A pair of Langley men have had a “ridiculously busy” journey to Durban, South Africa, where they spent three weeks connecting with local youth, while, nearby, members of the United Nations held climate talks at COP 17.
Although it was not a good conference for Canada (we became the first nation to officially opt out of the Kyoto Accord), said Ben Miller, he and his friend Hamilton Simon are comfortable they accomplished many of their own goals.
“On the policy side it has been tough, since Canada’s position here at the negations has not been a positive one,” wrote Miller, who is still in Africa, while Simon has returned to Canada.
“But the youth side of it has been very positive.”
Among the activities the men, who travelled as part of a group of six delegates with the FUN (Friends Uniting for Nature) Society, participated in were working with school groups, organizing a youth action day, connecting youth in Canada and South Africa and meeting with Canadian MPs and ministers.
“It has definitely been an amazing experience, working both in and outside the conference, and connecting with amazing youth throughout South Africa, who are so incredibly passionate,” said Miller.
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