UNEP TUNZA International Children Conference

Children are one of the most important actors in environmental conservation efforts. They are the future heir of our earth and they should be accustomed to sustainable lifestyle. Oftentimes, they do have some fresh insight regarding new measures for environmental efforts as they are the one directly interacting with nature. Yet, more often than not, they are not given a chance to voice their opinions and contribute their ideas towards global green movement. The United Nations Environment Program believes it is within their responsibility to cater and encourage concerns towards the environment coming from all walks of life. To provide a platform for young minds to have a say over what should be done towards our environment, UNEP TUNZA International Children Conference is held.

On 10-14 February 2013, 300 youths age 15-18 from 100 countries gathered in United Nations Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya to confer their ideas. Under the theme of "Climate Change: Our Challenge", The International Children Conference facilitated discussions revolving around four main topics, namely Green Economy/Green Lifestyle, Forest, Sustainable Consumption and State of the Global Environment. The result of the discussions was put in “Bandung Declaration” and would be forwarded to United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 in Brazil, June 2012.

As an organization active in empowering children and youths to preserve the nature around them, Sahabat Alam represented Indonesian young minds in the conference. Through the particitpation in this conference, it is hoped that aspirations of Indonesian young minds can be heard in international forum and be acted upon.