Media information

Zurich, July 2012

At the Rio +20 Earth Summit in June 2012, Green Cross was of course there in support of the international youth exchange program and a Green Future, together with a group of young adults from the USA, Brazil and Ghana. The majority of these young people are directly faced with the effects of various environmental disasters such as drought, climate change and chemical contamination (pesticides, chemical weapons).

From 21 July until 2 August 2012, the Rio+20 youth exchange program continues in Switzerland - Ruti b. Riggisberg BE – with the participation of 50 young people from Ukraine, Russia and Japan and the contaminated nuclear disaster regions of Chernobyl and Fukushima. During these days, youths discuss statements made by their colleagues at the Rio +20 summit meeting in order to further develop ideas for projects adapted to their home countries. In workshops addressing the topics of "environment and sustainability," "dealing with radioactivity in everyday life," and "a child's rights to a healthy and clean environment" they face these problem areas and gain insight into the state of affairs in other countries. How to cope with radioactivity in everyday life, the correct preparation of foodstuffs, effects of radiation on the environment along with new perspectives are central themes. The Green Cross youth exchange program not only permits participants to develop new ideas on environmental issues, but to also make friends from other countries and build-up confidence and hope.

On Saturday, 28 July 2012, youths from Russia, Ukraine and Japan meet with the youths’ parliament group Emmen for political exchange. And on 30 July 2012, the Green Cross youth group is there at the open-air event on the parliament square in Berne with a direct appeal for a country with a heart – and naturally Green Future for all as echoed by the Rio +20 summit conference in June.

Among other things, the Green School projects meet with open ears. And thanks to the support of Green Cross, a first "Green Kindergarten" is due to commence in Pakul / Ukraine. Here, not a single kindergarten exists – and although a simple house would be suitable for this purpose, it lacks a heating system so that children don’t freeze and get sick in winter.