LocationsYouth involvement from around the world in addressing marine woes
July 18, 2022
Marking World Oceans Day, UNDP’s Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum, a platform for island states on key environmental and blue economy issues, hosted a series of events by youth from around the world to raise awareness about the need to conserve the world's oceans.
Youth representatives from 12 archipelagic and island states, including Indonesia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Ireland, Solomon Islands, Guyana, Madagascar, the Philippines, Cabo Verde, Barbados, and Mauritius, recorded a video message underlining the urgency of protecting and restoring the ocean.
The video carries a unanimous message “I pledge to protect our ocean, to protect our future” – in the hope that the world will heed the call for action.
The video message is part of the AIS Forum’s bid to tap into the energy and innovation of youth which makes up approximately 1.8 billion people worldwide.
“Youth hold powerful potential, the talent, and the creativity to support real action,” saidAbdul Wahid Situmorang, UNDP Senior Advisor for Climate and Environmental Governance who also co-chairs the AIS Forum.
The AIS Forum is supported by UNDP Indonesia, in cooperation with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime & Investment Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
The AIS Forum also hosted multiple events around the world in AIS member states, from scientific enlightenment to art awareness.
In Guyana, a group of high school studnets attended a seminar hosted by the University of Guyana Eco-Trust Society and Geographical Society students, featuring local noted scientists Dr. Oyedotun and Mr. Mark Ram. Students also took part in workshops, poetryrecitals and games on ocean protection.
On the other side of the globe, youth from the Solomon Islands participated in a beach clean up in the coastal town of Honiara, along with youth groupsPacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, and Correctional Service of the Solomon Islands. The team filled at least 30 bags with wastewhile sharing the importance of clean beach with the community.
In Southern Africa, Ellekana René, an artist and student of the University of Mauritius, joined over 25 youth to paint a mural representing the importance of the oceans. It also firmed up the youth pledge to climate action and the collaboration between the University of Mauritius and the AIS Forum.
AIS Forum was initiated in 2017 to bring together 47 archipelagic and island states around the world to address challenges and identify opportunities arising from their insularity.
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Text by Adream Bais Junior
Edited by Tomi Soetjipto and Ranjit Jose
