YEREVAN, Armenia — From July 20 to 24, young environmental leaders, students, and biodiversity advocates from across Armenia gathered at the American University of Armenia (AUA) for the “Youth Pathways to Harmony with Nature: Learning and Action for COP17” workshop. The workshop brought together more than 35 participants for an intensive program combining learning, reflection, dialogue, and practical action. Organized by the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) in partnership with the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Armenia, the workshop aimed to strengthen youth knowledge, leadership, and participation in biodiversity policy ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
As Armenia prepares to host COP17 in Yerevan in mid- to late-October 2026, the workshop created a space for young people to deepen their understanding of biodiversity loss and the social-ecological crises driving it, and for the participants to develop their own project they want to implement as a result of this workshop by exploring how youth can contribute meaningfully to biodiversity governance and policy processes.
The workshop opened with a grounding ceremony honoring participants’ connection to Armenian identity, land, ancestors, and nature. Opening messages from representatives of AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, GYBN, the United Nations, GIZ, WWF Armenia, and Armenian youth emphasized the importance of inclusion, collaboration, and youth leadership in advancing biodiversity action.
Throughout the week, participants explored biodiversity loss and restoration through a systems-thinking lens. They examined key frameworks, including CBD, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), and Armenia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. They discussed how these frameworks shape global and national biodiversity action and identified opportunities for meaningful youth participation in governance and decision-making ahead of COP17.
One of the favorite sessions for many participants was the Intergenerational Dialogue. During the session, representatives of youth, Academia, Government, UNEP, and one of the GYBN co-founders rotated the different groups and shared their vision and work on biodiversity and engagement with COP17.
Alen Gasparian Amirkhanian, director of the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, highlighted the upcoming COP17 as a chance to connect with international representatives. “This October, Armenia will open its doors to the world for two pivotal weeks. Representatives from more than 190 countries will gather in Armenia, creating an unprecedented opportunity for the country to engage with the global community on home soil,” he said. “Engagement and empowerment of Armenian youth to contribute and have their voice heard is critical. This workshop is an essential part of this,” he added. Amirkhanian emphasized that Armenia will not be just a host to a 2-week event, and will assume the presidency of the COP, the ultimate decision-making body of the CBD, for two years. “This places Armenia at the center of environmental diplomacy and the shaping of the global biodiversity agenda. Preparedness of Armenian youth to engage is critical,” he emphasized.
The program also encouraged participants to connect with biodiversity through direct experience. A nature field trip and journaling session in Yerevan allowed participants to observe local biodiversity and reflect on their personal and cultural relationships with nature. Sharing circles, creative activities, and a Festival of Living Stories further highlighted the role of culture, memory, and lived experience in shaping environmental action.
A central focus of the workshop was preparing young people to engage with the global biodiversity policy process. Sessions introduced participants to multilateral environmental agreements. The workshop also introduced participants to green jobs, just transition, and biodiversity-related career pathways, highlighting opportunities in areas such as ecological restoration, protected areas, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity monitoring, the circular economy, and youth entrepreneurship.
Anna Shakhnazaryan (BESS ‘29), co-coordinator of GYBN Armenia, reflected on the role of young people in advocating for biodiversity and how the workshop helped them gain further knowledge. “Young people in Armenia are deeply committed to protecting biodiversity and demonstrate a strong sense of stewardship for the country’s natural heritage. This workshop was designed to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed for their full and effective participation,” she said. “GYBN Armenia is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with national and international partners to empower Armenian youth to take meaningful action for nature,” she added.
Participants also developed youth-led projects tackling biodiversity challenges in Armenia. Working in groups, they identified priority issues, shaped project visions and objectives, and mapped activities, stakeholders, and partners, planning for risks and their mitigation. Projects were designed to align with KMBGF and the broader goals of COP17.
The program concluded with project presentations, feedback, and discussions on next steps. As the COP this year will focus on evaluating where the world stands on implementing KMBGF, it is important that youth actions are also recognized, and the workshop reflects the growing role of youth in shaping biodiversity action in Armenia and beyond.
As the country prepares to host COP17, initiatives such as “Youth Pathways to Harmony with Nature” are equipping a new generation of leaders with the knowledge, networks, and practical tools needed to participate in governance and translate global commitments into meaningful local impact.
GYBN Armenia will continue to work with the workshop participants in advance of the COP17 event. It is also part of the newly launched Biodiversity Ambassador Program, which will enable more youth from universities across Armenia to be prepared to promote biodiversity awareness, advocacy, and action ahead of COP17 and beyond. The Biodiversity Ambassadors program is a joint initiative of the Armenian University Coalition for Biodiversity (AUCB) and GYBN Armenia. Applications are accepted until August 20, 2026.
The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) is a global network of young people and youth organizations working to amplify youth voices and strengthen meaningful youth participation in biodiversity policy and action. GYBN supports young people in developing knowledge, leadership, networks, and initiatives to contribute to the protection and restoration of biodiversity. Visit https://gybn.org/
GYBN Europe is the regional chapter of GYBN. To learn about the different activities to prepare for the COP visit GYBN Europe’s website and the different sections related to COP17: gybneurope.org
GYBN Armenia is the local national chapter, raising awareness related to the CBD and national environmental policies among Armenian youth, including its diaspora, and serves as a bridge to the regional and global network. Visit the GYBN Armenia Instagram page.
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.
