Young people at the centre of forest futures: RECOFTC’s strategy cements institutional commitment to meaningful youth engagement

Young people across Asia and the Pacific are increasingly leading conversations and action on climate resilience, sustainable development and forest stewardship. Yet many still face barriers to meaningful participation, with limited opportunities to influence decisions that directly affect their futures.

Recognizing this gap, RECOFTC has strengthened its commitment to youth engagement by positioning young people not only as beneficiaries, but as partners, innovators and leaders in sustainable forest landscape management.

This commitment is reflected within the organization, where staff under the age of 35 make up 22 per cent of RECOFTC’s workforce. To further institutionalize youth participation, RECOFTC established a Youth Committee in 2025. This committee played an active role in shaping the RECOFTC youth engagement strategy (YES) and ensured the strategy was developed by youth, not simply for youth.

RECOFTC youth engagement strategy

Grounded in genuine inclusion and intergenerational collaboration, the YES outlines RECOFTC’s long-term vision to strengthen youth leadership in forestry and climate resilience across Asia and the Pacific. It aims to expand opportunities for young people in forest governance, sustainable livelihoods and decision-making processes, while promoting inclusive approaches that reach marginalized youth and young women.

“The development of our youth engagement strategy was meaningful because young people were involved throughout the process, from shaping ideas to influencing decisions,” says Korranat Buranakij, chair of youth committee at RECOFTC. “It reflects our shared commitment to creating spaces where youth are not only heard but trusted as partners and leaders.”

Aligned with RECOFTC’s vision and mission, the strategy envisions a future where young people from diverse backgrounds actively shape resilient and inclusive forest landscapes. Through capacity building, partnerships and safe spaces for engagement, RECOFTC seeks to empower youth to contribute innovative and locally relevant solutions for people and forests.

The YES will be implemented across RECOFTC’s programmes and country offices between 2026 and 2031, with a strong focus on youth leadership, collaboration, green livelihoods and regional learning. Cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, Indigenous and local knowledge, youth wellbeing and digital storytelling will remain central throughout implementation.

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Sadip Raj Pandey is communication and monitoring, evaluation and learning officer at RECOFTC Nepal and member of the RECOFTC Youth Committee.