I have to apologize to the gang for not blogging all week…there is so much to say!!!

My first wonderful experience at CSD was putting together the youth’s energy statement at the plenary with Amanda, Bernice, and Dom! What teamwork!!! I learned so much in those 2 hours from Bernice and Dom. I was also so grateful for their patience in helping and teaching Amanda and me. 

I think we came out with a fantastic statement, that included input from the whole youth caucus, and Amanda made a perfect delivery the next day when we had the opportunity to talk at the resuming energy plenary!!! I was so proud. So shout out to Amanda, Dom, Bernice and the other youth caucus members that helped and contributed!!!

It is so empowering being a youth at the UN and particularly at CSD. As youth, we represent those that will benefit from actions made NOW. I hope that we were able to get that across at CSD…if not, those that are there can continue to stress it in their lobbying efforts. The EU was correct in saying that we, as youth, will be asking in a few years why nations did not take advantage of the opportunity at CSD to affect change NOW. I hope that at that time we will be commending our world leaders for the action they did take to ensure a better future for our generation, or at least lessening the challenges we potentially face with respect to this specific cycle.

I was thrilled to experience some pretty strong policy statements made by the EU during the energy plenary. I realize, as we all do, that soft law is not legally binding. So, at the end of the day, CSD may turn out to be just another global accord that does not turn into a practical reality. But I am so hopeful and optimistic about all the initiatives and research I learned about at CSD from the IPCC report to energy financing and bio-fuel research. I believe that the particular cluster of issues at this CSD is so important and overarching. I can only hope that strong political signals and examples continue to be emphasized in lobbying and ultimately in the outcome document. Good luck with the rest of lobbying…

Shout out to the energy peeps!!! 

Go Youth Caucus!!!