The impact that international conferences have on our natural environment is being increasingly recognised and efforts to reduce the ecological footprint of such events are at the forefront of organisation, and production of large-scale events.

We believe that AMUNC should be no exception.

By introducing a dedicated Sustainability portfolio, AMUNC2012 aims to create a model United Nations conference in the Asia-Pacific based on the principles of sustainability and responsible leadership. This will be the largest effort undertaken by a host university to deliver a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable conference and as a result we hope to inspire future host institutions to follow the precedence we set.

AMUNC2012 is proud to be supported by ‘Generations’, the Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor (Sustainability), both financially and through knowledge support. Their commitment to the conference will be vital to the ecological credibility of AMUNC.

Of course, the USG Sustainability can only do so much! Huge efforts will be made to source the most ethical materials available, reduce waste and water usage, offset unavoidable carbon emissions, and to look at each portfolio and recognise which areas can be altered to reflect our vision.

The rest is up to you. Everything from travel, to what you eat, to how much paper you use has its own impact upon the environment. Our role is to provide you with information and ideas as to how you can minimise your own ecological footprint whilst still having the time of your life at AMUNC2012.

This portfolio also falls within the conference theme: ‘Rights, Recognition, Responsibility.’ It is the right of future generations to have the opportunity to participate in model United Nations conferences and, as such, it is up to us to recognise the potential of future generations by making responsible decisions today.

Follow Sustainability on Twitter to keep up-to-date with the sustainability side of AMUNC2012 @sustainAMUNC12 and keep an eye out for tips and advice on how to make AMUNC2012 at La Trobe University the most sustainable ever.

Peace.

Tyler Cameron

Under Secretary-General for Sustainability