Around 150 young people from 60 countries will meet Aug. 25-27 in Dubna, Russia, to discuss environment and sustainable development and create regional action plans.

The Tunza International Youth Conference, sponsored by the U.N. Environment Program and the Russian government, is expected to produce 10 commitments on sustainable development and an online database and action kit.

"Young people have a critical role to play in shaping the environment and helping to deliver a less poverty-riven world now and in the future," said UNEP Executive Director Klaus Toepfer. "Young people can have a great deal of influence on their peers and elders in terms of promoting the new ideas we so urgently need to give the planet a fresh start."

During the conference, UNEP will launch a book prepared by and for young people. Tunza: Acting for a Better World explains how they can carry out community-based environmental projects in different areas (UNEP release, Aug. 21).
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