8 August 2008: In a message on the occasion of International
Youth Day, being celebrated on 12 August 2008 under the theme “Young people and
climate change: time for action,” the Director General of the UN Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Koïchiro Matsuura, stressed the
role that young people can play in addressing the challenge of climate change
and sustainable development.

He explained that the Day provides an opportunity to raise
awareness of young people to a future threat and encourage them to find
innovative solutions. Matsuura explained that UNESCO not only aims to
contribute to scientific knowledge, but also addresses the social, economic and
cultural dimensions of climate change. He outlined the support given by the
Organization to young researchers, as well as its awareness raising activities.
In this respect, he highlighted the joint YouthXchange initiative of UNESCO and
the UN Environment Programme, which recommends sustainable consumption and
lifestyle patterns. [UNESCO Director General’s message]