Biodiversity Breeds Prosperity
In December 2022, the United Nations' Biodiversity Conference (COP15), successfully concluded in Montreal. In a critical alignment of global priorities, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was endorsed by all parties. Twenty-three targets and over 60 resolutions were adopted to protect nature and help secure the future of humanity and the planet. We only have one earth. It is our undeniable responsibility to join hands and rise to unprecedented global challenges such as environmental governance and biodiversity loss. We should stand united to build a shared future for all life on earth.
Biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. It is achieved through the dynamic, ever-changing nature of genetic events, the richness and even distribution of species, and the variety of ecosystem structures and functions, for which genetic diversity plays a fundamental role. From “genes” to the “environment”, from “micro” to “macro”, we expect contestants to explore the various values of biodiversity and the roles humans play in it.
China's traditional culture has long valued diversity, as evidenced in various sayings such as "Harmony in diversity", "Harmony between humans and nature", and "All living things grow in harmony without harming one another; and all ways run parallel without interfering with one another." The world now has a common problem and a shared goal, but countries are on different pathways of biodiversity governance. Not only each country represents a major contributor to global ecological governance with unique experiences, but also, they take different angles and methods to address the problem. Thus, it requires collective efforts to find a way out.
The topic of the YICGG2023 finals is Biodiversity Breeds Prosperity. We expect young leaders worldwide to explore how we can embrace diversity to march into a brighter future. The theme of finals is committed to taking a further look at the interrelated topics of biodiversity: "Balance Economic Growth and Biodiversity", "Achieve Political Global Consensus", and "Build Social CohesiveEffort" so that advocates a collective way to achieve "Biodiversity Breeds Prosperity".
During the finals, contestants are encouraged to bring their wisdom to the table, analyzing the current ecological crisis and proposing solutions. With the younger-generation perspective, and through rounds of discussion and optimization, they will present viable and innovative proposals on global biodiversity governance, showcasing the power and wisdom of youth and cross-nation collaboration.
Balance Economic Growth and Biodiversity
Biodiversity is one of the most important foundations for social development and economic growth and has been the resource of all the necessities of life. The protection of biodiversity can be secured by the inflow of funds as the economy develops, and biodiversity is also the bedrock providing resources required for economic growth. It is fair to say that biodiversity and economic growth complement each other in the long run. But how to achieve economic growth without damaging biodiversity? How can we ensure green growth? How to coordinate the targets of both sides so they can give full play to the complementary effect? Moreover, how to deal with the contradictions in balancing economic growth and biodiversity protection? We hope young people can contribute their wisdom in these matters.
Achieve Political Global Consensus
Our target of biodiversity protection requires global consensus and the joint effort of all countries in the world. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework has been an ambitious and practical plan. Reaching this goal requires greater courage, wisdom and determination from all countries. Each country needs to show full sincerity, flexibility and inclusiveness to bridge differences, take climate action and move towards a mutually supportive path to reach the ultimate goal. But how can we reach a higher-level consensus among countries on this cause under this cooperation framework? How to properly deal with the divergence in the global governance of biodiversity to form a concerted strength? Furthermore, How can we find and draw experience from exemplary cases of biodiversity protection worldwide?
In the meantime, since the 21st century, biotechnology has scaled new heights, and new technologies keep coming forth, such as synthetic biology, gene editing, and artificial intelligence. These technologies facilitate the advance of human society, but they also imply the risks for biosecurity, and the international community needs to take a comprehensive approach to address them. But how to maximize the influence of global consensus in prominent biosecurity issues? And how to lift the sway of political factors on global cooperation in biosecurity? To find the solution, young people’s voices cannot be ignored.
Build Social CohesiveEfforts
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework has been a milestone in biodiversity protection. Guided by the ambitious framework, global governments and the whole society should work together, mobilize more accessible resources, and take larger-scale action. How can society bend the curve of biodiversity loss with scientific advances, policies, and technology? How can all stakeholders, including international organizations, the private sector, financial institutes, regional communities, women, and young groups, be involved in the decision-making and implementation, building platforms, and sharing experiences? How to develop a sound communication and cooperation system through practice? We are looking forward to valuable insights and ideas from young people.
