Recognising youth perspectives within diverse knowledge systems: Documenting youth participation during the COP15 Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Wetlands sustain life, providing water, food, livelihoods, and critical protection against floods and droughts, but their future depends on decisions being made right now. That's why youth participation in wetland governance isn't optional; it's essential. This report documents how Youth Engaged in Wetlands (YEW) showed up at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2025 - and delivered. From leading four side events to shaping negotiations on the floor, YEW delegates helped secure the adoption of Resolution XV.19 on Youth Empowerment and Integration, only the second youth-focused resolution in the Convention's history. The report captures those achievements alongside key outcomes: the re-establishment of the Youth Working Group for 2025–2028, the expanding role of Youth Focal Points, and a direct call to action for stakeholders to back youth participation with real resources and structures. Written by the YEW COP15 team, it is both a record of what was accomplished and a challenge to do more.