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Different contexts, common aspirations: Youth in community forestry

RECOFTC International Youth Day 2026
Illustration of diverse young people engaged in environmental work.

To mark International Youth Day 2026, RECOFTC is hosting a virtual event exploring this year's global theme, ‘Different contexts, common aspirations’. 

The event will bring together young people, practitioners, researchers and partners from across the Asia-Pacific. Together, participants will share and explore how youth are advancing community forestry and contributing to more inclusive and resilient forest landscapes.

Young people across the region face different realities. However, many share common aspirations for opportunity, meaningful participation and a sustainable future. Despite challenges, youth drive innovation, strengthen community resilience and contribute to local action on climate and sustainable development.

Guided by the ‘RECOFTC youth engagement strategy’, the event will provide a platform for young people to exchange experiences, share practical solutions and explore opportunities for collaboration across countries, organizations and networks.

What to expect

Participants will:

  • hear from youth representatives involved in RECOFTC programmes and partner initiatives across the region
  • learn how young people are contributing to community forestry, climate action and landscape stewardship
  • hear and engage with a panel – featuring representatives from youth networks, academia and civil society – discussing youth leadership in forestry 
  • explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration and meaningful youth engagement in forest governance

Who can attend

The event is open to anyone interested in youth leadership and community forestry, including young professionals, students, community forestry practitioners, researchers, civil society organizations, government representatives, development partners and youth networks.

Event details

Date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Time: 09:00–11:50 (UTC+7)

Platform: Zoom

Interpretation support will be arranged based on participant registration and language preferences.

Registration

The event is open to all interested participants. Advance registration is required.

Registration link: Click here

Timezone
+07
Time [+07] Session details
09:00–09:10 - +07

Opening remarks 

09:10–09:30 - +07

Introduction, context setting and interactive networking 

09:30–10:40 - +07

Youth presentations and Q&A    

10:40–11:25 - +07

Panel discussion: Youth in community forestry     

11:25–11:40 - +07

Aligning with RECOFTC's Youth Engagement Strategy        

11:40–11:45 - +07

Next steps        

11:45–11:50 - +07

Closing remarks