“Reshaping Our Future through A Green Economy and Sustainable Lifestyle” is the slogan of TUNZA International Conference being held in Bandung, Indonesia, from 27 September – 1 October 2011. Executive Director of UNEP, Mr. Achim Steiner, delivered a keynote speech on “Why young people should be at the center of sustainable development and UNEP’s commitment to engaging and involving youth in Rio+20”. Other dignitaries, Vice President of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Budiono, Indonesian Minister of Environment, Prof. Dr. Gusti M Hatta, and West Java Governor, Ahmad Heryawan, delivered welcoming remarks to the conference.

Around 2,000 youths from all over the world have participated in the conference that is expected to create a “Bandung Declaration” as the youths’ position for the Rio+20 meeting on sustainable development, to bring forth impactful young leaders and their negotiation skills toward environmental diplomacy, and to build the new icon “World City Forest” as the pioneer and new record in Bandung.

TUNZA means ‘to treat with care or affection” in Kiswahili (a sub-regional language in Eastern Africa), and was selected as the title of UNEP’s long-term strategy on working with young people in environmental issues. Several activities including the Tunza international and regional conferences, publications and campaigns are implemented to promote awareness and actions on the environment by young people.

The Hanns Seidel Foundation in cooperation with the Indonesian Ministry of Environment actively contributed to the conference by conducting “ASEAN Debate Competition on Rio+20 Sustainable Development Themes” for the ASEAN youth. The debate aims at enhancing the knowledge and debating skills of youths across ASEAN member states on climate change related issues, with a view to contributing to strengthen the themes of Rio+20 (climate change, green economy and sustainable lifestyle). With enhanced skills, it is further expected that this debate will ultimately strengthen the regional cooperation ASEAN member states on youth capacity enhancement as well as raising the sustainable development awareness among the youth and the general public.

A total of 30 ASEAN youth delegates coming from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, aged 15-24 have participated in the debate that was officially opened by Executive Secretary of Indonesian Environment Minister, Ms. Hermien Roosita.