The first day I arrived, Joel and I sat together in the UN Assembly Hall and witnessed an address from Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. Let me do my best to paraphrase what he said. He began by stating his commitment to the CSD and encouraged the best practices of sustainable development to rise to the surface through this international conversation. He went on to say that all countries AND small island developing states (SIDS) have the right to seek prosperity through sustainable means and that developed countries should seek responsibility in assisting developing nations in implementing strategies that are sustainable. He mentioned that 1.6 billion people live without any access to electricity and 2.4 billion have little or no access to proper cooking or heating facilities. He encouraged the business sector to take action in developing cleaner and renewable energy sources. Concerning climate change he said, "the science is very clear." He used the word 'unequivocal' and backed science that notes a 3 degree Celcius increase in temperature in the last century. He said the world needs to urgently step up and mitigate green house gases. He mentioned the creation of incentives to reduce carbon emissions and asked for the engagement of all nations rich and poor. He told us climate change is on the top of his agenda and noted economic and social development as deserving high level attention in succeeding in this endeavor. He called for a greater push to develop new technology and the for rapid infusion of these technologies. He called on our collective expertise to mainstream sustainable development more effectively through the integration of energy independence and inter-agency collaboration.

I was fortunate to again meet Jan Roberts, the president of Earth Charter Communities, US. We first met in 2005 in Amsterdam at the Earth Charter +5 event. We talked about the business of enhancing sustainability as well as the role that spirituality has in fostering a connection to the natural systems people here are working so hard to protect. She was very supportive of my work as an Earth Charter Initiative representative and as a facilitator and youth educator in my regional community, BC, Canada. Attending this event put me in contact with life long committed mentors who are highly effective leaders and very active in empowering young people like myself who are passionate about inspiring generations to take action on issues of social justice, and environmental and economic sustainability. I'd like to thank Jan for our meaningful talks between the whirlwind of events the CSD offered.

I'd also like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Bowen who was the Chair of the Education Caucus. Another active participant and new friend named Anne Glover invited me to lunch on my first day with Elizabeth and other colleagues. Elizabeth made time in her extremely active schedule to help prepare me, often each day, so that I would get the most out of my time there. Elizabeth created opportunities in meetings for me to promote the EC and introduced me to many people who are now exciting contacts for upcoming ECYI projects. Her deep presence, critical analysis, social awareness and gentle and powerful leadership style has inspired me greatly. Her support enhanced my participation in this event in a very strong way.

I also had the opportunity to connect with the Information Officer at UNESCO, Bernard Combes. I am still organizing the multitude of resources he has provided me regarding my work with the ECYI. We shared several hours together one afternoon learning about each others work. I had the opportunity to interview him and ask him about UN resolutions as 'soft law' and how these documents might influence policy making on a global level. Check back soon for the link to this video interview.

Both Joel and I are working on submitting a final report and a youth guide to enhance future participation in the annual CSD event. Check back soon for pictures, video and more information on the outcomes of the CSD-15.

Here is a link to the UN Webcast Archives with video recorded at the CSD-15: http://www.un.org/webcast/csd15/csd15.htm

Best regards,
Mike Sheehan

Regional Coordinator for the United Nations Association Canada and Founder and Director of Beatboard

www.beatboard.org

The Beatboard is a Youth Leadership, New Media and Contemporary Arts Education Organization.