To the leaders of New Zealand:

We, the New Zealand Youth Delegation to the United Nations Rio + 20 Conference on Sustainable Development are writing to you concerning New Zealand’s involvement in the upcoming Rio + 20 Conference. As a delegation we are attending to ensure young people’s interests are represented in the outcomes of the conference.

We are deeply concerned about the failure of previous and present leaders to implement the changes agreed upon at the first Rio conference held 20 years ago and attended by Helen Clark. Because of this, we urge you as leaders of this country to not agree to goals or changes that you have no intention of implementing in New Zealand. The agreement that will come out of the Rio + 20 Conference also includes a recommitment to past resolutions. We request that when this document is signed it is treated as if it were a legally binding contract.

We would also like to express our concern at the lack of emphasis New Zealand has placed on the conference. Little consultation has been undertaken by leaders despite the significance of the issues being discussed and New Zealand has failed to show leadership on issues except where they are in our economic interests. We find this to be irresponsible considering the magnitude of these issues.

Furthermore 155 heads of states or deputy of heads of states will be at the conference and we would like clarification as to why our Prime Minister is not attending. The conference discusses more than environmental issues, it is about how we deal with poverty and how we develop our economies in a sustainable manner, for this reason we do not believe the Minister for the Environment alone is able to sufficiently represent New Zealand on these matters.

Lastly, we believe New Zealand has an opportunity to be seen on the world stage pioneering sustainable development and making bold steps towards this vision. New Zealand has a history of punching above our weight and taking a stand on issues: we gave women the vote, climbed Mount Everest, said no to nuclear energy. It is time we took the huge economic, social and environmental challenges the world faces and once again show the world what a small country can do.

We look forward to your response.

Yours Sincerely
The New Zealand Youth Delegation

ENDS

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