Announcing 'Discovering Young Leaders Programme' (DYLP)

Dear All,

Do you see yourself as a young leader or an aspiring leader?

Would you like to sharpen your leadership edge and learn from some of the smartest brains in Africa and experts in youth programming across the Commonwealth?

Then, plan to attend the 'Discovering Young Leaders Programme' (DYLP)!

THE PROGRAMME

100 Participants | 54 Countries | 5 Weeks | One Theme – YOUTH LEADERSHIP!!!

This Commonwealth course is designed as a purely ONLINE interactive forum to inspire, empower and expose young people to views and concepts of leadership, global trends in youth empowerment and the principles of youth development across the Commonwealth.

Participants are expected to be leaders of youth organizations, aspiring youth leaders, and heads and members of National Youth Councils and youth associations/clubs, and are between 15 and 29 years old.

Discover how you see yourself, and how others see you as a leader; analyze the connection between self-awareness and effective leadership; examine the essence of democratic institutions and principles of democratic governance; explore your thoughts and ideas on leadership at the national and community levels and sharpen your leadership edge; decide on ACTIONS you will take in becoming the best leader the world has ever seen!!

Date: 17 September – 19 October 2012
Location: Online. Basic IT skills and access to internet is MANDATORY for this course.
Application DEADLINE: 03 September 2012

Find attached Programme Flier and Application Form.

For any questions, concerns or clarification, contact DYLP Coordinator viaw.salami@commonwealth.int  or simply visit our group page on Facebook viahttp://www.facebook.com/groups/cypafrica/

Feel free to circulate within your network.

Kind regards,

Wale

 Wale Salami 

Programme Intern

Commonwealth Youth Programme - Africa Centre 

Youth Affairs Division

Introduction to a Green Economy: Concepts and Applications - UNITAR/UNEP E-Learning Course, 2nd Edition, 8 October - 30 November 2012

In response to the high interest received, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will deliver a 2^nd edition of the e-learning course “Introduction to a Green Economy: Concepts and Applications”, from 8 October to 30 November 2012. Participants will learn about different concepts and facets of the green economy, as well as global, national and sector-specific challenges and opportunities to advance low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive development. Additionally, participants will begin to develop basic skills for applying the green economy concept in a real world economic, policy and/or personal context.
 
Comprehensive information and registration details are available at http://www.unitar.org/event/unitarunep-e-learning-course-introduction-green-economy-concepts-and-applications-2nd-edition and in the course flyer (click here to access the flyer). Registration is open until 30 September 2012.
 
Please feel free to disseminate information about this course through your networks, and do not hesitate to contact us (envgov@unitar.org) should you need any further information.
 
Yours,
The UNITAR Environmental Governance Programme Team
 

Background

The concept of a green economy is receiving increasing international attention, as countries explore new patterns of development that take into account economic, social and environmental sustainability considerations. The recent UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), June 2012, reaffirmed the role of a green economy in achieving sustainable development. In order to provide interested stakeholders from government, business, civil society and academia with an introduction to the green economy concept the United Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are offering an interactive e-learning course.

Target Groups

The course targets groups and individuals that are interested in obtaining a general understanding about the green economy concept and latest developments. They include:

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Civil servants in national Ministries, provincial departments and local authorities

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Diplomats from Permanent Missions and Ministries of Foreign Affairs

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Environmental managers in private sector and civil society organizations

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Faculty, researchers and students

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Interested citizens

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn about different concepts and facets of the green economy, as well as global, national and sector-specific challenges and opportunities to advance low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive development. Additionally, participants will begin to develop basic skills for applying the green economy concept in a real world economic, policy and/or personal context.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Define the concept of a green economy and explain its value

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Describe social, environmental and economic benefits of advancing a green economy

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Identify enabling conditions for greening national economies

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Provide examples of successful green economy investments, initiatives and projects

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Identify principal challenges and opportunities for greening key economic sectors

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Describe national planning processes in support of a green transformation

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Recognize the range of international and regional green initiatives and support services to foster green development

<![if !supportLists]>•    <![endif]>Apply the green economy concept to a real world economic, policy and/or personal context

Methodology

The course pedagogy is adapted to professionals in full-time work. Participants are provided with the opportunity to learn through various experiences: absorb (read); do (activity); interact (socialize); and reflect (relate to one’s own reality). The reading of an e-book is complemented by a range of learning activities and experiences that include interactive exercises, discussion forums, and an applied case study. The estimated average workload is seven hours per week over a 5 week period. 3 additional weeks are provided for completing the case study exercise.

