Rio+20s & CSD-19

I don't know if I am stupid to use my blog like a diary but....

Today, I was asked to join the board of Rio+20s a youth led NGO that focuses on facilitating involvement with Rio+20 (the earth summit -20 years on). I had guessed that I was going to be asked to join when they asked to meet me on Friday. So, I had asked my core close friends and colleagues who were active with Youth and the UN CSD for their honest opinions.

These were mixed because their are a lot of perspectives of Rio+20s as a group. Some youth feel that they are redefining the Major Group of Children and Youth while making it elitist. Others felt that I would be a better asset to the work of the MGCY as an independent and some wholeheartedly supported that I join the team. After careful evaluation, I went into the meeting prepared to get involved but armed with a list of tie breaking questions.

Anyhoo, I joined. So, now I have to leave NYC, get on a plane for Ireland and I realise that the UN CSD-19 isn't the end....just the beginning of my preparations for Rio next year and that I have signed on for a mammoth task. I have agreed to take on Communications for Rio+20s.

Good byes flew and it was bitter sweet. Negotiations haven't ended and as Policy Advocacy Coordinator for the Major Group of Children and Youth---I feel a little like I am bailing before the final push. Goretti is with me as I prepare to leave and do a final sweep of Hiromi's apartment for anything I may have forgotten. The two weeks of the UN CSD-19 have realllllllllly just evaporated. But so worthwhile!