Overview of 'Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Green Solutions- from Rio de Jenario to Doha.'

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) 18 has a special importance since it needs to finalize the old negotiation tracks, and make new commitments towards Post 2015. It is imperative to involve youth in this process, and consider their voices and issues. Rio+20 reaffirmed that we need a more sustainable development path. To achieve this we need to change how we think and act, develop and implement capacity building programs, and hence engage youth in these programs in order to secure green jobs and a green economy.

In this regard Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio+20 (APYTF) organized Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Green Solutions- from Rio de Jenario to Doha in UNFCCC COP18/CMP8 to engage youth in the process of consultation and make a common voice. Main objective of the GYF was to provide an opportunity for global youth to discuss global issues and their concerns regarding COP18; to identify the Mountain Youth issues and priorities for Green Economy; and to develop and share Global Youth Appeal for COP18 delegates.

Twenty delegates from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Pacific joined the GYF and shared their national youth appeal, declaration, views, concerns and recommendations. At the end of the GYF ‘Global Youth Appeal for COP18’ was drafted, which was finalized after virtual consultation. The purpose of "Global Youth Appeal for COP18" is to outreach the Youth Voices to the COP18 delegates so they consider the views and concerns of Global Youth regarding UNFCCC COP18/ CMP8. The ‘Global Youth Appeal for COP18’ was shared on Mountain Day 2 during Knowledge Café session and make part of ‘Youth Appeal’ which was presented in Ministerial/ Policy Makers' Round Table Panel Discussion on 3rd Dec, 2012.

Global Youth Forum speakers including Ms Sameera Zaib (APYTF, Pakistan), Ms Danaé Espinoza. (PIDES, Latin America), Mr Abiodun Dominic Odunuga, (Zero Carbon Africa), Mr Wilson  (Eco Singapore), Ms Timila Dhakwa, (Team Green Economy, Nepal) and Mr David Gawith (Newzeland) addressed the youth forum and presented youth appeal/declaration, views and concerns regarding UNFCCC COP18 and mountain issues and green solutions, and shared youth activities in their region/countries and gave suggestions for developing youth appeal. They demanded the COP18 delegates to involve and consider the youth concerns and recommendation while developing policies at national and international level and that world leader must take serious steps in addressing the climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Youth delegate showed voluntary commitment for rising environmental awareness and green economy in their communities, mobilizing youth and taking key messages of COP18 and Global Youth Forum within their networks.

Sameera Zaib, (APYTF)

Ms Danaé Espinoza. (PIDES, Latin America) 

Mr Abiodun Dominic Odunuga, (Zero Carbon Africa)

Mr Wilson, (Eco Singapore)

Ms Timila Dhakwa, (Team Green Economy)

Overview of National Youth Forum on Green Solutions, Pakistan.

Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio+20 (APYTF) formed under the ‘Youth for Sustainable Mountain Development’ (Y4SMD) International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) initiative, by the ICIMOD Alumni in 2011, with the purpose to advocate Mountain Agenda and mobilize the youth for Rio+20 (United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development). Since then, APYTF is active in taking the messages and raising Youth Voice by organizing and participating in important environmental events at national, regional and global level.

In this connection, APYTF organized two days National Youth Forum on Green Solutions- Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions on 5th-6th November, 2012, with the support of ICIMOD and local host organization Peace & Development Organization, at National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad.

NYF aims to give young people the chance to express their ideas, opinions and needs for sustainable development, build youth capacity for identifying locale specific green economy initiatives, and develop two outcome documents i.e. Youth Appeal for COP18 and Post 2015 Agenda.

