On this International Day of Forests, we highlight the critical need for meaningful youth participation, particularly from Indigenous, local and Afro-descendant communities. Youth play a crucial role in protecting the world’s forests by offering fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a long-term commitment to conservation. Their creativity and urgency are key in addressing the complex challenges facing forests, such as deforestation and climate change. 

This blog post is part of the series What to Read. 

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The Third Arab Land Conference, held in Rabat, Morocco from 18-20 February 2025 opened an avenue of possibilities for improving policies and practices to govern land in the Arab world. From the launch of several groundbreaking initiatives to empowering women and youth, and fostering data transparency and academic excellence, the event showcased commitments and collaborative work shaping the future of land governance in the region.

Building innovative methodologies to overcome conflict and tension requires to go and work there where it is hardest. ProPFR Côte d’Ivoire (Promotion d’une Politique Foncière Rurale – Global Programme for Responsible Land Policy) tested approaches in Cavally region to help overcome significant opposition to change.  

Eastern DRC is home to part of the world's second-largest rainforest after the Amazon, which harbors the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet. However, this diversity and abundance of natural resources help finance rebellions that are undermining the country and destabilizing the entire African Great Lakes region.

Reflections from the Third Arab Land Conference and the LAND-at-scale Regional Day

Land is more than just a resource—it is the foundation of livelihoods, economic stability, and social justice. Responsible land governance plays a crucial role in sustainable development, conflict prevention, and climate resilience. These themes were central to the Third Arab Land Conference which took place the 18-20th February 2025 in Morocco, where policymakers, experts, and civil society organizations gathered to discuss pressing land challenges in the region. 

Esta es la historia de la presidenta de la Asociación de Mujeres Afrodescendientes del Norte del Cauca (ASOM), Colombia. Quien enfrentó las amenazas del conflicto armado para luchar por los derechos de las mujeres Afrodescendientes

Las primeras manos que recibieron a Clemencia cuando llegó al mundo fueron las de su tía abuela, una partera de tradición, que fue hasta el pequeño corregimiento de La Balsa, en el Cauca, Colombia a darle la bienvenida a Clemencia a este mundo.