The Youth Environment Assembly is organized by youth for youth. It is a self-organized space for youth to discuss critical issues and build their capacity to make change in the world. More immediately, the 2021 Assembly is a key moment for youth to organize in the run up to the online session of the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, the high-level body where countries discuss and help set the direction of global environmental governance.

The Youth Environment Assembly has a full roster of events and topics. All these issues matter for future generations. Climate change is always an important environmental issue because of the lasting effects that future generations will have to grapple with. The event takes up other environmental issues with equally important intergenerational effects. Sessions on chemicals and hazardous wastes will discuss how some toxic chemicals can affect fetuses and children’s development and children’s rights. Because of these dangers, the Assembly will launch a Chemicals and Wastes Youth Platform in the second week. Nature and food security are crucial to the healthy development of children and young adults and will be a key topic discussed at the Assembly.

Youth will also be able to discuss key issues with other youth in their regions through the coordination meetings. There are also opportunities to speak to the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme Inger Andersen, and the President of UNEA.