2025 Global Youth MIDORI Platform International Training Programme

2025 Global Youth MIDORI Platform International Training Programme: 2025 Global Youth MIDORI Platform International Training Programme, in a rapidly changing world where sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate action are crucial to the survival and prosperity of future generations, empowering young people with the right skills, knowledge, and platforms is more important than ever. One groundbreaking initiative that epitomizes this commitment to youth engagement and environmental stewardship is the 2025 Global Youth MIDORI Platform International Training Programme.

Organized by the Japan-based AEON Environmental Foundation in collaboration with global partners including the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and various educational and governmental bodies, the Global Youth MIDORI Platform serves as a vibrant hub for fostering young environmental leaders.

This international training programme is tailored to develop the capacities of youth leaders from around the world, with a strong focus on biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and global policy engagement.

Request are open for a youth capacity building scheme to be held on internet in August 2025.

In this article, we delve deep into the objectives, structure, eligibility, benefits, and long-term impact of the 2025 edition of the programme, highlighting why it stands out as one of the most significant training initiatives for young environmentalists globally.

Understanding the MIDORI Platform

The Meaning Behind “MIDORI”

“Midori” is a Japanese word meaning “green,” symbolizing growth, life, and harmony with nature. The MIDORI Platform takes its name from this concept, representing a commitment to promoting a greener, more sustainable future. The platform not only embodies the spirit of environmental conservation but also serves as a bridge connecting youth with global sustainability movements.

Mission and Vision

The MIDORI Platform’s primary mission is to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious youth who are well-versed in international environmental policies and are empowered to lead change in their communities. It envisions a world where young people are actively involved in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Overview of the 2025 Training Programme

Theme and Focus

The 2025 edition of the Global Youth MIDORI Platform International Training Programme is centered around the theme:

“Youth-Led Biodiversity Action for a Resilient Future”

This year’s focus aligns closely with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which was adopted in December 2022. The framework’s objectives include halting biodiversity loss, restoring degraded ecosystems, and ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biodiversity.

Duration and Format

The programme spans over three months, beginning in July 2025 and concluding in September 2025. It consists of:

Virtual Learning Sessions: Weekly webinars hosted by experts in biodiversity, environmental science, and international policy.
In-Person Summit: A one-week immersive leadership retreat in Tokyo, Japan (tentatively scheduled for late August 2025).
Capstone Projects: Participants are expected to design and implement small-scale biodiversity projects in their communities.

Programme Components

Capacity-Building Modules
Topics include:
- Biodiversity and ecosystems
- Environmental governance and policy frameworks
- Climate resilience and nature-based solutions
- Project design and community engagement
Mentorship and Coaching
Each participant is paired with a mentor from academia, policy, or the NGO sector.
Policy Simulation and Advocacy
Participants engage in mock policy dialogues and receive advocacy training.
Youth Exchange and Collaboration
The programme fosters intercultural dialogue and encourages cross-border youth collaboration.

Objectives of the Programme

Empowerment through Education
To provide participants with a deep understanding of global biodiversity challenges and the tools needed to address them.
Building Leadership Skills
To equip youth with leadership, public speaking, and negotiation skills necessary for high-level environmental advocacy.
Promoting Grassroots Action
To encourage the implementation of community-level biodiversity conservation projects.
Strengthening International Networks
To build a global network of young environmental leaders committed to ongoing collaboration.
Supporting Global Biodiversity Goals
To align youth efforts with international biodiversity targets and contribute to their realization.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to:

Young individuals aged 18 to 30 as of July 1, 2025
Citizens of any country
Demonstrated interest or experience in environmental issues, biodiversity, or sustainability
Proficiency in English (as the primary language of instruction)
Commitment to completing the entire programme including the in-person summit and capstone project

Preferred Profile

Applicants with the following qualities will have an advantage:

Previous experience in environmental activism, policy, or academic research
Leadership roles in youth organizations or NGOs
Innovation and creativity in approaching sustainability challenges
Willingness to collaborate across cultures and disciplines

Application Process

Key Dates

Applications Open: March 15, 2025
Application Deadline: May 10, 2025
Selection Announcement: June 5, 2025
Programme Start: July 1, 2025

Application Components

Online application form
Resume or CV
Motivation letter (500–700 words)
Two letters of recommendation
Optional: portfolio of past environmental work or advocacy

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of experts from partner institutions. Selection is based on motivation, leadership potential, and relevance of experience. Gender, regional, and sectoral diversity are also taken into consideration to ensure a broad representation.

