Faculty of Forestry Universitas Gadjah Mada for the first time sent two students, Choiriatun Nur Annisa and Metia Febrita Putri Lembasi, to the Asian Youth Climate Workshop held in Bangkok from October 1-5, 2009. The workshop which was organized by an NGO working on climate issues was attended by approximately 350 young representatives from several countries. Mostly the workshop voiced the aspirations of the young people in climate issues. It is expected that this would be made the subject of negotiation at the UN Climate Change Conference.
The workshop participants were facilitated to work together and share knowledge about the work done by Asian youths related to climate issues. "We managed to send two delegates to the event. This showed the quality of UGM students," explained Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Dr. Mochammad Na’iem, on UGM campus, Monday (12/10).
Annisa said that she gained the knowledge of how to implement environmental programmes and how to approach the media to publicize these activities. The participants were motivated to make a joint action on October 24, 2009, which coincides with the Day of Action on Climate Change.
"A total of fifteen Indonesian participants from various universities and organizations plans to conduct a peaceful demonstration called ‘Reduce Carbon Campaign’. Some of the actions to be taken include planting trees and seaweed, fun bike, recycling magazines and others, " Annisa added.
In closing the workshop the participants joined a rally with NGOs and the farmers union, marching to the gate of the UN building in Bangkok, where the Intersession meeting of the UN Climate Change was taking place. "This is done as a warning to the negotiators around the world in order that they make good and wise decisions for our future," said Anissa.