Course Fee and Registration

The course participation fee is 600 USD. A small number of full/partial fellowships are available for participants from developing countries working in the public sector, academia or non-profit organizations. Priority for fellowships will be given to applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). For details please contact the UNITAR Environmental Governance Programme at envgov@unitar.org

Register at: http://www.unitar.org/event/unitarunep-e-learning-course-introduction-green-economy-concepts-and-applications-2nd-edition    

Deadline: 30 September 2012.

CDKN Call for EOI: Mainstreaming Climate Change into the transport sector in Colombia

Climate and Development Knowledge Network Mainstreaming Climate Change into the transport sector in Colombia Dear Sir/Madam: The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) aims to help decision-makers in developing countries design and deliver climate compatible development. CDKN does this by providing demand-led research and technical assistance, and channelling the best available knowledge on climate change and development to support policy processes at the country level. In Colombia, CDKN is supporting the mainstreaming adaptation strategies into sectors and local governments, a key mandate of the Colombian Policy Guidelines for Climate Change (CONPES No. 3700), as well as the National Development Plan (DNP 2010-2014). One of the sectors that CDKN is starting to work with in Colombia is transport.  Climate scenarios for Colombia describe future changes in sea level, temperature and precipitation regimes, and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events that could significantly affect infrastructure planning, construction, use, and maintenance.  Recent flood-related disasters and future climate conditions make it necessary to incorporate climate risk management and adaptation into the planning and decision-making occurring today in Colombia's transport sector.   Given that the highways built today in Colombia should be able to endure climatic events expected in the next decades, transportation infrastructure must be planned with the objective of reducing the vulnerability of the roads system to current and expected climatic variation, events, and impacts. Considering this urgent need to address climate change in the transport sector, CDKN is partnering with Colombia's Ministry of Transport in the project "Mainstreaming Climate Change into the Transport Sector in Colombia".  This project will produce a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Transport Sector, one of the first of its kind in the region.  The Adaptation Plan will necessarily draw upon international and local knowledge and expertise, and it will be guided by a benchmarking of examples of effective adaptation to climate change in transport sectors around the world.   The Adaptation Plan will provide an action plan for incorporating the management of climate risk related in infrastructure planning and development, and it will be accompanied by measures to ensure that the plan is adopted by the entities and contractors associated with the transport infrastructure sector.  Because many infrastructure projects will be procured in the short term in Colombia, the project will also create a set of guidelines for use in upcoming public procurement processes in order to make sure that infrastructure contracts incorporate increasingly better standards and specifications to address climate risk. CDKN are looking to procure: Consultant(s), company, or consortium with relevant local and international expertise to develop and implement the project "Mainstreaming Climate Change into the Transport Sector in Colombia', including the participatory development of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Transport Sector. Suggested requirements: Essential: Excellent project management skills. Experience and proven skills in working with multiple stakeholders and participatory planning processes. Strong knowledge and experience of transport and transport infrastructure sector, including standards and specifications, preferably including in developing countries. Strong knowledge and experience in climate change vulnerability and adaptation planning, preferably related to transport infrastructure. Knowledge and proven expertise in transport infrastructure engineering concepts.  Desirable:  Knowledge and experience of working with Colombian governmental institutions. Knowledge of infrastructure procurement processes in Colombia. Knowledge of Colombian government policy processes, investment and financing structures and decision making. Established networks in the infrastructure and/or climate change sectors in Colombia and internationally. Instructions for interested parties In order to receive the full terms of reference for the role and the expression of interest selection document please send an email to cdknetwork.procurement@uk.pwc.com. The email should include the following information: Subject line: 'EOI: Mainstreaming Climate Change into the Transport Sector in Colombia' Organisation/company name. A contact name(s), email address and telephone number for the most appropriate person(s) to send further information to regarding application. Please note that in order to formally submit an expression of interest, the EOI selection document must be completed and submitted in English or in Spanish accompanied with an English translation. The deadline for submitting the completed Selection Document is 17:00 UK Time Friday 7th September 2012. Any questions regarding the EOI process should be submitted by 30th of August, 2012.  Applicants should be informed on whether they have been shortlisted for the next round on the week commencing 10th September 2012. Thank you and best regards, The CDKN Team

