Youths on the go at Rio+20

Organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) was the session tagged "Sustainable Futures: Youth, Innovation and the MDGs. Other youths along myself became more aware that we are at a very historic and critical period.If we must preserve our world from the decadence across sectors and boarders,we had better start acting consciously to take steps that will lead us into the future we dream and envisage.

According to Thomas Stelzer, youths have the "luxury" of chance to initiate change processes because of the problems waiting to be solved. We need not wait for the government or treaties to start the change and development process. Those are the pitfalls of many developmental programs and ideas. The event focused on youth as agents of change and catalysts in achieving the MDGs and beyond, with a focus on innovations that are youth driven dealing with sustainable development.

The event was not downtrodden with just theories, facts and statements. It had the tone of action as it:

§  Presented some powerful examples of youth-led initiatives which impact local decision-making processes

§  Showcased technology social business solutions which empower communities

§  Provide recommendations for ensuring stronger linkages between the youth and MDG agenda 2015+

I am of the opinion that Rio+20 will be looked back at in twenty years from now with a huge reverence because of the overwhelming transformations that would have taken place because of youths (who will not bow their knees to any form of despondency, fear, intimidation or excuses but will scale above all odds to make our world a better place).

"Thinking will not overcome fear but action will." - W Clement Stone

Live from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the Earth Summit (Rio+20)

I am writing you live from the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development and it promises to be an historic platform to define and chart an effective pathway to a safer, cleaner, greener, more equitable, more productive and more prosperous world for all.

The UN is converging governments, international institutions and major groups to agree on a range of efficient and effective measures to reduce poverty while promoting decent jobs, clean energy and a more sustainable and fair use of resources.

I am of the opinion that the whole events will move the world from debate to action and stir the wheels of change to address the key issues such as poverty, environmental destruction and sustainability as a whole.

The major events starts today (20th -22nd June 2012) as side events already hosted by world organizations and agencies, international stakeholders and reputable parastatals have been happening for the past few days and the 3rd meeting of its Preparatory committee  held between13th -15th June 2012.

I will be posting related updates from the event and many more related articles on the issue of Sustainability.

"Rio+20 will be one of the most important global meetings on Sustainable Development in our time. At Rio, our vision must be clear: a sustainable green economy that protects the health of the environment while supporting achievement of the Millennium Development Goals through growth in income,decent work and poverty eradication  "

-    Ban Ki-moon

   United Nations Secretary-General