Eminent experts from ICIMOD Nepal and Pakistan, Ministry of Climate Change Pakistan, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council, development sector specialists and youth representatives addressed youth forum. NYF was supported by Minister of State for Ministry of Education and Training, Mr Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, DG Environment Dr Jawed Ali Khan, and ICIMOD Pakistan representative Dr Abdul Wahid Jasra by being present in the youth forum. They committed firm support for youth activities aiming raising environmental awareness, and sustainable mountain development by promoting green solutions to environmental problems. Mr Tek Jung Mahat, Asia Pacific Mountain Network Node manager, ICIMOD, who started youth initiative (Y4SMD) at ICIMOD platform and supported the APYTF event in Pakistan, encouraged young participants to take lead at local and national level for promoting and addressing mountain issues, and highlighted the need for recognizing youth participation in the national and international policies. He also shared the ICIMOD youth initiatives at regional and global level.  Mr Ashiq Ahmad Khan, ICIMOD Technical Adviser, Dr Pirdaza Moshibber, Director PARC, Dr. Wajid Pirzada, CEO Agrisol Pakistan, Mr Utsav Maden, Associate IKM ICIMOD, and Mr Kamran Hussain, ICIMOD Alumni and Phd Scholor also addressed the youth forum.

The major attractions were presentations, green excursion to National Agriculture Research Council and Satrameel Watershed Islamabad, group exercise and virtual consultation. During the two days event two outcome documents were drafted that were later shared and finalized via virtual consultation, these are ‘Post 2015 Agenda’ and ‘Youth Appeal for COP18’. Youth Appeal for UNFCCC COP18 was presented during Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issue and Green Solutions- from Rio de Janerio to Doha, organized by APYTF in UNFCCC COP18/CMP8 at Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha, on 1st December, 2012.

NYF has provided confidence and build capacity of young participants to take lead in their communities. Inspired by NYF one of the young participants is organizing Gilgit Baltistan youth forum to impart knowledge gained and skills developed. NYF concluded with commitment to take Sustainable Mountain Development messages at the grass root level, however there is a need for continuous mentoring and capacity building of youth to enable them to raise their voice and streamline in the policy formulation at national, regional and global level.

Group photo woith DG Environemnt, Dr Jawed Ali Khan, ICIMOD country representative Dr Abdul Wahid Jasra and APMN Node manager (ICIMOD) Mr Tek Jung Mahat.

Dr Jawed Ali Khan, DG Environment  (Ministry of Climate Change) addressing youth forum along with Dr Abdul Wahid Jasra and Mr Ashiq Ahmad Khan.

Onsite demonstration during green excursion, NARC Islamabad.

Mr Sradar Shahjehan Yousaf, at the closing session, addressing youth forum along with Mr Tek Jung Mahat and Dr Abdul Wahid Jasra.

National Youth Forum on Green Solutions.

(Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions)

5-6^th November, 2012. Islamabad.

 Background

Asia Pacific Youth Task force on Rio+20 (APYTF) created in April 2011, with main purpose to advocate mountain agenda in the context of Rio+20 and mobilize the children and youth to participate in the pre and post Rio+20 activities. So far APYTF has organized and co-organized a number of events and participated in several Rio+20 related activities around the globe. In this connection APYTF with funding and technical support from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) through its Asia Pacific Mountain Network (APMN) under the Youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD) initiative, and in coordination with the Peace and Development Organization (PDO), Pakistan, is organizing National Youth Forum on Green Solutions (Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions), 5-6 November 2012 in the sideline of the South Asian youth Conference 2012 (SAYC) in Islamabad, Pakistan. 

For details and application form please visit; 

http://www.pdopak.org/trainings.htm

Workshop “Green Economy for Mountain Youth- Beyond Rio+20”, South Asia Youth Conference (SAYC), 5th November 2012 –Pakistan