Benefits of Participation

Fully Funded Opportunity

The programme is fully funded and includes:

Roundtrip international airfare to Tokyo, Japan
Accommodation and meals during the in-person summit
Access to online training resources
Seed funding for top capstone projects

Professional Development

Participants gain:

Certification of completion
Access to expert mentors and lecturers
Invitations to speak at global forums and conferences
Opportunities for internships and research collaborations

Networking and Exposure

Membership in the Global Youth MIDORI Alumni Network
Connections with global NGOs, government officials, and UN agencies
Long-term engagement in biodiversity platforms and events

Capstone Projects: From Theory to Action

A key highlight of the programme is the Capstone Project, which allows participants to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. These projects must be:

Implemented locally with community involvement
Focused on biodiversity, conservation, or environmental education
Low-cost and high-impact

Examples of past successful capstone projects include:

Urban pollinator gardens in India
Mangrove restoration in the Philippines
Youth-led biodiversity awareness campaigns in Ghana
School-based biodiversity clubs in Colombia

Participants receive ongoing mentorship and technical support for their projects, and the most impactful initiatives receive continued funding and international recognition.

Long-Term Impact

Youth as Biodiversity Champions

The programme ensures that young people are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active agents of change. Many alumni have gone on to:

Found environmental NGOs
Serve as youth delegates at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP)
Win international awards and fellowships
Work in governmental and intergovernmental biodiversity agencies

Strengthening National and Local Biodiversity Strategies

Capstone projects and alumni advocacy contribute directly to the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). Youth perspectives are increasingly being integrated into national-level biodiversity planning, thanks in part to training from initiatives like the MIDORI Platform.

Partners and Supporters

The success of the Global Youth MIDORI Platform is made possible through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including:

AEON Environmental Foundation – The principal sponsor and coordinator
UNU-IAS – Provides academic and technical expertise
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Offers policy guidance
Youth4Nature and Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) – Act as youth mobilization partners
Japanese Ministry of the Environment – Offers governmental support and logistical aid

Testimonials from Past Participants

Over the years, the Global Youth MIDORI Platform has welcomed hundreds of participants from all continents, equipping them with tools to tackle environmental issues in their local communities and on the global stage. The testimonials below offer a window into the diverse experiences and transformative journeys of participants from previous cohorts. These stories highlight the platform’s reach and its ability to empower youth to create tangible change.

1. Fatima A., Nigeria (2023 Cohort)

“Before joining the MIDORI Platform, my engagement in environmental advocacy was mostly limited to volunteering at clean-up campaigns. The programme expanded my worldview and gave me access to international frameworks and tools I never knew existed. The online sessions were engaging, and the facilitators were open to dialogue. I especially appreciated learning about the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and how they influence national policies. After the in-person summit in Tokyo, I returned home with renewed energy. I’ve since started a school biodiversity education programme reaching over 800 students in rural Northern Nigeria.”

2. Carlos R., Ecuador (2024 Cohort)

“Coming from a small coastal town affected by rising sea levels and deforestation, I always wanted to take action but lacked guidance. Through MIDORI, I gained the confidence and knowledge to start a mangrove restoration project in my region. The seed funding helped, but it was the mentorship that made the biggest difference. I was paired with a professor in Japan who specialized in wetland ecosystems. Our collaboration not only improved my project’s design but also led to my first research publication. Now, local authorities are supporting our work, and I’m training other youth to scale our efforts.”

