Global Earth Forum in Bogotá and Pre-Forum of Youth in Ocaña: dialogues on land, youth and social transformation

By Vitor Pereira
Rural youth and agroecology multiplier, Agroecology technician, pedagogue and specialist in Rural Education

In June 2025, Colombia hosted two essential events that brought together people from different parts of the world to discuss vital issues on land, youth and social justice. The Pre-Forum of Youth, held in Ocaña from the 12th to the 14th, and the Global Land Forum (GLF), held in Bogotá from the 16th to the 20th, represented important milestones in the debate on land governance, youth participation and building a sustainable future.

Before the Global Earth Forum, Ocaña hosted the Youth Pre-Forum, which brought together around 100 young leaders from different regions – Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean. The event aimed to strengthen young people’s participation in issues related to land, peace and climate justice, providing a platform for them to discuss their struggles and draw up an agenda for global action.

Under the slogan “Youth for peace and land rights”, the Pre-Forum promoted collaborative sessions, workshops and cultural exchanges, with a focus on environmental sustainability and the territorial rights of youth. During the activities, participants discussed ways of influencing public policies and defending their rights in a global scenario, strengthening the integration of young people in decision-making processes and community actions.

Following the Pre-Forum, Bogotá hosted the Global Land Forum (GLF) 2025, consolidated as one of the largest international meetings focused on defending land rights and promoting inclusive governance. Organized by the International Land Coalition (ILC), the event was attended by more than 800 delegates from all over the world, including Brazil, represented by Minister Paulo Teixeira, who discussed issues such as agrarian reform and food sovereignty.

The GLF addressed crucial issues such as agrarian reform, the transformation of agri-food systems and the climate and biodiversity crises. The event also highlighted the importance of a just energy transition and the public policies needed to guarantee the territorial rights of local populations.

Both the Youth Pre-Forum in Ocaña and the Global Land Forum in Bogotá highlighted the need to integrate youth into debates on land governance, climate change and global public policies. While the Pre-Forum was a key space for giving young people a voice, allowing them to put forward concerns and proposals for a more inclusive future, the GLF served as a platform for consolidating these discussions and broadening the global dialogue on land rights and environmental challenges.

These events also reinforced international debates on social justice, food sovereignty and territorial rights, showing how collaboration between different generations and cultures can drive significant change. They were therefore an important step towards building a more sustainable and equitable world, in which youth and local communities play a key role in creating innovative and transformative solutions.

For Mayarli Carreño, a member of the National Movement of Women from Popular Sectors and a resident of the town of Luna Creciente in Ecuador, the experience of taking part in the Global Earth Forum in Bogotá and the Youth Pre-Forum in Ocaña was transformative. She said that seeing young people united for a sustainable future inspired her deeply and motivated her to continue her work to protect the planet.

What struck her most was the cultural diversity and the passion of young people for sustainability, which left a lasting impression on her. Mayarli expressed her pride at being part of a generation capable of bringing about real change, reminding us that many small people, by taking small actions, can achieve great results.

She also reinforced the importance of environmental education and the participation of local communities – especially young people in all their diversity – in decisions about the management of natural resources. In addition, the meetings offered new strategies and tools for tackling the environmental and social challenges present in their communities.

Mayarli also highlighted how she connected with young people and environmental leaders from different parts of the world, feeling part of a global network of young people committed to real sustainable transformation.