Background of Workshop 

Covering about one quarter of the Earth’s land surface, providing 60–80% of the world’s freshwater resources for domestic, agricultural, and industrial consumption, mountains are a critical driver of food security and clean energy. Home to 17 of the 34 recognized global biodiversity hotspots, mountains play a pivotal role in conserving and harnessing biological diversity for a green economy. One third of all protected areas are in mountainous watersheds that secure water supplies for many of the world’s largest cities. Because mountains are among the regions most sensitive to climate change, they act as early warning systems. Mountains are crucial for a global green economy. According to the definition proposed by the United Nations Environment Programme, a green economy is one where economic growth is accompanied by reduced carbon emissions and pollution, enhanced energy and resource efficiency, and maintained ecosystem services including biodiversity. Green economy in developing countries is mainly linked to poverty, social security, and food security. With regard to global green development, mountain water is of paramount importance – for drinking and green energy generation in the form of hydropower, but for improved food security. Although mountains are rich in resources but its people are poor and vulnerable. Mountain youth who can ensure sustainable mountain development, are leaving areas in search of high education, employment, and better health facilities. There is a strong link between youth leadership and sustainable development, to promote green economy in mountain regions youth must need to take responsibility and play their vital role in the sustainable mountain development.

In connection to Rio+20, children and youth around the world are organizing different events i.e. beyond Rio+20. This workshop is one of the series of activities that Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio+20 has been organizing with the support of ICIMOD and Peace & Development Organization, during South Asia Youth Conference in Islamabad.

Objectives

1. Promote Sustainable Mountain Development and Green Economy among South Asian youth.
2. Promote networking and knowledge sharing.
3. Promote and celebrate beyond Rio+20 events.

Number of participants 25 (South Asian youth)

Workshop- "Green Economy for Mountain Youth" (SAYC), and National Youth Forum on "Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions", 5-6th November, 2012. Pakistan

Background

Asia Pacific Youth task force on Rio+20 (APYTF), comprised of ICIMOD Alumni, started working on Rio+20 by mobilizing mountain youth for sustainable mountain development at level of Asia Pacific particularly and global generally, and so far has organized/co-organized a number of events since April, 2011. In this regard APYTF as co-organizer with ICIMOD and other organizations arranged “Global youth forum on mountain issues and sustainable actions” in June, 2012, as side event during United Nations Conference on sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Brazil. APYTF with same commitment organized post Rio+20 events in Nepal and Pakistan. In Pakistan APYTF with Pakistan Environmentalist Association organized Post Rio+20- Eco Tourism walk - Promoting Green Economy in Mountain Regions, in Pirchanasi, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with main purpose to raise awareness among university students, tourists and local mountain communities (in Pirchanasi, AJK) regarding Eco-tourism and share the “Mountain Youth Appeal” document that was developed during Global youth forum on Mountain issues and sustainable actions, in Rio+20 conference. Peace & Development Organization (PDO) mainly working with mountain communities in Pakistan with aim to promote volunteerism among youth.

In this connection, working on youth mobilization for Sustainable Mountain Development, Asia Pacific Youth task force on Rio+20 (APYTF) with the support of ICIMOD and Peace & Development Organization is organizing one workshop on the topic “Green Economy for Mountain Youth- beyond Rio+20” (for South Asian youth) during South Asia Youth Conference (SAYC), on 6^th November, 2012; and two days “National Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions” (for Pakistani youth) 5^th -6^th November 2012, Islamabad, in parallel with South Asia Youth Conference (SAYC), November 2012, Islamabad. SAYC will attract 120 South Asian youth, and is a best platform to interact with South Asian Youth leaders, making a youth knowledge network and promoting Sustainable Mountain Development, Green Economy and exchanging new ideas that can turn into projects in South Asia with a particular focus on Mountain Youth.

Post Rio+20- Eco Tourisim Walk- Promoting Green Economy in Mountain Regions. Pirchanasi Muzaffarabad.

On July 15th, Asia Pacific Youth Force on Rio+20 and Pakistan Environmentalist Association (PEA) organized Post Rio+20 event “Eco-Tourism Walk” for promoting Green Economy in Mountain Regions as youth’s follow up of Rio+20 conference.

Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio+20 is volunteer commitment of Asia Pacific youth; mobilizing youth focusing on different issues of The Himalayas in the context of Rio+20; and so far have arranged several events at national, regional and most recently at global level in United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, June 2012, by organizing (as co-organizer) Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions. Whereas, Pakistan Environmentalist Association is the national professional body, committed to lead, promote, develop and represent the profession of Environment in order to maximize the contribution of Environmentalists to conserve, restore and sustainable development in the Environment of Pakistan and organizing environmental activities through out the country.

Eco-Tourism Walk was organized in Sirran/ Pirchansi Muzaffarabad, to promote Green Economy in the context of Rio+20, aware local people of benefits of Eco-Tourism and share Mountain’s Youth Appeal that was developed by APYTF in Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions during historic event United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Jenerio, June 15th 2012.

President PEA- Mr Zaigham Abbas gave introductory talk by explaining the need and benefits of Eco-tourism to the participants including environmental professionals, students, tourists and local people. He emphasized on youth to play their role in promoting environmental awareness, and share best possible solutions. He added that Green Economy is one of the major theme that was under discussion during the UNCSD and Eco tourism is one of the potential ways to promote Green Economy especially in Mountain regions; it will help strengthening livelihoods of local people, and environment conservation by creating awareness among locals and tourists. Ms Sameera Zaib, Coordinator Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa/Gilgit Baltistan PEA, and member Asia Pacific Youth Task Force on Rio+20 shared “Mountain’s Youth Appeal” key messages from Rio+20. She highlighted that mountains are home to indigenous people and poor marginalized communities that lack access to education and support services; however mountains are rich in natural resources and essential for sustainable development but they are vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and deforestation. She stressed to efficiently develop and run institutional mechanisms offering opportunities for youth to get basic education as well as higher education; to develop their professional capacity; and start enterprises and businesses which create green jobs in a responsible manner in fields like ecotourism, waste management, energy generation, etc and to be part of social, economic, and environmental processes. Other team member’s including southern and central coordinators PEA also addressed by sharing their ideas and views regarding importance of young environmental professional participation in such kind of environmental awareness raising activities.

Major activities during event were environmental walk, discussion with local communities, sharing of Mountain’s youth appeal from Rio+20, and environmental clean up activity etc. Environmental professionals, students, local people and tourists actively participated in the event and showed commitment to strengthen network and promote environmental cause.

At the end of the event participants urged the Government of Pakistan to consider and ensure youth’s involvement in making country’s Action plan, which is under preparation by the Ministry of Climate Change in the context of UNCSD outcome document- Future we want.

Some glimpses from Rio+20 Conference, Brazil (9-24 June, 2012)

On the way to Brazil- junction where African land meets Atlantic Ocean.

Copacabana beach.

Rio+20 at Copacabana beach.

Youth Conference for Rio+20 - Youth Blast.

Copacabana beach - (a must visit for beach lovers).

Dr David Molden, (DG ICIMOD).

 Dr Rajendra K Pachauri, (Chairman, IPCC)

Dr Madhav Karko (Deputy DG ICIMOD).

Mrs. Gro Harlem Brundtland (Chaired WCED in 1983, and former PM of Norway)

Mrs Hillary Clinton addressing Plenary at Rio Centro.

Pakistan's Chair in Plenary at Rio Centro.

Pakistan's major event during Rio+20.

Christ the Redeemer (one of the seven wonders of world) - Rio de Jenerio (23 June, 2012).

Bhutans Ministr for Agriculture and Forestory and Dr Madhav Karki at Mountains Pavilion.

Dr Micheal Glantz (Director CCB-University of Colarado Boulder

Asia Pacific Task Force on Rio+20 team with PM of Nepal.

Asia Pacific Task Force on Rio+20 Team Leader- Mr Tek Mahat during Youth Blast.

Mr Sha Zukang (Secretary General of the 2012 UN Conference) addressing the Youth Blast. 

Rio in my View...

20-22 June, 2012-Rio+20 has been written in world's history as one of biggest environmental event for analyzing world's commitment and practices towards Sustainable Development; shaping and redefining tools and making new commitments for living in harmony with nature.

