The SIDS Youth AIMS Hub (SYAH) of Seychelles launched a national competition on sustainable development on Saturday 28 February 2015 at the Youth Centre in Victoria. This annual competition was launched last year in Mauritius with the focus on the ocean and this year Seychelles will host a brand new edition. The objective of this project is to get youth involved and aware of sustainable development in all of its three pillars; environment, social and economic. The competition is open to youth aged 9-30 years old and entries can be as individuals or teams in any of the following categories; poetry, essay, poster, photography, song, public speaking or project writing. The deadline for submission of entries is 15th April however youth are invited to register by 30th March on [email protected] or by contacting SYAH headquarters on 2557600 for further details. The star prize for the competition is a fully funded boat excursion for six people while there will be other interesting prizes for finalists. This competition was launched on Saturday at the close of a special youth forum on sustainable development.
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I am writing this post after a whole day of observing negotiations at the ministerial meeting of Small Islands States in preparation for climate change summit in Lima. I was placed at a table towards the back on the room with a clear label: OBSERVER. A few government officials of the Seychelles came to visit to tease that now they were being observed they could feel more pressure. I am sure they were only teasing but I answered to confirm of course I am observing all to hold you accountable to all that takes place here. Negotiations started. I was keen to observe the presentation of science on the issues and see it meet political processes. Just as I started to understand the process a question about economic development emerged and it was then that it hit me. My life and the lives of generations to come and the future of this Earth lay in the hands of Foreign Ministers who would make a decision in Lima and Paris to reach a legally binding agreement. So every time a country speaks about economic development, how words or numbers will be treated I almost felt like they needed to be reminded that these negotiations were about real people. Decision makers in international meetings aren't trying to get countries to comply or their acceptance is a sign of weakness - this is about real people losing their homes; being subject to more frequent natural disasters; and degrading coastlines. I feel it is the reason young people must always attend any meetings at national, regional and international level as they serve as a constant reminder of what these decision or lack of action means in real terms. Having a youth present keeps governments accountable, aware and a constant reminder for action.
So I realised that every young person who sees climate change as an issue for government leaves their lives and their children's lives in the hands of their Heads of State. Me, I feel proud as a young person that I help educate others about a sustainable future because every time I think that heads of states are making life decisions for me - I hurt a little. Young people what is more important economic development or environment preservation. If you were invited to the negotiation table - what would you say? |
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