Sub–regional Sustainable Development Strategy - Youth Perspective Project:

As part of providing resource material support to youth, CEE, the SAYEN Secretariat in partnership with UNEP initiated developing a publication, “Sub-regional Sustainable Development Strategy (SSDS) for South Asia – A Youth Perspective”. The document is being developed with the SSDS and will describe the youth perspective on how Sustainable Development could be achieved in South Asia. Along with the printed document, a film on SSDS-Youth Perspective is also being developed.

Based on the content outline developed by youth during the inception workshop, a draft SSDS document was developed. The document includes the youth’s vision and goal for Sustainable Development strategy in South Asia. The youth are full of potential and enthusiasm and as key stakeholder, they are always enthusiastic to get involved in the current issues and there should be no hesitation in entrusting responsibility on them.

Youth have identified priority goals and have documented corresponding action plans which they plan to implement in the region. This includes:  

  • Ensure sustainable lifestyle, socially and culturally among youth

  • Ensure effective solid waste management

  • Ensure universal accessibility to clean and safe water

  • Work towards reversal of existing trends and contribute towards conservation of resources

  • Ensure mutual understanding and trust between youth of the SAARC nations and help respect each other’s culture and values

  • Introducing quality education in the educational institutions and to ensure adequate building infrastructures for schools, colleges and universities

  • Mobilizing the youth in South Asia to be self-conscious in preventing substance abuse and refrain from risky social behaviour to prevent HIV/AIDS infection

  • Ensure effective governance, especially in relation to unplanned urban growth 

Some of the action plans identified to achieve the above goals include eco-housing, eco-transportation, eco-tourism, bio-fuel, bio-fertilizer, organic farming, energy efficient appliance, green curriculum, green/eco-friendly products, and herbal medicines. Preventive approach to meet these goals are Watershed management, protection of the water bodies and protection of wetlands, waste management (plastic bag, composting), cleaner technologies, bicycle lane, green belt, afforestation, renewable energy, traditional knowledge, etc.

The perspective and recommendations of the Youth participated at Youth Working Session at the Fourth International Conference on Environment Education has also been incorporated in the document. The draft document has been submitted to UNEP for approval.

 

Contact:

CEE Ahmedabad
Centre for Environment Education
Nehru Foundation for Development
Thaltej Tekra
Tel: 079 - 26858002 to 8009
Fax: 079 - 26858010
E-mail: yen@ceeindia.org