Peace Boat US recently completed its “Youth for the SDGs” scholarship program focused on the United Nations Ocean Decade during the 119th Global Voyage around Patagonia and Antarctica from January 25 to February 13, 2025. While on board the ship and in various ports, the youth participants engaged in capacity-building programs focused on experiential learning, citizen science and education for sustainable development. The immersive program brought together young leaders and local organizations to explore the frontlines of climate change, sustainability, and ocean conservation.
The journey began in Ushuaia, Argentina, in partnership with the local non-profit organization Asociación Mane´kenk, where participants engaged with scientists, indigenous leaders, glaciologists, and conservation experts, gaining first-hand insights into glacial retreat, marine biodiversity, and sustainable development in the region. Highlights included the visit to the Martial Glacier, learning about penguin colonies in Ushuaia and the Café Científico sessions on climate science, featuring in-depth discussions on glacial retreat, ocean conservation, and transboundary water management. The program then continued onboard Peace Boat, sailing through Antarctic waters before traveling through Chile’s remote southern landscapes, including Torres del Paine National Park and the Glacier Grey. Following the Patagonia expedition, the Youth for SDGs program also hosted a conversation at the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) in Santiago.
Throughout the expedition, youth leaders took part in immersive environmental research and sustainability initiatives. While in Antarctica, participants observed penguin colonies, humpback whales, and krill populations, witnessing the impact of climate change on polar ecosystems. The participants also engaged in onboard workshops and educational sessions, exploring ways to integrate science, policy, and youth advocacy for climate resilience. In collaboration with local organizations at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago and using the water test kits from partner organization, EarthEcho International, youth participants conducted water quality testing in Torres del Paine National Park to monitor glacial water sources and record data on the PH, Oxygen levels, turbidity and temperature of the water.
The 2025 Youth for the SDGs program was made possible through collaborations with local and international organizations and local community leaders, including Yaghan Indigenous leaders, Fundación Mascarona, Parley for the Oceans, PVM Consulting, Blue Planet Alliance, Ocean Rescue Alliance International, Sustainable Ocean Alliance Chile and LATAM – Latin American Airlines, and Parties 4 Peace, an organization using music and art for climate awareness and youth engagement.
As the expedition came to a close in Valparaíso, participants took part in a tree-planting reforestation activity with the Fundacion Mascarona, symbolizing their commitment to long-term climate action. Many of the youth leaders will continue their work in ocean conservation, environmental education, and advocacy—using the lessons learned from this journey to drive impact in their home communities and beyond.
During the ship’s call to the port of Valparaíso, we were honoured to host a Blue Economy Forum onboard with many local partners. With three segments focusing respectively on Chile and the Ocean: The Importance of the BBNJ Treaty to protect Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, also known as the High Seas Treaty, Innovation for the Ocean, and Youth for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), representatives from over a dozen different governmental, United Nations, business and civil society organisations joined the lively discussions onboard. Keynote speaker Ms Maisa Rojas, Minister for the Environment, reaffirmed Chile’s commitment to the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) for the conservation of marine biodiversity in international waters. Ms Gloria de la Fuente, Sub-Minister of Foreign Affairs also spoke, saying that Chile has protected over 40% of its ocean and supports further efforts for marine conservation in the region.
On the final day of the program, the group traveled to Concón to visit the Marine Biology Department of the University of Valparaíso, a key center for oceanographic research in Latin America. The participants attended a lecture on sharks and stingrays, observed ray eggs, and explored the university’s underground aquarium.
After the lecture, the group took action with a beach cleanup, collecting plastic, glass, and discarded materials along the coastline. Thank you to all of our partners from the Municipality of Viña del Mar, Parley for the Oceans and the local community organizations who made this event possible!
Achieving the SDGs requires mobilization of young people through advocacy, entrepreneurship, volunteering, research, education and other endeavors. Toward this end, Peace Boat US offers a limited number of full and partial scholarships based on a combined need and merit basis, covering transportation between participants’ homes and ports of embarkation and disembarkation with Peace Boat, onboard accommodation and meals, and port programs. Scholarships are available to young activists and scholars, aged 18-30, currently engaged in SDG-related initiatives. See specific program pages for more details and application.
With the next Youth for the SDGs program already on the horizon, we look forward to continuing this vital work in climate leadership and sustainability.
