Youth for a Greener Sri Lanka [YGSL] brings together over 30 youth-led and youth-focused organisations in the country engaged in environmental conservation, management, climate change, sustainable development and advocacy for environmental issues. Our aim is to inspire, engage and support young people to take collective action towards achieving a sustainable and greener Sri Lanka. YGSL was establi
shed in March 2012 in the lead up to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), to be held in Brazil from June 20-22, 2012, with support and endorsement from several UN agencies operating in the country. Why are we here:
Twenty years after the Earth Summit in Rio, world leaders, international institutions and civil society representatives from around the world, will meet at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Brazil this June to build concrete steps to reduce poverty, while advancing social equity and environmental protection. This Conference will be crucial to securing renewed political commitments for sustainable development across the world. As youth, we represent both the present and the future. Our world is increasingly crowded and the resources are fast depleting. While this presents a challenge, it is also an opportunity for us to get involved, make our voices heard and take action in building the future we hope to live in. Recognizing the key role that youth can play in influencing the outcomes of Rio+20, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on young people to bring in dynamic new ideas, fresh thinking and energy to the process. Youth have a key role to play in influencing the outcomes of Rio+20. This was recognized with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recognizing their ability to bring in dynamic new ideas, fresh thinking and energy to the Rio+20 process. We also believe that much can be achieved through collaboration and joint initiatives. As such, Youth for Greener Sri Lanka brings together diverse youth-based organizations working in the sphere of environment and sustainable development under one umbrella, providing a platform for them to share ideas, inspire and engage as they move forward. This is just the start of our journey. Looking beyond Rio+20, we will continue to act and advocate for a sustainable future.
