Forest Europe 9th Ministerial Conference: Youth delegation experience

Forest Europe 9th Ministerial Conference

Youth delegation experience

Introduction
The 9th Ministerial Conference is the highest event of a German four-year chairmanship of the FOREST EUROPE process. During the event representatives of signatory countries and observer organizations, following the process workstreams, discussed Sustainable Forest management, resilience, and youth inclusion. The event culminated in the signing of the Bonn Ministerial Documents, which set the direction for future resilient forests in Europe.
IFSA played an active role in the conference. Together with representatives from European Young Revilders and ANW, the youth delegation comprised eight participants. Delegates fulfilled the diverse roles of representing IFSA, presenting youth contributions, and volunteering to support event organization.
Moreover, IFSA led the development of the Youth Position Paper, with support from European Young Revilders and ANW members, and facilitation from FOREST EUROPE. This initiative aimed to express youth perspectives on the future of Europe’s forests and contribute meaningfully to the discussion on the Bonn Ministerial Documents.

This report highlights the experiences of youth delegates, reflecting on their roles as speakers at a high-level political event and as volunteers supporting its successful implementation.

Pic. 1, Youth delegation at the FOREST EUROPE 9th Ministerial Conference.

Experiences
Sandesh KC
(IFSA speaker)
Presenting at the 9th Ministerial Conference was the culmination of over half a year of hard work. Crafting our position paper involved a lot of teamwork, preparations, countless discussions, and revisions. Finally, sharing it with key decision-makers was both nerve-wracking and deeply rewarding. When I walked on stage, I felt the weight of representing not just my own views but the voices of youth across Europe.
A major focus of my speech was on youth inclusion in forest policy and the future of Europe’s forests — forests that should be resilient, diverse, and connected. A key message I emphasized was the crucial role of technology and innovation in addressing forest management challenges and the important part, that youths, as the digital generation can play in leading this transition. What made this experience unique for me wasn’t just the message but the audience’s response. The ministers and delegates didn’t just listen; they engaged, asking thoughtful questions and offering support for our vision. It felt like they truly saw us as partners in this effort, not just as the ‘leaders of tomorrow,’ but as crucial contributors today.
Speaking with such influential figures was unexpectedly calm, almost conversational. It was in those moments that I realized the power of being prepared and passionate — of truly believing in what you’re saying.
This experience wasn’t just about presenting an idea; it was about finding my own voice and realizing that the youth’s perspective can genuinely shape the future of forestry. It left me feeling empowered and eager to continue pushing for change.

Pic. 2, Presentation of the Youth Position Paper.

Stephanie Thomas
(IFSA volunteer)
My experience at the 9th Ministerial Conference with FOREST EUROPE was quite unusual and very spontaneous. There was a last-minute call, 5 days before the conference, since one of the members of the original delegation was not able to attend. I was never directly involved in the Task Force that headed the delegation and the Position Paper presented at the conference, but I was eager to participate in my first conference experience. And since I lived near Bonn and had the time, it didn’t take long for me to seize the opportunity.
I was greeted gratefully and with great friendliness by the team. Even though my participation was unplanned, I was quickly introduced to the tasks which were discussed with my predecessor. The team made sure I was welcomed and informed as well as I could be in the days preceding the arrival of the delegation and on-site. My special thanks here goes to Volodymyr Kravets, the head of the delegation, who took extra time to make sure I was prepared.
When the actual conference started, I was truthfully nervous. Due to my late joining, I felt rather unprepared for the subjects and proceedings that were going on. However, I was able to rely on the team, as we helped each other to stay positive and reassured each other to talk to other participants in the conference. There was also special notice given to us by the organizational team, to ensure we had enough time and opportunity to network for ourselves, aside from the requisite tasks we had to do as volunteers.
The proudest moment for me was the discovery of my self-confidence in talking and networking with other participants, who were long-standing professionals in the industry. Connecting with them seemed to me an impossibility. And yet, through the support of the others in the delegation and the decision to just “go for it”, I found myself talking with government officials, members of long-standing organizations, and others. Being able to represent both IFSA and myself was truly a great experience.
Furthermore, even though I did not participate in the development, I felt proud of the Youth Position Paper, the excellent speech by both Sandesh KC and Marsia Moutzouri and the representation of forest youth that we provided. I felt that we truly had an impact on the conference and participants and representatives were glad to speak and connect with us.
All in all, it was one of the best experiences IFSA has made possible for me to date and I feel motivated to continue in the work of representing forest youth in other events and ways.

Conclusions
All eight delegates gained valuable experience during the conference, deepening their understanding of high-level political processes and building connections with representatives and ministers from signatory countries, as well as enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Bonn at the excursions after the conference. The Youth Position Paper received strong support from the conference participants and will further contribute to the facilitation of the intergenerational dialogue, and reflect the youth’s view of a resilient future of Europe’s forests. This achievement underscores the successful collaboration between IFSA and FOREST EUROPE that sets the example for future initiatives.