Young, bright NZ eco-minds sought

High-achieving, eco-minded students are being called upon to help find innovative and sustainable solutions for a range of energy issues being discussed at next year’s Eco-Minds Youth Forum.

The forum, held on 25th to 30th May, 2009, in Auckland and Rotorua, will bring 27 students together from nine countries in the Asia-Pacific region to discuss sustainable energy systems and the challenges and opportunities associated with this.

Bayer NZ, the first company in the world to enter a long-term partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is calling for applications from students across NZ between the ages of 18 to 24, studying natural sciences, engineering and technology, social sciences or commerce/management to represent NZ at the international forum.

“We are delighted to offer students the opportunity to participate in this forum. Sustainable energy systems is an issue which is especially relevant to NZ so we are proud to be hosting it,” said William Malpass, corporate communications manager at Bayer NZ.

The Eco-Minds Forum 2009 will give participants an opportunity to work and learn from experts in sustainable development and will include educational field trips to learn more about sustainable energy systems, including NZ’s hydro and geo­thermal supply systems.

UNEP executive director Achim Steiner said: “Finding solutions to (sustainability) issues will need clear and courageous thinking, and the application of the best minds in search of the most innovative answers. UNEP is convinced that those minds belong to the young people of the world.”

Further information about Eco-Minds and how to apply are available www.eco-minds.bayer.com