ICIMOD’s Youth Initiative – Youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD): A legacy of its own

ICIMOD’s Youth Forum timeline:

2010: SERVIR-Himalaya Youth Forum on Empowering Youth with Earth Observation Information for Climate Actions 1-6 October 2010 in Kathmandu, Nepal

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2011A: Asia Pacific Youth Forum on Climate Actions and Mountain Issues, 8-12 August 2011 in Kathmandu, Nepal

2011B:  SERVIR-Himalaya Sub-regional Youth Forum (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) on Climate Actions in the Himalaya at Bhutan Climate Summit, 14 – 19 November 2011 in Thimpu, Bhutan

2011C: SERVIR-Himalaya National Youth Forum on Climate Change, 5-8 December 2011 in Islamabad, Pakistan

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2012A: SERVIR-Himalaya National Youth Forum on Climate Change, 23-26 January 2012, Dhaka, Bangladesh

2012B: Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions at Rio+20 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2012C: Asia Pacific Graduates' Youth Forum on Green Economy, 25-29 September 2012 in Kathmandu, Nepal

2012D: South Asian Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions in Islamabad, Pakistan (planned)

Other Major Youth Activities:

2009A: E-discussion on The Young Can Do! Let's Protect Forests with Our Hands, 29 April to 27 May 2009, Kathmandu, Nepal

2009B: Beginning of the youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD) initiative at ICIMOD, with launch of the special report ‘The Young Can Do!’, 12 August 2009, Kathmandu, Nepal

2009C: Cosponsored First South Asian Youth Summit on Climate Change,  3-6 September 2009, Dhulikhel, Nepal

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2010A: ICIMOD-British Council First Café Scientifique in Asia on Climate Change Adaptation, 25 February 2010 in Kathmandu, Nepal

2010B: ICIMOD-British Council Workshop on Creating a Sustainable Network of Climate Change Champions from Bangladesh, Nepal and Uzbekistan, 19-24 September 2010  in Kathmandu, Nepal

2010C: Cosponsored International Graduate Conference on Climate Change and People, 15-19 November 2010 in Kathmandu, Nepal

2010-2011: Promoting Herbal Gardens in Schools

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2011A: Youth and Climate Change Poster Competition, January-February 2011, Kathmandu, Nepal

2011B: ICIMOD-British Council Youth Corner on Climate Change Adaptation, 12 March 2011 in Kathmandu, Nepal

2011C: ICIMOD-British Council Café Scientifique on 'Climate Change and Water' with Dr Garrett Kilroy, 25 March 2011, Kathmandu, Nepal

2011D: South and Central Asia regional virtual consultation on youth perspectives on Rio +20, 9-29 May 2011 in Kathmandu, Nepal

2011E: Asia Pacific Youth on Green Economy-Special Side Event at the UNEP-TUNZA Conference, 27 September 2011 in Bandung, Indonesia

2011F: Contributed to Panel Discussion on Youth Engagement on Climate Change & Rio+20 Processes at UNFCCC COP17, 8 December 2011 in Durban, South Africa

2011G: ICIMOD-CONDESAN-SDC and VerbierGPS: Engaging Children and Youth in Mountain Development (Asia, Europe and South America) – Test launch of the World Mountain Forum, 11 December 2011 in Kathmandu, Nepal

