Jake, 26, is one of two representatives from Southeast Asia selected to participate in the Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador Programme
Dili, 14 June 2018: Timorese youth ambassador Justaquiu “Jake” Fabiano Lasi will set sail for New York later this month to share messages with civil society and government representatives highlighting the importance of ocean conservation and critical relationship between ocean and climate.
Jake, 26, is one of two representatives from Southeast Asia selected to participate in the Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador Programme and will join youth leaders from other Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Caribbean countries for the 17-day voyage departing Stockholm on 26 June.
He will make several stops at ports in Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Canada to share his experiences of climate change and marine degradation before arriving in New York on 12 July to participate in the High Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development where the youth ambassadors will report on their efforts to the United Nations community and broader public.
“I feel proud to represent Timor-Leste to share the challenges we face because of climate change and ocean pollution,” says Jake, who is in his final year studying for a Bachelor of Earth Science at the University of Timor-Leste (UNTL).
“This is a great opportunity to highlight the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which aim to support communities to adapt to climate-related hazards and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.”
Held in collaboration with Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the programme highlights SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG14 (Life Below Water) as part of its commitment to the Ocean Pathway Partnership.
The partnership brings together existing coalitions, alliances, parties and partners to ensure that the role of the ocean and climate change receives the appropriate recognition and engagement in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process by 2020.
The United Nations and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are pleased to be able to contribute to Jake’s travel and will support the sharing of his experiences with other youth in Timor-Leste when he returns next month.
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