Participation in Global Discussions

By Pasca Kiprop, Founder & Executive Director, INTERCHRIS FOUNDATION

As a youth leader from Nakuru County, Kenya, and the Founder at INTERCHRIS FOUNDATION, my journey to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was more than just a personal milestone, it was a testament to the power of youth in driving global environmental action. Thanks to the support of the World Resources Institute (WRI), where I serve as a restore local champion, I had the honor of representing local communities and youth at this critical global forum, where leaders, scientists, and advocates gathered to address the escalating threats of desertification, land degradation, and drought. 

At COP16, I had the privilege of speaking on the role of youth in combating desertification and land degradation. My message was clear: Young people are not just future leaders - they are today’s implementers, innovators, and change makers. In Nakuru County, through INTERCHRIS FOUNDATION, we have mobilized youth and communities to restore degraded landscapes, promote sustainable agriculture, and advocate for climate justice. One of our key initiatives includes planting over 100,000 tree seedlings in Nakuru, this is in partnership with the County Government of Nakuru. These efforts demonstrate how local actions contribute to global land restoration goals. While international conventions like UNCCD set crucial frameworks, real change happens when policies translate into local action. At COP16, I emphasized the need for:

✔ Meaningful youth inclusion in land governance and decision-making.
✔ Increased funding and capacity-building for youth-led restoration initiatives. Africa bears the brunt of desertification, with millions facing food insecurity and displacement due to degraded lands. Yet, the continent also holds the solutions - indigenous knowledge, youth innovation, and grassroots mobilization. My participation at UNCCD COP16 reinforced a fundamental truth: Land is not just a resource - it is a right, a foundation for life, and a legacy for future generations. As we confront the interconnected crises of land degradation, climate change, and food insecurity, we must act with urgency. INTERCHRIS FOUNDATION remains committed to: Scaling up landscape restoration through tree planting and sustainable farming.
Empowering youth and women as frontline stewards of the environment.
Strengthening partnerships with governments, NGOs, and local communities to amplify impact...