Sri Lanka’s youth environmental resolution adopted at UNEA-7

Colombo, Dec 17 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka’s draft resolution on enhancing youth participation in environmental processes and education has been adopted at the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi.

The resolution highlights the role of youth as key partners in tackling global environmental challenges and calls on Member States, the United Nations Environment Programme, and other stakeholders to ensure meaningful, inclusive participation of young people in environmental decision-making at all levels. It also emphasizes strengthening environmental education to equip present and future generations with the knowledge and skills to protect the environment.

The Sri Lankan delegation noted that as a vulnerable island nation, Sri Lanka has seen the disproportionate effects of climate change and environmental degradation on children and youth. The resolution aims to make youth active contributors, not just beneficiaries, of environmental policies.

Sri Lanka thanked Bhutan, Burkina Faso, and Thailand for co-sponsoring the resolution, and all Member States that supported it, underscoring the global commitment to intergenerational equity in environmental governance.

The adoption of the resolution marks a key step toward institutionalizing youth engagement and advancing environmental education worldwide.