Cecilia Weckstrom
CONTEXT FOR THE INDICATORS FOR ACTION - PROJECT
Sustainable development is the defining concept for the twenty-first century. As the inheritors of the planet, young people have both the right and the duty to be enabled to understand it. Governments, NGOs, the UN and its Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD) recognize this fact and have consistently recommended 'partnership' with young people in the implementation of its agreements relating to sustainable development. Rescue Mission exists to fulfil this recommendation and make dynamic instruments available to all young people, regardless of location, resources or background, in an effort to enable them to participate effectively. The Indicators for Action-project was commissioned by the CSD to provide a useful way of introducing young people to the concept and to assist in monitoring progress towards sustainability.
PROCESS
The First Draft pack was created by students from nine countries. Three hundred and seventy groups from 69 countries registered to participate. Results were received from 119 groups in 39 countries representing about 20,000 young people worldwide. A project coordinator was appointed. This person is situated at the UN headquarters and uses office facilities supplied by UNDP.
Training sessions were planned throughout the globe. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, there was only one training session (West Africa). The results were excellent. Several thousand students learned about the concept of sustainability. Approximately twelve group leaders were trained.
Evaluation meetings, involving up to 300 young people, were held in Sierra Leone, Senegal, Zanzibar, Washington D.C., New Delhi, Helsinki and the United Kingdom. Each meeting addressed the First Draft pack and recommended improvements. Following this, an editorial meeting, involving 14 young people and nine adult experts, was held at the Rescue Mission headquarters to produce a new edition of the Indicators pack and an Interim Report on the results so far. An exhibition, accompanying the results prepared by young people, was displayed at UN CSD IV.
A new Indicator pack was launched at UN CSD IV in 1996. It challenges all the UN member states to find at least ten schools in their countries to implement the indicators project. The following is the Indicator Index, part of the Indicators for Action-project:
Indicator Index:
1. Biomap
2. Water and Atmosphere
3. Biodiversity
4. Agriculture and Land Use
5. Quality of Life
6. Settlements
7. Consumption
8. Waste and Pollution
9. Health
10. Education and Culture
11. Employment
12. Industry and Economy
13. Transport and Communication
14. Security
15. Human rights
16. Impact of Agenda 21