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2012A: Earth Debate in the Hindu Kush–Himalayas - 'Ecosystem economics – can we put a price on nature?', 24 February 2012 in Kathmandu, Nepal

2012B: Youth and Adaptation panel discussion at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum, 12-13 March 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand

2012C: Youth Perspectives on Promoting Green Economy in South and Central Asia at Planet Under Pressure 2012, 26 March 2012, in London, UK

2012D: Formation of ‘Asia Pacific’ and ‘Nepal’ task Forces on Rio+20 and advocacy in Nepal, HKH and globally, January-August 2012 (http://nepaliyouthrio20.blogspot.com/,http://rioplus20.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/APY.Rioplus20)

2012E: ICIMOD Funded Youth Alumni organised ‘Youth and Green Economy’ and ‘My sustainable dream and practice’ side events at the UNCSD MGCY Youth Blast Conference, 8-12 June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ICIMOD Publications on Youth:

2009: The Young Can Do! Let's Protect Forests with Our Hands : e-discussion summary, 12 August 2009 (International Youth Day)

2010: Asia-Pacific Mountain Courier : Special issue on youth and climate change

2011: Asia-Pacific Mountain Courier : Special issue on youth action for climate change through art (International Youth Day)

2011: Asia- Pacific Mountain Courier : Special issue on youth perspectives on Rio+20

2011: Conserve, Construct and Celebrate Mountains: Test Launch of the World Mountain Forum (WMF) for Sustainable Development, 11 December 2011 (International Mountain Day)

ICIMOD Multimedia Products aimed at Youth:

2011: Herbal Gardens in Schools

2011: The Hindu Kush-Himalayan approach to conservation, construction, and celebration

2011: Prakriti Prem (Nature Love)

2012: Sights and sounds of the mountains

For more information:

Tek Jung Mahat, Team Leader and Utsav Maden, Events Manager at youthmedia@icimod.org.

FOR A FEW MORE DAYS: register for the 2nd International Conference on Low Carbon Energy for Development

Transitions to low carbon energy systems: which pathways to energy access for all?

We are pleased to announce that registration has been extended for a few more days<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/lcedn/booking> for the second international workshop of the Low Carbon Energy for Development Network (LCEDN<http://www.lcedn.com/>), which will take place at the University of Sussex in Brighton in the UK on the 10th and 11th September 2012. Please visit the event website<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/lcedn/index> before August 30th to register.

Although we have had enormous interest in the event, there are still some places available. So, we have decided to keep registration open for a few more days, but please register as soon as you can.

This second LCEDN conference is intended to identify and discuss priority questions that need to be answered to meet the UN goal of "Sustainable energy for all". Reflecting on the outcomes and implications of Rio+20, the workshop will have a particular focus on the extent to which low carbon development can simultaneously address concerns around energy access, poverty reduction, human development and economic growth.

The workshop is international in both its scope and significance and it will be hosted by SPRU<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/> and the STEPS Centre<http://www.steps-centre.org/> at the University of Sussex. It is being supported by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The event will involve participants drawn from across a wide array of academic communities, government departments, private sector organisations and NGOs, as well as a range of countries.

Basic registration is £160 for the two days. Accommodation, conference dinner and other options are also available at extra cost. Details of these costs are available on the event website<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/lcedn/index>.

We have already secured many excellent speakers, including a keynote address by Kevin Urama<http://www.atpsnet.org/about/structure/secretariat/index.php> of the African Technology Policy Studies Network, and more will be announced soon. See the event programme<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/lcedn/programme> for more details.

Best wishes and we hope to see you in Brighton in September.

Bettina

Bettina Zenz
Project Coordinator
SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research
Freeman Centre
University of Sussex
Falmer BN1 9QF
T: (01273) 878166
E: b.zenz@sussex.ac.uk<mailto:b.zenz@sussex.ac.uk>
My usual working hours are Wednesday – Friday, 08:30 -4:30.