Post-2023 MAB Youth Forum

On 22 July 2024, a special side event of the 6th International Conference Resources, Environment and Regional Sustainable Development in Northeast Asia, the 4th International Conference Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, "Post-2023 MAB Youth Forum",  was organised as a significant follow-up to the First Regional Youth Forum for Asia and the Pacific for Man & Biosphere (MAB) 2023.

The First Regional Youth Forum for Asia and the Pacific for Man & Biosphere (MAB) 2023 (MAB Youth Forum 2023) led to the establishment of the International Young Professional Network for Biodiversity Conservation, the generation of the Transboundary Ecosystem Conservation, Climate Change and Food Security Initiative and the issuance of the Xingkai Lake Declaration, marking a commitment to sustainable development and food security. These initiatives are designed to empower youth and enhance collaboration on climate change adaptation, ensuring that the knowledge and experience of young experts reach policymakers and communities to build resilient societies.

During the side event, Prof. Shahbaz Khan delivered an inspiring opening speech that underscored the significance of youth engagement in environmental and sustainable development issues. Dr. Ai Sugiura introduced the WNBR networks’ mechanism and the steps to propose a thematic network within the WNBR. The importance of wetland conservation was initiated during a dynamic discussion among the participants during the 2023 Regional MAB Youth Forum. Dr. Yu Zhu then took the participants through a reflection on the key points of the Xinghai Lake Declaration. Prof. Yingji Pan facilitated a free discussion on the International Young Professional Network on Biodiversity and Food Security (IYPN-BFS), providing a platform for attendees to exchange ideas and explore collaborative opportunities. Ms. Mansi Cai briefly introduced the Transboundary Ecosystem Conservation, Climate Change, and Food Security Initiative and invited participants to share their comments and suggestions on the proposals under the initiative.