28 July 2000 Media Statement
6pm, Friday 28 July 2000
Minister opens youth UN meeting
Associate Environment Minister Phillida Bunkle opened the first national model United Nations conference for youth in
Wellington tonight.
More than 130 secondary school students from around the country are attending a NZ youth version of the United Nations
at Victoria Universtiy this weekend.
In opening the conference Phillida Bunkle said the students would get a real taste of what international relationships
are about. The students have been put into groups representing 36 different countries – New Zealand will not be
represented.
"While none of you is representing New Zealand, I think it's an eye-opening exercise to grapple with some of the complex
ideals, traditions, and desires of the countires you have adopted."
Phillida Bunkle urged the delegations to consider the importance sustainable development to the environmental and the
world community.
"It's about making sure that the land we use to run our businesses – whether it's farming growing apples or making
clothes – we have to make sure that the land we use today is still healthy enough for you, our future generation, to use
for your businesses. But in doing that I'd like to ensure that you leave the land in as good a condition as you found
it.
"When you come to discussing environmental issues, I urge you to bear the future generations of your respective
countries in mind."
Twenty delegates will be chosen from those attending this weekend's forum to represent New Zealand at an international
youth UN meeting at the Hague in January 2001.
Contact: Carl Bates (President, UN Youth Association NZ) 021 126 5521