Georgia hosts youth forum on environment, agriculture

A youth forum for students interested in environmental and agricultural issues was hosted in Georgia on Sunday in connection with International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the country’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture said.

Deputy Minister Solomon Pavliashvili highlighted the importance of young people “coming together with progressive, bold, and sensible ideas” and discussing development of professional skills in the areas in his opening address.

He also noted creating opportunities for youth with in-demand professions and “green, innovative” research projects.

Nils Christensen, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Georgia, told the event the negative impact of climate change was observable both in Georgia and globally.

“However, I am happy to be here with you today, as the active involvement of young people in climate change efforts gives me hope that youth can be ambassadors and spread information within their communities, advocate for tackling the threats posed by climate change, bring new perspectives and ideas”, he said, adding the topics were “something of utmost importance to us”.

The forum also included young climate volunteers, climate ambassadors, and students from the Eco Leader School, Forestry School and Agro School - three projects of the Ministry’s Environmental Information and Education Centre - as well as recipients of the Green Scholarship founded between the Environmental and Education ministries.

The participants discussed the latest developments, needs and opportunities in the environmental and agricultural sectors through panel discussions with experts.

The forum was organised by the Centre within the UNDP programme Reducing the Risk of Climate-Change-Induced Disasters in Georgia.