Swetha is one of 17 inaugural members of the IUCN Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). The first of its kind, the YAC was launched in April 2024 to support the implementation of the IUCN Youth Strategy across the Union. The YAC is comprised of youth from across the globe, each bringing their own diverse experiences to support meaningful youth engagement in IUCN’s policies, processes and programmes. Get to know Swetha and other YAC members as we introduce them.
Hi everyone, my name is Swetha Bhashyam. I am a wildlife biologist by training and have dedicated the past 12 years to empowering and mobilizing youth to take action for biodiversity. I live in the US but am originally from India.
Serving as the Global South Focal Point for the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) from 2018 to 2023, I played a key role in representing and amplifying the voices of youth in the Global South. In 2022, I was appointed Chair of the IUCN CEESP Inter-generational Partnerships and Young Professional Groups. I am also on the IUCN 20-year Strategic Vision Steering Committee.
With over 11 years of experience collaborating with grassroots and international organizations, I have helped build a powerful youth movement for biodiversity. I have supported the establishment of 50 regional and national chapters for GYBN, enabling youth across the globe to come together and make a significant impact. My work focuses on forging strong partnerships and facilitating critical dialogues among various stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations, Indigenous Peoples, Governments, IGOs and the private sector. I recognize the importance of collaborative efforts and strive to create spaces for meaningful engagement and fruitful collaboration.
Driven by my passion, I advocate for policy and advocacy changes under the UN system, focusing on the Convention on Biological Diversity. I envision myself working closely with communities to foster a cultural change that, coupled with the right policy changes, can transform our world’s social and economic systems, enabling us to live in harmony with nature. Through empowering youth and advocating for biodiversity, I am committed to creating a just and sustainable future for all.