IYCY Granted Observer Status at the Basel Convention

The International Youth Council – Yemen (IYCY) Granted Observer Status at the Basel Convention

In a new step that reaffirms its ongoing commitment to environmental and international action, the International Youth Council – Yemen (IYCY) has been granted observer status at the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.

This accreditation marks a significant achievement for the Council, granting it the opportunity to participate in the official meetings of the Convention, contribute to policy formulation, and present youth and community perspectives from Yemen on issues related to hazardous waste and its protection from smuggling and unsafe disposal.

The Basel Convention is one of the key international environmental agreements, aiming to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between countries—especially from developed to developing nations—and to promote the environmentally sound management of such waste.

By obtaining observer status, the Council strengthens its international presence in environmental platforms and paves the way for Yemeni youth to engage in global discussions on environmental challenges, particularly those that directly impact fragile and conflict-affected countries.

In a statement, the Council affirmed that this accreditation serves as motivation to continue its dedicated efforts toward enhancing environmental awareness and building strategic partnerships with international organizations and institutions. It also emphasized its commitment to amplifying the voices of Yemeni communities affected by pollutants and waste to international decision-makers.

This achievement comes at a time when Yemen is facing escalating environmental challenges due to conflict and institutional degradation, making active participation in international forums a crucial necessity to mobilize technical and political support for addressing the country’s environmental crises.