HDRI Steps Up Its Environmental Commitment, Joining Biodiversity Action Europe and the GEF CSO Network

The Human Development Research Initiative (HDRI) is pleased to announce that it has become a member of two environmental networks: Biodiversity Action Europe (BAE) and the Global Environment Facility Civil Society Organization Network (GEF CSO Network).

These memberships mark a new step in HDRI's growing engagement in environmental protection. Our work has long focused on youth civic participation, democratic governance and European policy advocacy. We increasingly see that these questions cannot be separated from the environmental crises of our time. Biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution affect young people's futures most of all. Young people also have the least say in the decisions that shape those futures. Joining these networks reflects our conviction that environmental protection is a matter of democracy, rights and intergenerational justice.

Biodiversity Action Europe: a youth movement for nature

Biodiversity Action Europe is a youth-driven movement working to reverse biodiversity loss in Europe and beyond. It brings together young people from many backgrounds and countries around a shared cause. BAE seeks transformative change through constructive dialogue and by empowering young people's voices. It also runs events and projects on biodiversity with its umbrella members.

As a member, HDRI will contribute its experience in youth participation and policy advocacy to BAE's work. We look forward to working with young activists across Europe who share our belief that young people must be at the table where decisions about nature are made.

The GEF CSO Network: connecting grassroots voices to global environmental decisions

The GEF CSO Network is a global platform of civil society organisations that engage with and influence the work of the Global Environment Facility. It acts as a bridge between the GEF's decision-making structures and local communities, NGOs and Indigenous Peoples. This helps ensure that grassroots perspectives shape global environmental policies and investments.

The Network promotes inclusive, transparent and participatory approaches to biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation and pollution. It provides policy input to GEF processes, facilitates knowledge exchange and advocates for increased funding for environmental projects. A central part of its mission is to amplify underrepresented voices, especially those of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, in recognition of their vital role as stewards of natural resources.

Through our membership, HDRI will take part in this global dialogue and bring the perspectives of young people into it. We will also help make GEF-funded initiatives more socially equitable, locally grounded and accountable.

Building on our environmental engagement

These memberships build on HDRI's existing environmental involvement, including our membership of the EU Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform.These commitments strengthen our ability to link local youth action with European and global environmental policy.

"Young people are not only the future victims of environmental collapse. They are already among the most creative and determined actors for change," said Gurgen Petrosyan, President of HDRI. "By joining Biodiversity Action Europe and the GEF CSO Network, we want to make sure their voices reach the places where environmental decisions are made, from European institutions to global funding mechanisms."

HDRI looks forward to working with fellow members of both networks. Organisations and young people interested in joining our environmental work are warmly invited to get in touch.

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