The Global Youth Biodiversity Network Africa (GYBN Africa) is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 3rd edition of the African Youth Biodiversity Summit 2025 (AYSB2025)! This annual event is a unique opportunity for young African leaders to gather, exchange, and collaborate on the crucial challenges of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use across the continent.
What is AYSB?
AYSB is more than just a summit; it’s a platform for empowerment and skill development. The primary goal is to create a stimulating environment where young Africans can strengthen their leadership capabilities and acquire the necessary tools to initiate concrete actions for biodiversity protection within their communities.
To ensure significant and increased youth participation in the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Plan, also known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), AYSB2025 aims to equip young Africans with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to actively and concretely participate in the implementation of the GBF through their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and to engage in advocating for biodiversity conservation policies.
The 2025 Edition: Rwanda and Niger in the Spotlight
This year, the summit will take place in Rwanda, co-organized with Niger. The summit will be held in a hybrid format from October 20 to 22, 2025. Participants are expected to arrive in Kigali on October 19 and depart on October 23, 2025.
AYSB2025 is organized by the Global Youth Biodiversity Network – Africa (GYBN Africa), in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), the Rwandan Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN – Rwanda), the Niger Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN – Niger), and the IUCN Nature-based Solutions Hub. The Summit also benefits from the support of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).
Who Are We Looking For?
The summit will bring together over 100 young people aged 18 to 35, from across Africa, who are interested in or working in biodiversity conservation. Participants will include young leaders, students, researchers, early-career ecologists and biologists, activists, indigenous peoples and local communities, people with disabilities, and representatives from NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector, including business and innovation hubs.
If you are a young African passionate about nature and biodiversity, eager to meet other young leaders, learn, share your ideas, and build innovative solutions, then this summit is for you!
Participation Criteria:
Be 35 years old or younger by October 2025.
Hold a valid passport.
Be passionate about biodiversity conservation.
How to Apply?
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the new generation of African biodiversity leaders! The summit will be conducted in English and French.
Application Deadline: July 5, 2025
Application Link: AYSB2025 Application Form
Contacts:
Summit Email: aysbsummit@gmail.com
GYBN Africa: gybnafrica@gmail.com
Website: bit.ly/aysb2023
Join us to shape a more sustainable future for African biodiversity!