YEREVAN, Armenia — On May 22, marking this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment, in collaboration with MAQOOR environmental NGO and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), hosted a youth-centered workshop, titled “Youth Voices for Biodiversity: Getting Ready for COP17,” at the Akian Art Gallery. The event was organized with support from sophomore students in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences program, as well as a graduating senior from the Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications program, who is minoring in environmental studies. The event brought together young voices to explore their role in advancing global biodiversity goals.
This year’s celebration held particular significance as Armenia prepares to host COP17, the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, in 2026. The workshop aimed to inform and empower the youth. The program featured student-led sessions introducing the Convention on Biological Diversity and the COP process, as well as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Participants engaged in creative games and group activities aimed at exploring biodiversity challenges and developing youth-driven solutions. Representatives from GYBN and MAQOOR shared their experiences in youth advocacy, offering practical ways to get involved in global and local biodiversity efforts.
By fostering dialogue, creativity, and critical thinking, the workshop provided a timely platform to connect youth with meaningful action. As Armenia prepares to take the international stage, initiatives like this underscore the importance of informed, inspired, and active youth engagement in building a future in harmony with nature.
The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, a research center of the American University of Armenia (AUA), promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach. The AUA Acopian Center’s focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity protection and conservation, greening the built environment, sustainable energy, as well as information technology and the environment. Visit http://ace.aua.am
