Ateneo student represents Philippines in 6th UNEP Youth Environment Meeting

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health freshman Masaki V. Mitsuhashi will be representing the Philippines in the 6th UNEP South East Asia youth Environment network Regional Meeting in Bali, Indonesia. He will be accompanied by Gerald Perry Marin of Ateneo de Manila University, Amel Alipao of Caraga State University, and Iris May Ellen Yarisantos Caluag.

 

The 6th South East Asia Youth Environment Network (SAYEN) is being held this March 22 to 27 in Bali, Indonesia. The conference is organized by UNEP Regional Office of the Asia and the Pacific and Bayer A.G. together with the National Youth Achievement Award Council (NYAA) Singapore. 

 

The regional meeting of 10 ASEAN members youth leaders will have an opportunity to interact and share ideas on the environmental sustainability of their respective countries and in the entire region.

 

This year’s theme is “Youth Stake in Post Rio +20 and UN Post 2015 Agenda.” This discussion will answer various questions such as what does the post 2015 development agenda mean for the youth and role they play in shaping it.

 

Mitsuhashi, who thinks “environmental health is public health,” said it is important for everyone to be aware of environmental issues, and that does not exclude the youth. The youth’s opinion and involvement is important. “Sila rin yung pwedeng pagkuhanan ng idea kasi sila yung idealistic. Mas marami kang mae-extract na idea rather than the realistic, parang in a way, it hinders the bright ideas because you overthink. It is important for the youth to be aware of the social problems. If you just keep on accepting everything that’s happening, there will be no development.”

 

After the conference, Mitsuhashi plans to continue his proposed project to the South East Asia Environment Network: to form a stronger network. “Yung problem kasi is lack of awareness” said Mitsuhashi. “To initiate a network that will led by the organization by ACSIS (Advocates for Consciousness and Social Involvement Society). I’ll be able to get in touch with PhilYEN (Philippine Youth and Environment Network) with a stronger image; an organization made by the youth for the environment.” Press release and photo from Ateneo de Manila University