The Youth Forum of the 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD opened in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Friday.

The forum adopted a proposal, “Global Youths in Combating Desertification”, which stresses  youths’ major role in eradicating poverty by means of innovative ideas, technology and methods, and smoothing the path towards sustainable development.

"Youth, as the new generation to combat desertification, need courage, foresight and efforts. Their dedication will both forge their future and contribute to sustainable development", said Executive Secretary of the UNCCD Monique Barbutat at the forum.

In light of the challenges that youth may face in combating desertification, the proposal advocates that youth are supposed to take steps within their power to promote innovation; enrich knowledge, technique and vocational skills and do their bit in the posts; take an active part in relevant online and offline communication activities for youths; bring forward creative solutions for Land Degradation Neutrality; take full advantage of the youth proposal and grant female youth admission to sustainable soil and water management. 

The proposal also appeals for commitments by governments, associations and organizations to help youth meet these challenges: Raise special funds to offer equal high-quality education to youth; help build up strong environmental protection awareness beginning in childhood; subsidize and support young researchers to do innovative research and make up for the blanks in the study of land problems; share knowledge with the youth, ask for their advice and involve them in environmental affairs; encourage the youth to initiate dialogues at both national and international levels, launch social media campaigns and perform volunteer work through online and offline platforms.

Youth representatives from 25 countries and more than 10 international organizations also discussed the responsibilities, opportunities and challenges that young people face in sustainable land management and land revitalization.