THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN THE BLUE ECONOMY IN SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES IN AFRICA

This knowledge forum on the blue economy and youth in African Small Island Developing States (SIDS) provides a comprehensive exploration of the blue economy concept within the context of African SIDS and emphasizes the critical role of youth in shaping sustainable ocean management and economic development. This knowledge forum will highlight the crucial role of youth in advocating for sustainable practices, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting social and environmental justice in the African SIDS context. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will explore strategies to empower and engage youth in driving the sustainable development of their coastal communities. By the forum’s conclusion, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to harness the potential of youth in Africa’s SIDS, nurturing their leadership and fostering a sustainable and inclusive blue economy that benefits present and future generations. In this context, the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Global Youth Biodiversity Network are organizing the knowledge-sharing forum ‘The role of youth in the blue economy in Small Island Development States in Africa’. OBJECTIVES • Gain a sound understanding of the Blue Economy and the importance of a Just Transition • Deep dive on the role of youth to support the Blue Economy in SIDS • Build the case for the promotion of the youth work to support the Blue Economy • Strengthen the collaboration and communication capabilities of youth, empowering them to effectively engage stakeholders and build consensus for more inclusive and impactful policy development and implementation towards the blue economy. CONTENT The knowledge sharing forum is structured in three learning modules including reading material, graphics, case studies and biographical references. Each day participants will attend a 2 hours online webinar where guest speakers will share their experiences and participants can also share the work they are doing and receive feedback and advise from their peers. The learning modules are: • Module 1: Overview of the blue economy in Small Island Developing States • Module 2: The role of youth in the blue economy • Module 3: Enabling conditions needed for youth and the way forward SPECIFIC TOPICS TO COVER • The triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and sustainable development • Definitions and key elements of the blue economy • The importance of small island developing states in the blue economy • The impact of young people in fostering the blue economy and the enabling conditions needed that could empower their involvement. • ILO guidelines to a just transition NUMBER OF WEEKS: 3 days