Join the Global PermaYouth Movement

By Maria Paez

The International PermaYouth Convergence 2025 is the next step in building a global movement for youth-led environmental action. From October 20th to 25th, 2025, in Timor-Leste, young changemakers from around the world will gather to learn, share and take action. It’s about creating a connected global network that empowers young people with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to restore landscapes, strengthen communities and shape a resilient future. Activities of the event will be in the village of Fatuquero, Ermera, in the mountains of Dili.

Why Timor-Leste?

Timor-Leste has undergone a remarkable transformation. From a country rebuilding after independence in 2002, it has become a leader in community-driven permaculture solutions. Youth-led projects, school garden programmes, PermaYouth camps and large-scale community-led  water restoration initiatives have revived over 500 springs and improved the lives of 700+ communities. Supported by Permatil Timor-Leste, Permatil Global (Australia) and PermaYouth Association Timor-Leste, these efforts have shown how traditional knowledge and permaculture principles can tackle food insecurity, water scarcity and climate change. What is special about Timor-Leste is that the country is today a global leader in integrating permaculture into national policies and education. In 2013, the Ministry of Education reformed the national curriculum for Basic Education, making permaculture school gardens a core part of the Arts and Culture discipline. This commitment to sustainability extends to the highest levels of government, with the President of the Republic Democratic of Timor-Leste, H.E. the Honourable J. Ramos-Horta, strongly backing this event.

With 60% of the population under 25, young people are leading the way - and now, they want to share their success with the world.  They are inviting the global permaculture community not just to attend the convergence, but to take action: join the PermaYouth movement, launch local initiatives, create youth programmes, learn from Timor-Leste’s PermaYouth camps and spread these solutions globally.

"The International PermaYouth Convergence 2025 is an opportunity to see the best of humanity: youth empowered, communities coming together, and a collective spirit of care four our environment. I am proud to offer my full support for this initiative and look forward to the transformations it will bring to Timor-Leste and globally." 

H.E. the Honourable J. Ramos-Horta 

President of the Republic Democratic of Timor-Leste.

A global movement for youth-led action

The International PermaYouth Convergence is a call to action for youth aged 17 to 35 and their mentors. Over six days, participants will camp together, train with experts, and exchange knowledge on water resilience, food security, climate adaptation and environmental leadership. The event will also feature a Music and Cultural Festival, celebrating indigenous knowledge, storytelling and the power of community.

This is a unique opportunity for global collaboration. Permaculture practitioners, networks and changemakers worldwide can get involved by:

• Supporting the event financially.
• Helping to subsidise participation for youth.
• Promoting the event and amplifying the voices of young leaders.
• Organising local PermaYouth groups to take action in their own communities.
• Sharing resources, experiences and knowledge to help strengthen the movement.
• Volunteering.

There are also opportunities to share ideas as a presenter, or becoming a global champion to help spread the word and support others to join from your region. For more information, including forms to register your interest and ask questions, check out the event website.

Be part of the solution

The challenges we face like climate change, environmental degradation, food and water insecurity are real, urgent and global. The solutions must be rooted in local knowledge and driven by the next generation with guidance from those who have already started the journey and here we would like to include everyone who has been part of a legion of permaculture leaders and contributors over more than 40 years. The PermaYouth Convergence is a vital step in mobilising youth worldwide to take real, lasting action.

The Permaculture Association Britain is proud to be part of this global movement and is supporting the event. We now invite all those passionate about creating a brighter future to join us in backing this impactful initiative. Together, we can plant water, grow communities and build a resilient future for everyone.

Get involved today! Share this information, connect with the movement and find out how you can contribute.

Visit the event website to learn about recent updates, common questions, and registration process. A detailed programme will be published in the next few months: International PermaYouth Convergence 2025

If you would like to support this event please get in touch with Lachlan McKenzie - [email protected]