United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development also called Rio+20 conference held in Rio de Jenerio, Brazil from 20-22 June, 2012. Whereas, Youth conference for Rio+20 also called Youth Blast (7-12 June, 2012; comprising the first 2days for Brazilian youth and rest for international youth) was to mobilize and strategize youth during and after Rio+20; that took place at SulAmericana Convention Centre in Rio de Janeiro. That was one of the important event for youth to interact, network and share ideas and experiences. Youth groups from different parts of world participated, presented their work and arranged different thought provoking and mobilizing sessions, where youth were both organizers and audience. This event was organized by UNCSD Major Group of Children and Youth (MGCY), Brazilian Government and other partnering organizations. 

I, being member of Asia Pacific Youth Task Force (APYTF), along with five youth from Nepal, participated in Youth Blast, Pre-com, and UNCSD (APYTF was initiated in April 2011 by ICIMOD). In youth blast I facilitated and organized two events i.e. Green Economy and My Sustainable Dreams, where more than 25 young people participated.  In Green Economy speakers of different countries shared their experience and way forward regarding Green Economy in their national context, whereas, "My sustainable Dreams" was more like participatory event, where groups of young people came-up with their sustainable vision.

Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions held on 15th June, 2012, at Mountain Pavilion. APYTF was co-organizer along with ICIMOD and other partner organizations as major organizers. It was attended by a number of young people representing different regions and youth delegates including MGCY, Earth Charter International, African Youth Initiative on Climate Chang, UN Youth Mobilizer for the UNDP Sustainable Development Dialogues, TUNZA Ambassador, Nepal Youth Task Force etc.  Main objective of forum was to bring together youth delegates from mountainous countries to discuss global issues and priorities as reflected in the Rio+20 submissions, and to  develop and issue as appeal to the Rio+20 delegates. Speakers from different groups/regions highlighted actions taken so far and the major challenges they are facing and that how important is youth participation in this process. At the end of forum "Mountains Youth Appeal" was jointly developed with full consensus that was later on shared with negotiators.

Beside these, I attended Sustainable Development Learning sessions like "Footprint family and its application (14 June), "From ground to cloud new tools for sustainable development (17 June), and "Assessing sustainable transport in the context of Green Economy" (18 June); side events like "Sustainable Development in an Unequal World" (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)), the only event organized by Pakistan's official delegate "Sustaining Resilience-Development In Crisis", and "Mountain Knowledge Solutions for Sustainable Green Economy through an Improved water, food, energy, and Environment Nexus (ICIMOD), these all took place at Rio Centro; and many other side-events that were organized by ICIMOD/Mountain Partnership at Mountains Pavilion; meeting well renowned personalities,  heads of states, activists, youth leaders, volunteers, indigenous people and many more was so inspiring and motivating.

By the end of conference on 22nd and 23rd June we went for city tour and visited the most famous places in Rio de Jenerio, like Christ Redeemer-which is among the seven wonders of modern world, in evening its beauty shines in Green which is worth watching (it was the time when I sighted the Holy month Shabaan's moon); Sugarloaf mountain-another famous place, from where Copacabana, Ipanema, flamingo beech, Christ Redeemer, ocean and much more can easily be seen, was reached via cable car; Copacabana beach- where Rio meets Atlantic Ocean and its gushing waves attract thousands of tourists to walk barefoot on its four km long sand beach. 

Brazilian people are very friendly, cooperative, having family system and strong social connections. People from different parts of the world, like US, Europe and Asia Pacific are settled in Rio de Jenerio from decades. Its youth is more aware about environmental issues and according to them major environmental problem in Rio is solid waste and unwise use of water sources. 

UNCSD was an amazing experience.  Rio de Jenerio has given me new ideas, directions, and vision that how potentially I can use my skills and knowledge for betterment of society, and how important it is for youth to share, network, and cooperate with each other for their common future, "The Future We Want for all".