IAAS has brought a delegation of 20 young people to the heart of the climate negotiations in COP26. IAAS members spoke at events, drafted a youth resolution, campaigned against food waste and protested. We have let our voices be heard!
As preparation the COP, Thomas Westhoff, Vice President of External Relations, was in Milan, Italy, to host the landmark event on youth in food systems together with GAIN, CGIAR and Wageningen University. During his speech Thomas referred to the many Village Concept Projects we have across the globe and what the value is of this international and interdisciplinary nature. The momentum around youth is starting up, where leading business, universities, governments and organizations underline more and more the importance of youth involvement.
IAAS received right before COP a seat at the table during the roundtable discussion with Justin Trudeau right before COP. But this discussion was continued at the main stage of climate negotiations in Glasgow, Schotland. After uncertain times of the pandemic, the hopes were high for an ambitious accord. IAAS, as a registered NGO, with a history of 65 years was ready to voice out its ideas and experiences.
IAAS spoke at several panel discussions in the WWF pavilion and the Francophone pavilion. In addition, we created our own stage where IAAS delegates demonstrated in the blue zone against the unequal food divisions on our globe as well as the massive food waste that takes place at COP and far beyond. These actions went not unnoticed with ample possibilities to tell our stories to decision makers and journalists. We also brought the massive protest from the streets to Glasgow inside the blue zone by participating in the Friday for Future protests.
From words we moved to actions. We therefore drafted a youth resolution together with YOUNGO, hosted a Youth Dialogue with the Global Center on Adaptation and met with important decision makers from business as well as government and discussed ways we can collaborate.
COP motivated us to continue with practising what we preach. We have already more than 25 projects going on on the ground, where we work on mitigation and adaptation of food systems. Our projects show that we can bring parties together, generate innovation and create meaningful development for everyone. Next stop COP27 in Egypt!
