Behind the scenes of World Wildlife Day Regional Youth Symposium 2026
- National Parks Board
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Article by NParks and Vera Loh, Youth Steward for WWD2026
The annual United Nations World Wildlife Day is celebrated in commemoration of the first signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), on 3 March 1973.
Held yearly since 2022, the World Wildlife Day Regional Youth Symposium (WWD) is aimed at providing a platform for youths in Southeast Asia to share their knowledge about nature conservation. The inaugural event was organised and executed by only five youth stewards under NParks’ Youth Stewards for Nature (YSN) programme. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was fully virtual, but still managed to feature 22 speakers, and 204 participants from 13 countries!
Since then, WWD has grown, with the introduction of new segments like the Youth Showcase, which brings in conservation-related youth groups in and around the region to celebrate youth efforts in conserving biodiversity.
Exploring intersections among Wildlife Trade, Wildlife Health, and Wildlife Conservation
This year, it’s the event’s 5th rendition: an in-person event taking place on 28 and 29 March! Currently in the works, this year’s event promises the vibrant energy of its past iterations with an inspiring line-up of speakers from around Asia, to spark meaningful conversations between youths. Interestingly, the theme for WWD this year deviates from the global theme. Instead, the focus is on an important interdisciplinary issue that cuts across different industry sectors.
The theme for WWD is: Exploring intersections among Wildlife Trade, Wildlife Health, and Wildlife Conservation. These three facets are underpinned by the concept of One Health, an approach that connects the health of humans to the wider natural systems that we inhabit. By examining wildlife conservation through the lens of wildlife trade and wildlife health, the event hopes to deliver fresh insights into the many, and often overlooked, approaches of embarking on wildlife conservation.
This theme is visually embodied in the key visual, which features species found in Asia like the Bali Myna, Sumatran Tiger, and Indian Star Tortoise to underscore the importance of wildlife conservation and the ongoing fight against wildlife trafficking. Others like the Malayan Flying Fox reflect the complex interactions of wildlife, humans, and diseases. Flora featured are CITES- listed plants such as the Indian Pitcher Plant, East Himalayan Yew, and Pigeon Orchids, all carefully managed to prevent population decline.
The DNA double helix encircling these species serves as a unifying symbol connecting all three themes, representing: 1) the forensic tools used in wildlife trafficking investigations, 2) the genetic science behind wildlife health research, and 3) the formation of a circular motif that reminds us of the interconnected ecosystem relationships central to conservation efforts and One Health.
WWD2026 Organising Team
This year’s event is planned by a committee of 20 Youth Stewards, supported by 8 staff mentors. The team is split into several subcommittees, each tasked with handling a different segment of the event. More than just event management, WWD is a chance for the youths to experience collaborating on a meaningful effort with other like-minded individuals, and to contribute toward the bigger cause of biodiversity conservation.
With this year's WWD expanding its reach to broader Asia, the organising committee is also bolstered by the involvement of ten youths from the Asia chapter of the CITES Global Youth Network (CGYN)! Generously sponsored by Mandai Nature, these CGYN members will join us here in Singapore.
The event will be an anticipated celebration of the exceptional passion, entrepreneurial skill, and steadfast efforts of the youth involved in conservation in Asia.
Sneak Peak!
On the first day, distinguished speakers from around Asia will be presenting on two themes: Wild Deals, Viral Consequences and Human-Wildlife Interfaces. Track 1 will take participants through the current wildlife trade situation and zoonotic risks, while touching on policy directions and their implications. Track 2 will cover the mechanisms through which anthropogenic pressures, particularly those linked to wildlife trade and wildlife health, can strengthen conservation efforts.
On the second day, participants will also get to participate in hands-on activities. These workshops are held by NParks as well as other partner organisations such as Mandai Wildlife Group/Mandai Nature, Eu Yan Sang and more. The workshops will offer insights and experiences into illegal wildlife trade enforcement, critical connections between wildlife health monitoring and conservation practice as well as traditional Chinese medicine sustainability.
In the afternoon, the Youth Showcase segment will feature youth-led projects of varying scale, and participants will get to meet various peers who are working in fields relating to wildlife trade, wildlife health, and wildlife conservation. Look out for interactive activities at each booth and collect limited edition cards featuring animals and plants from the key visual!
Can’t wait for the event? Registration has just begun, and we would love for you to join us! Click here (https://go.gov.sg/wwd-2026) to sign up and keep up with what’s to come for this year’s event!
Check out our socials @wwd.symposium on IG, Facebook, and LinkedIn for the latest updates!
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