TUNZA ECO GENERATION REACHES YOUTH BLAST RIO+20  – UNCSD MAJOR GROUP OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH OFFICIAL EVENT-

By Simran Vedvyas

Conference of Youth for Rio+20 (aka YOUTH BLAST)

10 Jun 2012 - 12 Jun 2012 (INTERNATIONAL DAYS)

Sul America Convention Centre, Rio de Janeiro

I got the opportunity to share my views and introduce myself and my work to-

Mr. Gilbert Carvalho, Minister of the General Presidency of Brazil,

Mr. Achim Steiner – Executive Director UNEP

Mr. Nick Nuttall – UNEP Director of Communications

It was a moment of great delight for me when Mr. Gibert Carvalho actually hugged me for the environment work that I do and contribute with and a bigger surprise when Mr. Achim Steiner remembered me from the Eye on Earth Summit 2011 for the speech I gave after the declaration.

I made a presentation titled Panel on Youth in Planning and Policy making which was a 1 hour 30 minutes session with translation in Portuguese.  The session highlighted the importance of participatory planning for society as the primary means to enforce the promises made at Rio + 20, how Youth can be the Change and How Together we can make a difference.  This session was amongst several others taking place at the same time and saw a large gathering.

I got a chance to speak to Severn Suzuki, by webcam and asked her the questions to answer. 

I also met the youngest participant Xiuhpezcatl Roske-Martinez who few from Colorado USA and is working for EARTH GUARDIANS.

I participated in several workshops that were eye-openers too.

I volunteered for several onsite jobs as the event is FOR THE YOUTH AND BY THE YOUTH, like pasting posters, communicating, helping in conducting the plenary and also participated in the CREATIVE ART SPACE FOR CREATING A POSTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AWARNESS etc.

I was interviewed by the International and National television channel.

I could give out MY MESSAGE TO THE WORLD.

I represented as UNEP TUNZA ECO GENERATION REGIONAL AMBASSADOR MIDDLE EAST, YOUTH AMBASSADOR EYE ON EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT PREFECT OF THE MILLENNIUM SCHOOL DUBAI amongst many other organizations that I represent.

MY MESSAGE TO THE WORLD-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVxIRByrIkc&feature=plcp

I VOLUNTEERED TO PLENARY-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bamwtgz7UsU

I got the opportunity to hear to Mr. Sha Zukang during the closing ceremony, who patiently answered various questions asked by participants.  I was interested in listening to his views as what happens after RIO +20 is to watch and build now.

Facts and how you can join - Conference of Youth for Rio+20 (aka YOUTH BLAST)

Over 3,000 youth attended the Youth Blast from over 120 countries.  The purpose of the Youth Blast (aka Conference of Youth for Rio+20) was to strategize and mobilize young people for during and after Rio+20.

This event being organized by the UNCSD Major Group of Children and Youth and the Brazilian National Youth Secretary in partnership with the Government of Brazil, Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Agencia Brasileira de Cooperacao), CONJUVE (National Youth Council) witnessed thousands of young leaders from around the world will converge on the Conference of Youth for Rio+20 in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) to share their skills and prepare for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).

Participating in the Youth Blast allowed me to virtually participate in the capacity building workshops, introductions to policy and consultations on existing lobby points. There were sessions specific to the objectives and themes of Rio +20: Green Economy and Institutional Frameworks for Sustainable Development (Governance). This is an event organized, run and held by young people for young people.

The UNCSD Major Group of Children and Youth (MGCY) is one of the nine major groups of participating civil society in Rio +20.

There are still many ways to get involved, by Youth Space and visiting the website:

More details at- www.uncsdchildrenyouth.org

PICTURES SPEAK TOO