IYCY participated at Second Regional Meeting of the International Pollutants Elimination Network
In Cairo, the Voice of Yemeni Youth Resonates at an International Meeting for a Toxin-Free Environment
CAIRO –in the heart of the Egyptian capital, which gathered an elite group of environmental experts and change-makers, a proactive Yemeni participation emerged, carrying the concerns and aspirations of an entire generation. From November 20 to 22, the El-Maadi Hotel hosted the “Second Regional Meeting of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) for the Middle East and North Africa,” a pivotal event that brought together representatives of civil society organizations from across the region under the slogan: “For a Healthy Future Free of Toxic Substances.”
Amidst this significant regional momentum, the International Youth Council – Yemen (IYCY) had a distinguished presence. This participation was not merely a formality; it was an affirmation that Yemeni youth, despite all the challenges facing their country, are determined to be part of the solution to pressing global issues, foremost among them the protection of the environment and public health.
Over three intensive days, participants engaged in a series of interactive workshops and discussions aimed at shaping the future of environmental action in the region. The first day began with networking sessions that quickly evolved into in-depth discussions on the most prominent challenges facing organizations in their quest to strengthen IPEN’s work within the Arab region and find implementable solutions.
The second day was dedicated to laying the practical foundations for the next phase, focusing on developing a clear action plan for the Arab region and aligning it with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The day also featured a rich discussion on the international trade of chemical substances and the role of customs, presented by Professor Dr. Abdul Hakim Al-Alawi, which added a scientific and practical dimension to the discussions.
The meeting concluded on the third day by focusing on “Communication and Participation,” where a unified regional communication strategy for IPEN MENA was adopted to unify the message and amplify the impact. It was a defining moment, as everyone realized that the battle against toxic pollutants can only be won through coordinated efforts and a single voice.
For the International Youth Council – Yemen, established in 2012 as a leading youth platform, this participation represents a new chapter in its journey. Joining a global network the size of IPEN, which includes over 600 organizations in 120 countries, opens vast horizons for transferring international knowledge and expertise to the Yemeni context, and enhances the Council’s ability to build effective partnerships that contribute to a safer and healthier environment for current and future generations.
As the meeting concluded, the representative of Yemeni youth returned, carrying not only strategies and action plans but also renewed hope that organized collective action is the path toward building a healthier and safer future for Yemen and the entire Arab region.
About the International Youth Council – Yemen (IYCY): The IYCY is a non-profit youth organization founded in 2012. It works to engage and empower youth in various developmental fields, including health, environment, and governance, with the goal of building a better future for Yemen.
About IPEN: The International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) is a global network of public interest non-governmental organizations working for the elimination of toxic pollutants. The network aims for a world where people and the environment are not harmed by toxic chemicals.
