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From:	George Ndungu [ profile ]
Subject:	Youth Representation in the African Regional Preparatory Meeting for Rio+20
Sent:	Oct 4th, 2011 - 03:59:09

	Dear All, The Africa Regional Preparatory Meeting for Rio+20 is taking place in Addis Ababa from 20th-25th October 2011. The main objective of the Preparatory Conference is to deliberate on the objective and themes of the Rio+20 and other substantive matters of importance in Africa, with a view to arriving at a consensus on Africa's key priorities and concerns to be reflected in the outcomes of Rio+20. The conference will take place at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) and will comprise an experts segment to be held from 20 to 22 October and a ministerial segment to be held from 24 to 25 October 2011. The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr. Abdoulie Janneh on the Malabo 17th AU Summit called for sustained youth mobilization, "to get out the message of sustainable development, as they have the greatest stake in the future sustainability of our planet. African young people should be mobilized to get out the message of sustainable development. Indeed, they have to contribute by bringing their dynamism to bear through ideas and contributing to educating and mobilizing the rest of the of society behind agreed goals. I am Representing the Major Group of Children and Youth in the Preparatory Meeting and it is a opportunity to have our voice heard and advocate for our active participation in all the regional and national preparatory process for Rio+20. Little has been done in mobilizing Africa young people towards Rio+20 and there lacks enthusiasm. In order to effectively represent You, my fellow African Youth, i need you input and ideas on what issues or matters i should bring to the attention and discuss with the Government, AU and UN officials present in the meeting. What do they need to know about Rio+20 in the African context? How do you want to get involved as a young person in the Rio+20 preparatory process? How can they support you in your efforts to achieve sustainability in Africa? Part of my aim is to lobby for the Governments to Include young people in their National preparatory meetings for Rio+20. And also to include a youth delegate in the official delegation to Rio+20 next year in Brazil. This can be done if we all join together to rally this call and even continue with the advocacy after the meeting. For example, the Ministry of Environment in Kenya has agreed to involve young people in all their preparatory meeting for Rio+20. This can also happen in other African countries and we can together lobby for it. I need to identify young people in African countries, belonging to a youth organisation active in the field of sustainable development whom i can work with in initiating and strengthening the youth mobilization towards Rio+20 at the national level. We will together work in lobbying our Governments to include and support young people in their preparations. This can be achieved with the unity and solidarity among young people in Africa. Interested young leaders can send me an introductory email. The Rio+20 is an opportunity we cannot afford to fail in meeting the needs of the present and future generation. This calls for greater involvement of young people in the decision making process in order to benefit from their energy, idealism, unique perspective and innovative ideas. Their involvement in environmental protection, economic, and social development is very critical for any society that aspires for a better future. Let make this happen and our future generation will remember us for shaping their future to a more sustainable error. Am looking forward to hearing your ideas opinion. Regards, George Ndungu. OAYouth Secretary for International Affairs. Africa Representative for Major Group of Children and Youth.

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