengthen advocacy on land restoration.
• Promote sustainable development.
• Advance climate adaptation initiatives.
• Foster collaboration among global stakeholders.

Rather than being a traditional conference venue, the Hub creates an interactive space where participants can exchange ideas, present successful initiatives, and inspire practical action.

Objectives of the Hub

The Children & Youth Resilience Hub has several important objectives, including:

1. Promote Youth Leadership

The Hub highlights the important role young people play in addressing environmental challenges while creating opportunities for youth leadership at the international level.

2. Share Innovative Solutions

Participants will have the opportunity to showcase projects, research findings, community initiatives, and technological innovations that contribute to land restoration and drought resilience.

3. Encourage Collaboration

The platform encourages partnerships among:

• Governments
• NGOs
• Youth organizations
• International agencies
• Researchers
• Private sector partners
• Community organizations

4. Strengthen Advocacy

The Hub provides space for young people to influence conversations around:

• Climate adaptation
• Land restoration
• Environmental sustainability
• Desertification
• Drought resilience
• Sustainable development

Who Can Submit a Session Proposal?

The Expression of Interest is only open to applicants who are already confirmed participants of UNCCD COP17.

Potential applicants include:

• Youth organizations
• Civil society organizations
• International organizations
• NGOs
• Universities
• Research institutions
• Technical experts
• Government partners
• Community organizations
• Development agencies
• Accredited individuals

Applicants must already possess confirmed accreditation to participate in COP17.

Important Eligibility Requirement

One of the most important conditions of this opportunity is that submission of an Expression of Interest does not provide registration or accreditation for UNCCD COP17.

Applicants must already:

• Be officially confirmed participants.
• Hold valid accreditation for COP17.
• Make their own travel arrangements.
• Secure accommodation.
• Obtain any required visas.
• Cover all participation expenses independently.

The UNCCD Youth Caucus will not provide funding for:

• Travel
• Accommodation
• Visa costs
• Registration
• Meals
• Local transportation
• Any other participation-related expenses

Applicants should therefore ensure that all logistical arrangements have already been completed before submitting a proposal.

Session Formats Available

Applicants may choose from several engaging session formats depending on the nature of their proposed event.

Available formats include:

• Presentation
• Workshop
• Panel Discussion
• Interactive Activity
• Open Dialogue
• Roundtable Discussion

Each format allows participants to engage audiences differently while contributing to the goals of the Children & Youth Resilience Hub.

Thematic Areas

Applicants should clearly indicate the thematic focus of their proposed session.

Possible themes may include:

• Desertification
• Land degradation
• Drought resilience
• Climate adaptation
• Sustainable development
• Youth leadership
• Environmental innovation
• Community resilience
• Nature-based solutions
• Land restoration
• Climate policy
• Ecosystem conservation

Sessions should demonstrate how they contribute to the overall objectives of COP17 and the Children & Youth Resilience Hub.

Information Required During the Application

Applicants will be required to complete several sections within the Expression of Interest form.

These include:

Organizational Information

• Organization name
• Partner information

Contact Details

• Primary contact person
• Email address
• Phone number (preferably WhatsApp)

Alternate Contact

• Alternate contact person
• Email
• Phone number

Online Presence

Applicants should provide:

• Organization website
• Social media links

Session Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit a concise description of their proposed event.

The description should include:

• Thematic focus
• Objectives
• Expected outcomes
• Contribution to COP17
• Contribution to the Children & Youth Resilience Hub goals

The proposal should not exceed 350 words.

VIP Participation

Applicants will also be asked whether they intend to invite:

• Ministers
• Government officials
• International leaders
• Other VIP participants

This information helps organizers coordinate scheduling and logistics where appropriate.

Event Scheduling

Applicants are required to select:

• One preferred session date and time
• One alternative session date and time

Multiple scheduling options are available throughout the duration of COP17, providing flexibility for organizers while helping the Hub accommodate a wide range of activities.

Applicants should note that final scheduling decisions remain subject to availability and overall conference programming.

Confirmation Requirement

Before submitting the form, applicants must confirm that they understand:

• Session times may change.
• Session formats may be adjusted.
• Scheduling depends on availability and conference planning requirements.

Why You Should Participate

Hosting a session at the Children & Youth Resilience Hub provides numerous professional and networking benefits.

These include:

• Present your work to a global audience.
• Share innovative environmental solutions.
• Build international partnerships.
• Connect with policymakers.
• Collaborate with technical experts.
• Engage youth leaders from around the world.
• Increase visibility for your organization.
• Contribute to international environmental policy discussions.
• Support global efforts on land restoration and drought resilience.
• Strengthen youth participation in sustainable development initiatives.

For more information about the UNCCD Youth Caucus, Click HERE.

Financial Considerations

Applicants should carefully note that this opportunity is not a funding program.

Participants are fully responsible for financing:

• Airfare
• Accommodation
• Visa expenses
• Registration
• Meals
• Insurance
• Local transportation
• Any additional participation costs

Only applicants who have already secured these arrangements should apply.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official Expression of Interest form by providing all requested organizational and session information.

Before applying, ensure that:

1. You are already accredited for UNCCD COP17.
2. Your proposed session aligns with the objectives of the Children & Youth Resilience Hub.
3. Your proposal clearly explains its contribution to COP17.
4. You have selected your preferred session format and scheduling options.
5. You understand that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.

APPLY HERE.

Deadline

No application deadline has been specified in the available announcement. Applicants are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest as early as possible before the COP17 scheduling process is finalized.

Conclusion

The UNCCD COP17 Children & Youth Resilience Hub offers an outstanding platform for accredited youth leaders, organizations, and environmental stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to one of the world’s most important conferences on land restoration and climate resilience. By organizing presentations, workshops, discussions, or interactive activities, participants can showcase innovative solutions, build global partnerships, and strengthen youth engagement in sustainable development. While the opportunity does not include financial support or conference accreditation, it provides a valuable avenue for qualified COP17 participants to influence international dialogue and collaborate with experts committed to combating desertification, land degradation, and drought.

For more OFY Conference opportunities, VISIT HERE.