YOUTH from 100 countries who are attending the 2015 Urban Environmental Accord Summit in Iloilo City on September 15-17 are given priority by organizers of the international meeting as an effective method to drive home the issues of environmental protection and conservation.
City environment and natural resources chief Engr. Noel Hechnova said the summit aims to prepare the youth from taking over the campaign of environmental protection.
Delegates from some 200 cities all over the world, with 600 delegates including 200 youth participants, will join the summit.
As host city, Iloilo will field 30 to 40 youth volunteers, all members of Leo’s International, who will act as tour guides. They were selected from three city universities and currently trained and harnessed on the city’s environmental protection and best practices including tourism initiatives.
The 2015 Summit will have a theme “Green Cities, Livable Cities” with sub-themes on low emission, low carbon and low risk cities with building resource efficient and sustainable cities.
Hechanova said the summit is being proposed to be held at the newly constructed Iloilo Convention Center as a dry run for the city hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings.
Iloilo City will share its own environmental protection programs and showcase successful initiatives such as the Iloilo River, wetland and bird sanctuary, and cultural heritage. (LCP)