3. Nadia M., Egypt (2023 Cohort)

“The MIDORI Programme helped me understand the link between environmental policy and youth activism. I took part in a simulated CBD Conference of the Parties session, where I role-played as a negotiator for the African region. That simulation was a turning point. Today, I work with the Egyptian Ministry of Environment as a youth policy advisor, advocating for biodiversity policies that are inclusive of indigenous knowledge and community-led conservation. I still stay connected with my cohort; we recently co-authored a policy brief on desert ecosystem conservation.”

4. William T., Canada (2022 Cohort)

“One of the biggest highlights was the peer network. I collaborated with fellow participants from South Korea and Indonesia on a cross-country biodiversity education project. We developed a toolkit that schools could adopt for biodiversity clubs, and it has been downloaded more than 10,000 times. We presented our work at the IUCN Congress Youth Forum, all thanks to our MIDORI mentor’s recommendation. The experience taught me how small ideas, when nurtured in the right environment, can have a big impact.”

5. Lina P., Philippines (2024 Cohort)

“Participating in MIDORI was a life-changing experience. As someone from a community that experiences frequent typhoons and ecological loss, it was empowering to learn how our local challenges are connected to global biodiversity frameworks. I created a coastal protection campaign with youth volunteers that planted over 3,000 mangrove seedlings. I’m now mentoring new MIDORI applicants from my region and advocating for climate education in schools. MIDORI gave me a voice and a vision for the future.”

Reflections

These testimonials illustrate the programme’s wide-ranging influence. Whether participants go on to launch local initiatives or engage in international diplomacy, MIDORI serves as a launchpad for meaningful, youth-led environmental impact. Alumni consistently cite the combination of technical education, mentorship, cultural exchange, and leadership development as the key ingredients in their growth. The real power of the programme lies in its community — a global family of young people united by a common purpose: to protect the planet’s biodiversity and inspire others to do the same.

Conclusion

2025 Global Youth MIDORI Platform International Training Programme, the 2025 Global Youth MIDORI Platform International Training Programme is a beacon of hope, action, and empowerment in an era defined by environmental challenges. At a time when the world is grappling with biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and climate change, initiatives that equip youth with the tools to become change-makers are not just welcome — they are essential.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the MIDORI Platform is its holistic approach to youth development. It recognizes that protecting biodiversity is not just a scientific endeavor but also a social, political, and ethical one. By blending academic knowledge, practical training, and leadership development, the programme ensures that participants leave with not only technical expertise but also the soft skills required to lead movements, influence policy, and foster community engagement.

In many parts of the world, especially in the Global South, environmental challenges are compounded by socio-economic inequalities and limited access to quality education. MIDORI addresses these disparities by offering a fully funded programme, thereby democratizing access to knowledge and opportunity. This inclusivity ensures that the solutions to global environmental problems are shaped by diverse perspectives and experiences.

Moreover, the programme’s emphasis on capstone projects bridges the gap between theory and practice. Rather than learning in isolation, participants are encouraged to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. These community projects often have ripple effects, catalyzing local movements and inspiring further action long after the programme ends. It’s a model that doesn’t just train future leaders — it activates them.

The international summit component adds another layer of depth. Gathering in Japan, participants not only learn about Japanese environmental traditions and policies but also engage in cultural exchange, building empathy and global citizenship. The summit fosters relationships that often lead to cross-border collaborations and lifelong partnerships.

The growing network of MIDORI alumni is a testament to the programme’s enduring impact. From grassroots organizers in rural villages to advisors at global environmental conferences, these young leaders are making waves across every level of society. They are writing policies, launching NGOs, leading protests, developing educational tools, and more — all with the foundational support of the MIDORI Platform.

Looking ahead, the role of youth in environmental governance will only become more critical. As the world continues to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, it is imperative that young voices are not only heard but also involved in shaping the future. Programmes like MIDORI ensure that these voices are informed, articulate, and courageous.

In conclusion, the 2025 Global Youth MIDORI Platform International Training Programme is not merely a training course — it is a transformational journey. It embodies the belief that empowered youth can lead the way in restoring balance to our planet. By investing in young people, nurturing their talents, and amplifying their voices, MIDORI is building a resilient global community of biodiversity champions who are ready to shape a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving future.

ByNweke Ezekiel I