Today's world is home to the largest generation of young people, presenting an unprecedented opportunity to harness a demographic dividend for sustainable development. Yet, realising this potential demands urgent investment in health, education, and rights, especially for girls, young women, and vulnerable communities. Gender equality is critical not only for individual empowerment but also for unlocking broader social and economic progress.

Children and youth are disproportionately vulnerable to the escalating impacts of planetary health challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These crises undermine their rights to health, education, and well-being, and disproportionately affect girls and young women through compounded risks. However, young people are not merely passive victims: they are active agents of change, advocating for transformative action at the intersections of gender, health, and environmental justice.

This youth-led session will explore the interconnectedness between demographic transitions, gender dynamics, youth empowerment, and planetary health. It will elevate youth voices, spotlight innovative youth-led solutions, and call for policy actions that centre equity, rights, and intergenerational justice.