It’s important that your voice is heard. At home, at school, in your municipality, but also in the world, such as at the United Nations. The Youth Representatives for Biodiversity and Food speak with Dutch youth to then give them a voice at the United Nations.
Other than Biodiversity and Food, there are also youth representatives for Sustainable Development, European Affairs and Human Rights and Safety.
Together with the working group Early Sowers (Vroege Zaaiers in Dutch), the youth representatives gather the opinions and ideas of young people. They do this through things like giving guest lessons and workshops at schools, visiting events and organising activities. All input gathered by youth representatives is discussed at international conferences with politicians and policy makers. For Biodiversity and Food, this happens in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
The youth representatives are young people themselves (18-24 years old at the start). They are chosen for this volunteer position for a two-year term. A selection process is followed by a public election, where Dutch youths can cast their vote. The finale takes place during the event Je Bent Jong en Je Wil Wat.
international
Negotiations about a new global agreement for biodiversity, with targets for all countries for the next ten years, are currently going on. The UN Youth Representatives for Biodiversity and Food are involved in this. On behalf of Dutch youth they are present at the UN biodiversity conference in Kunming, China, and give input for the preparatory meetings. In addition, a big Food Systems Summit will be organised in Rome in 2021, where the Netherlands will play an active role and where the youth representatives will also be active.
At these conferences, the youth representatives are an official part of the Dutch delegation (which usually contains Dutch policy makers, politicians or ministers). They give speeches, lobby, organise side-events and speak with as many influential people as possible. They also often work together with fellow youth representatives from other countries. This way, they make sure that the interest and ideas of the youth are taken into consideration.
in conversation
That’s what youth representatives like to be. Are you interested in having us as a speaker? Or would you like to invite us for a conversation, dialogue, event or other occasion that centres on youth? Send an email to Ida ([email protected]) or Bine ([email protected]).
working group
The working group Natural Talents supports the Youth Representatives for Biodiversity and Food. The working group consists of ten to fifteen driven young people aged 16 to 26. Together they give guest lessons at secondary schools and organise projects and events about biodiversity and food. They do this by themselves or together with the youth representatives (and often with another collaborator). Via social media they keep their followers updated on interesting and current news about their topic. The working group meets in Utrecht every two weeks.
guest lessons
Want to request a guest lesson from the working group Natural Talents? You can! The guest lessons can be adapted to every class. You can request this guest lesson or receive more information at [email protected]
follow the youth representatives
You can follow the youth representatives on their Instagram.
Ida Simonsen
Bine Liem
do it yourself?
Do you want to become active as a youth representative or as part of the working group? Leave your details here and you’ll receive an email when there are openings.
