The CIFOR-ICRAF in Nairobi hosted the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) Youth Ambassador Roundtable Series, convening young leaders, policymakers, researchers and practitioners to discuss how youth leadership can drive sustainable landscapes in emerging economies on 19 January 2026.
Led by HSC, the roundtable explored nature-based climate solutions, regenerative food systems, youth inclusion in sustainability governance, and the public policy incentives needed to move from ideas to action.
Opening the session, CIFOR-ICRAF CEO Eliane Ubalijoro underscored the need to connect environmental goals with human development, and to ensure that youth inclusion comes with real influence, access to finance, and decision-making power.
Guided by Maryanne Sarah Odera, Director – Program & Global Engagement at HSC, discussions highlighted the importance of centering youth perspectives from emerging economies in shaping global sustainability conversations.
Participants also heard from Ruvini De Silva, Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Nairobi and Deputy Permanent Representative to UN Environment and UN-Habitat, on the UNEA draft resolution focused on strengthening meaningful youth participation in environmental processes and education.
A keynote address by a representative of the State Department for Irrigation, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation emphasized the role of aligned national policies in supporting youth-led innovation, particularly in land and water management.
CIFOR-ICRAF COO Philip Osano noted that with nearly 70% of Kenya’s population being youth, enabling their leadership in landscape restoration is essential for long-term sustainable development.
The ideas and connections formed today will help inform future partnerships, policy dialogue and sessions at HSC 2026, ensuring youth voices from emerging economies are part of global decision-making.
