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CASE STUDIES
AIESEC's Participation in the Earth Summit and SD initiatives

In January 1988, inspired by the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, AIESEC launched the AIESEC Global Seminar Series which sought to address matters relating to sustainable development within the AIESEC network. The program ran for two years form 1988 - 1990 and spearheaded AIESEC's involvement in the larger world debate and action-oriented approach to demonstrating a more viable way of living for all peoples today and tomorrow. As such AIESEC participated in the preparatory forums for the Earth summit, both nationally in various countries and internationally.

As one of the largest student organizations in the world committed to demonstrating leadership with other youth, AIESEC responded to the World Commission on Environment and Development by creating a world wide debate and actions on sustainable development that would be globally relevant and locally appropriate. In consort with many partners and organizations, over 35 projects addressing some aspect of sustainable development were convened in AIESEC member countries to raise awareness of the issues, to distinguish the definitional points and overall to encourage positive action in this field. The Youth Action Guide was a result of this AIESEC campaign, an account by youth of sustainable development according to their own insight and perspective.

Clearly it is not possible for any organization to address every aspect of the debate on sustainable development. AIESEC undertook to do the following:

  • Educate: In 1988 environment and development and all it implied was both new and difficult to conceptualize especially for the youth. Being fortunate enough to have the advantage of a network present in 70 countries, AIESEC mobilized to provide information on aspects of sustainable development that would be significant to business leaders and to populations in the future. By so doing, the organization would fulfill its mandate of contributing to the development of its member countries with an overriding commitment to international understanding

  • Create Awareness: Through projects, AIESEC sought to involve as many people as possible in environment and development initiatives and to influence attitudes and policies through new ideas and views. Most of the events concerned were open and saw the participation of academia, youth and students, government officials , non-governmental bodies, the media and community groups. Such a balanced and representative group was necessary to provide a true reflection of sustainable development in the country concerned.

  • Demonstrate a role for youth to play in sustainable development through concrete projects: The AIESEC process sought to empower youth to raise their voices and show their own potential, AIESECers everywhere did their utmost to demonstrate a sincere commitment to sustainable development.
    Cite as: Youth Sourcebook on Sustainable Development. Winnipeg: IISD, 1995. Online. Internet. http://iisd.ca/youth/ysbk113b.htm.

    [Youth Sourcebook Table of Contents]