The Global Youth Environment Assembly (YEA) is convened by the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG), with the support of interested Member States, UNEP and partner organizations, as a global platform for youth engagement in the lead-up to the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR) and UNEA. It brings together young environmental leaders, advocates and policy actors from all regions to participate in thematic discussions, information-sharing, capacity-building workshops, consultations and the launch of youth-led initiatives. The Assembly provides an inclusive space for articulating youth perspectives on global environmental governance.
First held in person in 2022 ahead of UNEA-5.2, the YEA culminates in the development of the Global Youth Declaration on the Environment, which conveys youth priorities and recommendations to UNEA. Recognized by UNEA, in its resolution 7/6, as the principal youth platform under the Environment Assembly, and accompanied by a request to the Executive Director to continue supporting its organization in partnership with the Children and Youth Major Group, the Youth Environment Assembly continues to strengthen meaningful youth participation in environmental processes.
The third session of the YEA took place on 29–30 November and 7 December 2025 ahead of UNEA-7, with approximately 1,600 participants (including 1,100 in person and over 500 online), and resulted in the adoption of the Global Youth Declaration on the Environment 2025.
- Go to the Children and Youth Major GroupE website for programme, documents, how to watch and participate.
- UNEP Story: Youth push for action on environmental crises
- Global Youth Declaration on the Environment
- UNEP/EA.7/Res.6 - Resolution on enhancing the meaningful participation of youth in environmental processes, and enhancing environmental education
- Pictures
