Masters Programs in Geosciences, Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences M2
VU THI HANG
【IYCB 2024 – An extraordinary journey at the international Youth Conference on Biodiversity】
It was an extraordinary experience for me to be part of IYCB 2024 – the International Youth Conference on Biodiversity aims to: Empower the voice of global youth of sharing their insights on biodiversity within diverse programs and sectors that will drive t rans formative change through a comprehensive society. The conference, held in August 2024 in Yokohama City, Japan, was a collaboration between the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, the City of Yokohama, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Japan Biodiversity Fund. This opportunity allowed me to meet and learn from the staff at both international organizations and national government offices, with the guidance of IUCN-J’s Teppei Dohke and Ichika Inaba, whose support I sincerely appreciate.
As a volunteer from the University of Tsukuba, alongside Oyuki-san and Yifansan, I gained a deep understanding of how an international conference is organized and how challenges are addressed. Additionally, I participated in discussions with over 100 young people from around the world who gathered at the conference to share experiences and plan actions to support the effective implementation of the Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This was an eye-opening opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives.
This year's IYCB created an inspiring environment enriched with music, art, culture, discussions, and workshops. It empowered young leaders to engage increative sessions, develop projects, empower their voices, spark innovation, and drive meaningful action toward a sustainable future where we live in harmony with nature. This incredible opportunity has motivated me to stay committed to protecting the environment and our planet. Finally, I would like to thank CPNC for providing me with this invaluable learning
opportunity, and also my two friends for their companionship and mutual support throughout the conference.
Attending at closing ceremony of IYCB 2024 with all staff 撮影 Nadia Putri Rachma Persada (GYBN staff from Indodenisa)
国際自然保護連合日本委員会（ IUCN - J ）
Masters Programs in World Heritage Studies, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science M2
Yifan Cao
【 IYCB 2024 –Voices of Biodiversity Beyond Borders 】
As a volunteer from the University of Tsukuba, I sincerely thank Certificate Programme on Nature Conservation (CPNC), Japan Committee for IUCN, Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), and all participants for their dedication, which made this conference a great success. This event not only created a valuable opportunity to discuss biodiversity conservation but also provided a platform for cross-cultural exchange among global youth.
The conference gave me the opportunity to step outside the perspectives of Japan and Asia, connecting with a truly global community. Discussions ranged from ecological protection and policy-making to the role of cultural arts in biodiversity, revealing how deeply interconnected these issues are across regions. Activities such as engaging lectures, hands-on workshops, and the vibrant Culture Night showcased the unique ways biodiversity is understood and valued in different parts of the world.
As a staff member, I took pr ide in contributing to the smooth operation of the conference, and as a participant, I was inspired by the knowledge and passion shared by others. This experience highlighted that the challenges of biodiversity conservation require efforts that
transcend geographical, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries. Hearing diverse voices opened my mind to new possibilities and reinforced my belief in the power of global collaboration.
This conference was more than just an event—it was a transformative journey beyond borders, both geographically and intellectually. It deepened my commitment to biodiversity conservation and inspired me to work toward a sustainable and inclusive future for al l. To the organizers and participants, I extend my heartfelt thanks for making this experience so impactful and memorable.
Closing ceremony of IYCB 2024
国際自然保護連合日本委員会（ IUCN - J ）
Graduate School of Science and Technology Master's Program in Geosciences M2
Jara Orrego Oyuki Gissel
【 IYCB conference in Yokohama 2024 】
The conference IYCB conference was held in August 2024 in Yokohama City, Japan, in collaboration with GYBN, the Ministry of Environment of Japan, the City of Yokohama, the Secretariat of the CBD, and the Japan Biodiversity Fund. This conference was held with the objective of giving the young people the opportunity to develop bonds and networks with other national and regional participants from diverse sectors and create a movement to
drive transformative change for the success of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework.
It was my first time attending such a big conference with people worldwide, some of them had never been abroad. That made the conference more interesting and inclusive. I was able to be on the front side of how the organization is and how many things should be done for this to happen.
Each day was very well designed to take one topic, there were four main topics: 1) understanding where we are, why, and where to go; 2) reflecting on our actions and learning from our experiences and; 3) making way for transformation and weaving a new story and the last one planting seeds of hope.
I was impressed by how they approached all this content through discussions, lectures, art sessions, and cultural nights. I was also able to participate in many discussions and hear the amazing session of Melina Sakiyama, co-founder of GYBN, her talks are always very inspirational for me.
This conference opened my mind to different aspects of how many young people from all over the world are taking part in doing what they can do on their side to protect biodiversity. It inspired me to be more active and involved in protecting nature.
We are different young people from all over the world who were split, but we are now together working for the same aim “Protect our home, the nature”.
International Youth Conference on Biodiversity closing ceremony