Skype video conference Rio+20
June 19, 2012 Skype video conference on the event "Nuclear Energy Dialogue - Fukushima and the future of nuclear technology" within the UN Conference Rio+20 took place at the National Ecology and Nature Center in Kyiv. At the initiative of Green Cross Switzerland, and with the support of Green Cross International, University Veiga de Almedia (Brazil), as well as partners from NENC, regional GCU coordinators children from Bila Tserkva, Slavutych and Zhytomyr, who are involved in Green Cross Ukraine projects, had the opportunity to join the dialogue on sustainable development at the Rio+20.
The aim of the Rio+20 Conference is to identify ways for sustainable development through poverty reduction, promotion of social equity and environmental protection. The events on June 19 were devoted to nuclear power and alternative energy issues to protect the environment and create greener future for further generations. Many Ukrainian children were affected by the world largest nuclear disaster - the Chernobyl accident. The participants of the Conference shared their experience, thoughts, feelings and vision of health issues and talked about they involvement in the GCU projects within International Program SOCMED.
The Conference was started with the speech of Yuriy Sapiga, GCU Executive Director, who emphasized the importance of common efforts and cooperation to achieve sustainable development and create decent 'green' future for further generations.
Juliya Moskalenko (14), who came from Bila Tserkva town (zone of enhanced radiological control) appealed to the participants of Rio+20 conference on behalf of Ukrainian children. She expressed her gratitude to Green Cross organization for the opportunity to get environmental education, social, psychological assistance and support and improve their health. She expressed her concern about the environmental situation in Ukraine and abroad, and emphasized that inaction could cause irreversible consequences.
Tatiana Pashchuk (15) from Narodychi village, Zhytomyr region has also shared her thoughts with the audience. She told about herself, her family, the consequence that they are experiencing after the Chernobyl accident. In addition, she thanked Green Cross for the opportunity last year to take part in the International Swiss Youth Camp within EU Youth in Action project. This experience helped her to become more broad-minded person, make new friends, raise environmental awareness, learn other cultures and traditions and experience unforgettable emotions.
Sofia Cherniak from Slavutych was given a word. Sofia is 10 years old, her family was evacuated from the Pripyat town. Her mother is a disabled victim of the Chernobyl accident and farther is a clean-up worker. Despite her young age, Sophia realizes that kindness, understanding and mutual assistance bring people together and help solve many problems. Such support they receive from the Green Cross.
The representatives in Rio listened to children attentively, asked them questions, and thanked them for their active participation and being committed and indifferent. Considering bitter experience of our country, they are trying to achieve the introduction of "green" economy and sustainable development in countries around the world.
We in Ukraine understand that our future depends on today's decisions and actions.
