Youth innovators explore global governance solutions

Xue Zhe, a Chinese PhD student in Zoology at the University of Cambridge, was part of the group that received the Most Innovative Team honor. In the preliminary round, he proposed an environmental DNA solution, and a DNA sequencing solution for biodiversity conservation.

"The DNA-related technologies are actually quite common in research and labs though, it is still seldom applied in practical use, especially in governance'" said Xue. "So I think communication on such information is crucial. In this digital era, the fewer barriers, the better."

Yao Bingran, a student from Fudan University who won the Ignite Talk Queen award this year, said: "As youth, we are energetic, young and creative. We come from different countries with different majors. We learn about the problems and success of the biodiversity governance in different regions. Then we get together here to seek new ideas to make our contribution."

Walker Darke is a British PhD candidate at Fudan University in the School of International Relations and Public Affairs. He is also a consultant at the United Nations, where he drafts energy policy.

As lead author of the United Nations Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 for Europe, North America and Central Asia, he has been recognized in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list for his work on Social Impact.

"Half the world's population is under 30, and their voices need to be heard when we talk about policy making and the future of our planet, particularly biodiversity," said Darke. "I think young people have amazing ideas, and they need to be on a bigger platform."