Intergenerational Dynamics in Climate Action: Empowering Youth in Land Rights for Sustainability

The session examined the vital connection between land rights and intergenerational dynamics, focusing on the role of youth within Indigenous Peoples and local communities across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in climate action. Participants explored how limited access to land and resources, as well as restricted participation in agriculture, impacts young people's involvement in rural areas. These challenges have driven youth migration to urban centers and contributed to an aging rural population, threatening local agriculture, food security, and traditional climate practices. The session highlighted the detrimental effects of land tenure insecurity, restrictive inheritance customs, and high land acquisition costs, which hinder intergenerational knowledge transfer and make smallholder lands more susceptible to land grabbing. Discussions emphasized the potential of secure land rights to empower youth and enhance sustainable land management, mitigating climate change risks. By showcasing successful models of intergenerational cooperation, the session underscored how young people can actively contribute to climate resilience when provided with secure land access and opportunities. Voices from rural youth, largely dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, were amplified, enabling them to share their perspectives and advocate for supportive policies. The dialogue fostered an exchange between young leaders, policymakers, NGOs, and donors, aiming to build strategic partnerships and secure the necessary financial backing for initiatives that support youth land rights and intergenerational collaboration. The session concluded with a call for inclusive policy reforms and financial support to strengthen the role of youth in land management and climate action, paving the way for a sustainable future.


This resource has been made available by the organizers of the World Bank Land Conference under the following disclaimer.