GYBN UK at IPBES-12

Over the past week, GYBN UK delegates were in Manchester attending the 12th Plenary Session of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Read this blog to see updates on everything we have been doing!

What is IPBES?

The Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is a global body bringing together hundreds of scientists, governments and policy makers, Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders to assess the state of nature. We have posted a buildup to IPBES12 on our social media, and covered it daily on our social media so make sure to have a look on our social media and knowledge hub for more details of what IPBES entails!

What is the focus of the plenary?

The focus on this plenary was on the Businesses and Biodiversity Assessment (BBA). It lays the foundations for stronger action from other sectors for biodiversity, with a strong emphasis that businesses depend on and impact nature. The BBA was released on the 9th February and can be seen here...

What we have been doing during the week

The GYBN UK delegation attended all week, not only just to improve, understand, and participate in IPBES, but to also share the process through our IPBES social media campaign. Throughout the week, we have been examining the wording of the BBA, and identifying where it can be strengthened. We have been working with the UK government to identify where Key Messages and Background Messages can be reinforced in the role of business and biodiversity.

Tracking the negotiations: 

• Like with COP’s, we have been busy tracking the negotiations. Tracking is where we type what parties (countries) and stakeholders are saying to then identify alignments and conflicts to youth priorities. This allows youth to provide an intervention (e.g. present a statement) in the negotiations to influence decisions.

Global Youth Biodiversity Network Opening Statement: 

• Our co-ordinator, Abi Gardner gave the GYBN opening statement regarding the ambitions of the BBA. The statement expressed that the draft SPM is too weak in reflecting IPBES’s own framework; especially around rights, justice, and the responsibilities of business, and urges member states to strengthen it so it fully acknowledges business accountability, supports transformative change, and genuinely advances a just, sustainable future in harmony with nature.

Stakeholder Day

Stakeholder Day is organised by and for stakeholders, on the day prior to the start of the IPBES Plenary session (this year, it was on the 2nd February). Here, individuals and organisations get the latest information about the work of IPBES, discuss specific aspects of the Plenary session’s agenda, and network.

GYBN UK Hosted Youth Parallel Events

GYBN UK had the joy of hosting two youth‑focused parallel events that helped create a real sense of community among young delegates. Early in the week, we kicked things off with an informal meet‑up. It gave youth a chance to connect and discuss their plans for the week before the plenary kicked in.

To round off the week, we hosted a larger gathering at the University of Manchester Students’ Union. This second event created space to deepen the connections formed throughout the plenary and reflect on both new and shared experiences. We also had the wider public engage with youth delegates and their perspectives. Together, the two events helped build a stronger, more connected youth presence at IPBES 12.