CITES Youth Leadership Programme 2024
Opening Remarks by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero
22 April 2024, Singapore
Distinguished colleagues, youth delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
I am thrilled to say a few words at the opening of the inaugural event of the CITES Global Youth Network, an initiative for youth and by youth.
Firstly, I would like to thank NParks and the CITES Global Youth Network Organising Committee for their exceptional leadership in this historic initiative and in the organization of this first-ever CITES Youth Leadership Programme. We are grateful for the support of UNDP Malaysia, as well as the generous sponsorship provided by the Government of Switzerland, Temasek Foundation, Garden City Fund, Just Keep Thinking Singapore, Mandai Nature, Mandai Wildlife Group, and Maureen and Chris DeRoojj.
I am inspired by the dedication of everyone here today to empower and engage young people meaningfully in conservation issues worldwide, and the sustainability of the wildlife trade.
I understand that many of our young leaders here today are already involved in the work of the Convention through national CITES authorities, while some of you join us from observer organisations, other youth networks and academia. This week you will bring together your collective expertise, experiences, and perspectives to launch a new network for today’s youth and for generations of young leaders to come.
Today’s population of young people is the largest the planet has ever seen and it is projected to increase to 1.3 billion by 2030. We have witnessed how youth have become a powerful voice in global discussions, demanding meaningful engagement that can influence decision-making, particularly across the global intergovernmental space.
For CITES, meaningful involvement of young leaders and innovators is just as important. As the only multilateral environmental agreement regulating the wildlife trade, CITES works to ensure that international trade in CITES-listed species is not detrimental to the survival of those species in the wild. In practice, this involves cooperation amongst the CITES’ 184 Parties and with other stakeholders to ensure the legality, sustainability and traceability of this trade.
This is achieved through political will, collaborative dialogue, expertise exchange, strategic partnerships and the active involvement of those on the frontlines of wildlife trade and conservation. And this includes all of you, as young scientists, rangers, project managers, and students.
In 2016, the 17th Conference of the Parties to CITES adopted Resolution 17.5 acknowledging the importance of youth engagement in CITES-related issues and encouraging action by CITES Parties and the CITES Secretariat. Then, just last year in 2023 at the 77th Meeting of the CITES Standing Committee, Singapore – CGYN Co-founder Steffi Tan to be precise – made the call to establish the CITES Global Youth Network - a great initiative you will participating in this very week.
In the upcoming days, you will have the opportunity to engage in expert discussions, to discover CITES mechanisms, processes and initiatives hands on, and to exchange ideas with one another. You will be hearing from several CITES Secretariat staff members, including Siiri Makela, joining us here in person and whom you may have met via email already.
At the CITES Secretariat, we are glad to support this CITES Party-led initiative that aligns with the UN Youth Strategy, which calls for partnering with young people, ensuring they are not only heard but understood, not only engaged but empowered, and not only supported but leading global efforts and processes.
CGYN has the potential to introduce innovative practices, foster new collaboration, and spur conservation action that benefit wildlife and communities across the planet. This week, as you make new connections and add new information and skills to your toolbox, my hope is that you will find inspiration in each other and remember that you are stronger together.
We are facing a triple planetary crisis, from climate change to pollution and biodiversity loss, that threatens the existence of every living being on earth. As current and future decision-makers, you are at the forefront of the global effort to achieve the CITES Strategic Vision, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Sustainable Development Goals and build the sustainable future for all people and planet to prosper.
Thank you for your dedication, your commitment, and your passion! I wish you a Happy Earth Day and fruitful launch of the CITES Global Youth Network!