Locations
GYBN – Western Balkans
The first preparatory meeting for establishing the Western Balkans chapter of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) was successfully held in Sarajevo, bringing together young experts and activists from across the region.
GYBN is a global youth network for biodiversity and the official youth constituency of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), working to empower young people worldwide to actively participate in nature conservation and biodiversity governance. This international platform connects thousands of young people, enabling them to engage in decision-making processes and contribute to policies that shape the future of the planet.
With this meeting, the global movement has been brought closer to the Western Balkans, laying the foundation for establishing the GYBN Western Balkans (GYBNWB) network. Participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia - gathered through the IPBES network - reaffirmed through their engagement that young people are a key driving force in shaping a sustainable and green future for the region.
Exchange of experiences, inspiring presentations, and a clear vision for the future
During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to hear inspiring presentations from representatives of the global and European GYBN networks on the role of youth in international biodiversity policy, global challenges, and successful examples of youth involvement in decision-making processes around the world. Key opportunities for regional cooperation were discussed, as well as the importance of actively involving young people in shaping nature-protection policies.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the GYBN Western Balkans Action Plan, which outlined future directions, planned activities, and models of collaboration among youth in the region. In an open discussion, participants shared their experiences, ideas, and priorities, emphasizing the need for joint action, knowledge exchange, and regional solidarity in biodiversity conservation.
Support through the BES-Net project
The organization of the meeting was carried out within the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) project, implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina by UNDP. The establishment of the GYBN Western Balkans network represents an important step toward strengthening the role of young people in nature conservation, enhancing regional cooperation, and developing policies grounded in science and aligned with the global priorities of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
