Tom Stillitano speaks to the GYF delegates
The more than 200 Global Youth Forum (GYF) delegates arrived in Washington, DC today and the GYF officially kicked off at 4:00 this afternoon. This year’s theme is Global Sustainability: It’s All Connected. Tom Stillitano, former PTPI CEO, addressed the delegates and spoke about current global environmental issues and how younger generations can take action to make positive change.
Afterwards the delegates broke into their small groups for the first session. They discussed the interconnectedness of global issues and possible solutions before heading to dinner and then on to the GYF Opening Ceremony. AshLeigh Berglund, President of PTPI’s Atlanta, Georgia Student Chapter, introduced special guest Andrew Revkin, environmental journalist for the New York Times.
Revkin joined the group from his home via Skype, his face (and dogs) looming from a large screen in the room. He talked about what he has learned from his years traveling the globe to research how the way we live affects our climate. He discussed the need to find a way to ensure that the spread of prosperity around the globe does not lead to more climate problems; that the developed world can assist the developing world. He spoke of a need to be mindful about how we are living and what the consequences may be, and reminded students that everyone can have an impact, no matter what field of study they decide on.
Environmental journalist Andrew Revkin, via Skype
After a question and answer session with Revkin, the delegates again joined their small groups for a discussion on how resources are distributed and used by different people based on access to wealth, and how consumption choice can impact our climate.
To view photos from today’s GYF activities, view the photo album on the PTPI Facebook page!