As the UN Ocean Decade continues to gather momentum, youth voices are more essential than ever in crafting sustainable solutions for our ocean.
Heirs To Our Ocean (H2OO) stepped up to co-lead a critical side-event panel & workshop with the U.S. National Committee to the UN Ocean Decade, NOAA (@noaa), Fugro (@fugro), and the University of Barcelona (@unibarcelona) at the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona. This event focused in on how to deepen youth engagement within the decade sharing H2OO’s successful model of the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade program. This workshop provided a collaborative space for youth to share perspectives, discuss barriers, and brainstorm actionable solutions to strengthen their involvement in the Decade’s work.
“In my path as an activist, Heirs to Our Ocean was the organization that taught me what meaningful youth and children engagement truly looks like. In 2024, at the UN Ocean Decade Conference, I had the privilege of experiencing another moment of meaningful youth engagement and empowerment, funded and supported by Heirs. I spent hours with other youth from around the world, ages 16 to 25, collaborating to build and plan our event: “Engaging Youth Under 25 in the Decade: A Model of Success.” In Barcelona, I was excited to share my experience in building a Youth Advisory Council in Brazil and meaningfully involving Brazilian youth in taking action on the Ocean Decade. Finally, I am deeply grateful to all the other youth who inspired me with their experiences and to Heirs to Our Ocean, which continues to set the example of what true youth engagement and leadership look like.” – Catarina Lorenzo, 17, H2OO Global Youth Leader
“In my work over the years I have noticed that excluding the perspectives of small, underrepresented groups, especially developing island nations, we risk hindering equitable progress. Because of this I sought to increase my participation in critical global leadership spaces. In doing so, I discovered Heirs To Our Ocean, particularly their U.S. Youth Action Council for the United Nations Ocean Decade, where I joined as a Movement Working Group Committee member.
Like finding a shell on the sand, this opportunity connected the shores of my island community to Barcelona! As a key participant in “Engaging Youth Under 25 Meaningfully in the Decade: A Model of Success,” I was able to highlight and discuss the urgent need for Indigenous youth leadership in the Decade’s actions. Together, we initiated dialogues to formulate a strategic, worldwide youth action council agenda that ensures all youth groups are included in the conversation for more inclusive, sustainable solutions by 2030.
In retrospect, I never imagined that this opportunity would yield such tremendous success, and I am incredibly thankful for the privilege of being part of it.
As tåotåo tasi, we are but one in the determination of our blue future.” – Henry Hofschneider San Nicolas, Jr., 20, 4th & 5th Cohort Member U.S. YAC UNOD
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