Picture from: Global Indigenous Youth Summit on Climate Change | Future Earth
On 9 August 2026, GEO-LDN and the GEO-LDN African Student Chapter had the opportunity to participate in the Global Indigenous Youth Summit on Climate Change (GIYSCC), hosted by Future Earth. Held on the United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the virtual global summit brought together Indigenous youth and allies across time zones to exchange knowledge, perspectives and ideas on climate action.
The 2026 summit focused on the theme “Indigenous Guardians: Land, Rights, and Knowledge for Climate Justice”, creating an important space to discuss the role of Indigenous knowledge, youth leadership and inclusive approaches in addressing climate change and land degradation.
Highlighting Indigenous and Youth Engagement in Land Degradation Neutrality
Representing GEO-LDN, Co-Chair Neil Sims and Boitumelo Maxala, President of the GEO-LDN African Student Chapter, contributed to the programme with a presentation on GEO-LDN, Indigenous representation in GEO and youth engagement in the Flagship.
Neil introduced the history and mission of GEO and the GEO-LDN Flagship, and shared insights into the establishment and work of the GEO Indigenous Alliance. He highlighted the Alliance’s role in promoting the ethical and culturally appropriate use of Earth observation data while recognizing and respecting Indigenous rights, knowledge systems and perspectives.
Boitumelo then introduced the GEO-LDN African Student Chapter, based at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa, explaining its purpose and growing role in connecting young people across the African continent. The Chapter seeks to strengthen youth engagement in land degradation and restoration while encouraging young researchers, students and professionals to explore the potential of Earth observation and geospatial science.
The session also opened the door to important questions about how Indigenous perspectives and youth voices can be meaningfully integrated into Land Degradation Neutrality planning and implementation. These conversations are essential for ensuring that approaches to land restoration and sustainable land management are inclusive, equitable and grounded in diverse knowledge systems.
Connecting Youth, Knowledge and Earth Observation
GIYSCC 2026 provided a valuable opportunity for GEO-LDN to connect with Indigenous youth and other young people working at the intersection of climate change, land, knowledge and justice.
The summit builds on previous Global Indigenous Youth Summits and their efforts to create a global platform by, for and among Indigenous youth. The 2026 event continued this legacy by connecting participants across regions and time zones and by highlighting the importance of Indigenous youth leadership in climate diplomacy and action.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Julia Quaicoe for the invitation and for creating this opportunity for exchange and collaboration. We also thank all participants for the inspiring discussions and new connections.
Are you an African student, researcher or young professional interested in geospatial science, land restoration or student leadership? The GEO-LDN African Student Chapter welcomes new members and collaborators.
Email: geoldn-studchapter@uwc.ac.za
Sign-up link: GEO-LDN African Student Chapter membership form
LinkedIn: African Student Chapter LinkedIn
