Although young people represent diverse stakeholder groups – rural and urban, formally educated and not, privileged and underprivileged, researchers and young professionals, foresters and farmers– youth share a vested interest in addressing complex intergenerational issues and ensuring the sustainable use of global landscapes, both in the future and right now. Young people today are harnessing technology, leveraging networks, and taking action to accelerate society toward the paradigm shift needed for sustainable development.

In this second plenary, we will hear what leading young innovators around the world are doing to spark energy, create innovative solutions and implement collaborative approaches to protect, manage and improve landscapes. With speakers who are championing new business models; reaching out to the forgotten; and driving large-scale, on-the-ground change, this session will provide both the practical steps and inspiration needed to enable you – whether you are young or just young at heart – to act collectively and help achieve commitments and a positive vision of our shared future.