“A youth forum for students interested in environmental and agricultural issues was hosted in Georgia on Sunday in connection with International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction,” - the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia said.

The Deputy Minister Solomon Pavliashvili highlighted the importance of young people “coming together with progressive, bold, and sensible ideas” and discussing development of professional skills in the areas in his opening address.

He also noted creating opportunities for youth with in-demand professions and green, innovative research projects.

Nils Christensen, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Georgia, told the event the negative impact of climate change was observable both in Georgia and globally.

The forum also included young climate volunteers, climate ambassadors, and students from the Eco Leader School, Forestry School and Agro School - three projects of the Ministry’s Environmental Information and Education Centre - as well as recipients of the Green Scholarship founded between the Environmental and Education ministries.

The participants discussed the latest developments, needs and opportunities in the environmental and agricultural sectors through panel discussions with experts.

The forum was organized by the Centre within the UNDP programme Reducing the Risk of Climate-Change-Induced Disasters in Georgia.