Photos: RCE New Delhi

The 10^th Asia-Pacific RCE Meeting, held in New Delhi from 2-4 November, 2017 brought together more than 50 stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the local implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Youth Leaders Brittany Hardiman (Youth Leader RCE Asia-Pacific) and Emmy Rusadi (Deputy Youth Leader RCE Asia-Pacific) presented on youth initiatives within the network, including the shaping of the RCE Youth Network Asia-Pacific through social media, Asia-Pacific RCE Youth focal points and region-wide SDG youth projects planned for 2018.

The importance of creating awareness and encouraging youth to turn ideas into actions within the Asia-Pacific region was highlighted, particularly in relation to the agenda items for 2018 that the RCE Youth Network Asia-Pacific will focus on, specifically covering two Sustainable Development Goals; Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

Feedback from the youth participants at the RCE Asia-Pacific RCE Meeting demonstrated the value that being part of the network provides:

“It is really good meeting all other RCE members and getting to know about their work. It’s a really enriching experience connecting with everyone... As I am a young social entrepreneur running an initiative, Teach For Green, on environment education and climate change issues, it really requires frequent discussion with each other and work as it will help get feedback, and also allow us to learn new things.” Ajay Kumar, (26) from RCE New Delhi, India

“I sincerely hope that the RCE Youth constituency will be able to spearhead the various flagship projects of the global RCE network and contribute actively to the achievement of the 2030 agenda.” Priya Chawla (21) from RCE New Delhi, India

“For me the RCE AP Meeting was a rich experience. It was my first time attending the AP meeting of the RCE. The kind of people I met during the event gave me confidence to carry on with youth-related activities under my RCE. Through the meeting I also understood the importance of youth-led initiatives around the world... I hope we can attract more and more youth into the network and motivate/empower them to be social change makers who can make a difference in this challenging world. ” Aravind A R (23) from RCE Thiruvananthapuram, India

In line with the busy agenda for 2018, the RCE Youth Network Asia-Pacific is calling for applications for youth focal points. Applicants must be aged under 35, with the requirements also asking for at least two years of contribution with official recognition from their main RCE (city or campus). Applicants must submit a completed application form (link below) and submit to the Global RCE Service Centre for review: RCEServiceCentre@unu.edu

Further information on the RCE Youth Network Asia-Pacific programmes, projects and application form for the youth focal point can be found below:

1.            RCE Asia-Pacific SDG Challenge – Youth for the Goals flyer

2.            RCE Asia-Pacific Youth Focal Point – Application form

Contacts:

Youth Leader RCE Asia-Pacific: Brittany Hardiman (B.Hardiman@westernsydney.edu.au) 

Deputy Youth Leader RCE Asia-Pacific: Emmy Rusadi (emmy.yuniarti.rusadi@gmail.com)

Global RCE Service Centre (rceconference@unu.edu)