UNICEF Climate Kiwi Travis Mills has returned from an international conference in Brazil energised to put into action what he learned.

The UNICEF-supported conference gathered more than 600 children aged between 13 and 15 from 53 countries around the theme ‘Let’s take care of the planet.’  Participants created an international charter of responsibilities which lays out nine ‘responsibilities and actions.’ The group called for efforts towards awareness raising, responsible consumption, the creation of ecological groups, and more investment in youth participation.

Travis says the creation of the charter was an unforgettable experience. “While participants went to Brazil from different backgrounds and cultures, the ability for us all to unite under one goal and truly represent the voice of youth from around the world in the charter is amazing. It leaves me eager to go out into the community and inspire other young people.”

As part of his role as UNICEF Climate Ambassador, Travis has contributed to the production of a DVD about the 2009 UNICEF Children’s Climate Forum in Copenhagen called ‘Our Future: It’s up to us, it’s up to you.”  The five ‘Climate Kiwis’ will be speaking at schools and community groups around NZ in the coming weeks.

UNICEF International Advocacy Manager, Vicki Soanes, says that Travis’ involvement in the conference was a way for him to carry forward the conclusions reached at last year’s forum. “There are many commonalities between the two events – children and young people having the chance to come together and express their opinions about an issue so crucial to them, as well as the opportunity to discuss and negotiate with their peers from around the world.”

The Brazil conference charter recognises the need to accept responsibility for “what happens to our beloved earth” asking, “if not now, then when? If not us, then who?”

The conference was organised by the Government of Brazil and NGOs Leopold Mayer Foundation and the Charter of Human Responsibilities, with support from UNICEF. Travis travelled with three other young people from New Zealand and was supported by Response Trust and Enviroschools.

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