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Spotlighting mountain youth at the 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum

25.04.2024

Recognizing the vital role of mountain youth for advancing sustainable mountain development and countering the effects of climate change on mountain environments and communities, the Mountain Youth Hub (MYH) organized a side event at the 2024 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum. The side event was made possible through the kind support and sponsorship of Ev-K2 Minoprio.

The MYH is a youth-led initiative that was established through a Youth Call to Action for the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions by a group of young professionals attending the Mountain Partnership (MP)'s IPROMO 2023 summer course in the Italian Alps that focused on "Youth and Mountain Forests". Supported by the MP, the MYH aims to empower youth across mountain regions and mobilize a network for mountain sustainability.

In the context of mountains, mountain ecosystems, and mountain livelihoods, the MYH highlighted how mountain youth can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger) and 13 (Climate Action). The event focused on advancing the Five Years of Action and emphasizing the crucial role that mountain youth play in achieving these goals.

The panelists included several MYH co-founders who are based in mountainous regions of Armenia, Argentina, Colombia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, and Nepal. Moderator Ritikaa Gupta, originally from the United States of American and based in Canada, opened the event by sharing her perspectives gained from time spent in the Indian Himalayas. Welcome remarks were then given by Efrem Ferrari, a member of the Board of Directors of EVK2 Minoprio and an international finance consultant.

Omar Dairov from Kyrgyzstan began the discussion by providing an overview of mountain environments and what life is like for mountain communities. He noted how mountain youth are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, a reality that often gets overlooked. He shared how in his hometown, he and his fellow youth grapple with regular energy crises affecting reliable electricity access, which can hinder studying and working.

Leila Rossa Mouawad from Lebanon further expanded on challenges faced by mountain regions in the Near East which are exacerbated by geopolitical instability, pushing youth towards migration. Leila stressed how a significant portion of Lebanon's territory is covered by mountains but that the majority of the country's citizens reside in cities and urban areas. Moreover, she said that approximately 80 percent of youth are considering migration to other countries to seek better job opportunities. Leila emphasized that many of the challenges mountain youth face are cross-border, therefore youth across mountainous regions should come together to shape a better future for mountains.

From an ecological perspective, Sergio Esteban Lozano Baez, a forest restoration steward from Colombia, emphasized the challenges of restoring and cultivating mountain terrain due to its steep slopes and varying climates. He noted that mountains' capacity to be resilient in the face of climate change is closely linked to the health of their soils and effective conservation practices. Furthermore, he remarked on the importance of implementing innovative solutions while simultaneously incorporating traditional knowledge.

Building on this point, Ashkhen Mesropyan from Armenia discussed examples where technology and augmented reality are being leveraged by youth to solve mountain-specific problems. Despite mountain areas often having limited access to internet and inadequate infrastructure, youth are harnessing cloud-based technology and implementing sustainable trails that preserve natural and cultural heritage. For example, in Armenia, a trail system was built using GIS and cloud-based GPS that allowed youth from Georgia to connect with youth in Armenia through the trail network.

Sambat Ranabhat from Nepal highlighted the importance of youth engagement in innovation and technology for sustainable agriculture. Specifically, he highlighted the potential of youth to mainstream sustainable agriculture techniques, traditional knowledge and technologies using social media, to better shift the agricultural sector toward sustainability and resilience while contributing to food and nutrition security. He encouraged young people to actively volunteer in various organizations and initiatives to advocate for policies and programs that promote sustainable agriculture and forestry at local, regional, and national levels. As an agriculture graduate and influencer, Sambat invited fellow youth to leverage social media tools to disseminate information about their initiatives, connect with existing networks, and advocate for policy changes.

From the Patagonian region of Argentina, Rocío Melina Garcia pointed out gaps in global policies for sustainable mountain development, noting disconnects with local realities and conflicts in broader governance. She explained that international and national policies relating to environmental sustainability are often too broad and unsuitable for mountain contexts. Rocío highlighted how youth engagement in policy dialogues is necessary because that is where change can be put forward. Additionally, she shared her experience in analyzing sociopolitical patterns that facilitate sustainable management of mountain areas.

Last but not least, Chirry Laurine from Kenya, who is currently based in Rwanda, shared a project she works on that empowers women and girls who are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Chirry highlighted the importance of gender equality to improve their livelihoods and socioeconomic conditions through capacity building. This focus is particularly crucial in mountain areas, where sustainable development requires addressing both environmental challenges as well as social and economic disparities. Women in her mountain community represent a significant portion of the population and often serve as family heads. When rural mountain women gain equal access to resources, services and opportunities and are given voice, they can become a driving force for sustainable mountain development. Recognizing and addressing gender disparities is essential for fostering resilient and thriving mountain communities.

In her closing remarks, Sara Manuelli, Advocacy and Outreach Officer of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, underlined how youth-led initiatives like the MYH are beacons of hope for a better tomorrow in mountains and the rest of the world.

Moderator Ritikaa Gupta concluded by remarking how mountain youth contribute to sustainable development through research, ecosystem restoration, community-based agriculture, advocacy, and policy engagement. Despite challenges, their determination underscores a commitment to a sustainable future for mountain ecosystems and communities worldwide. The young mountain advocates of the MYH aspire to collaborate across borders, sharing experiences and best practices to enhance mountain sustainability.

News by the Mountain Youth Hub

Watch the side event recording