"While the older generation writes policies for the world, it is the youth who set trends which shape these policies. We may not be the policy makers yet, but we can shape policy through society. The effort to combat human induced climate change is a long-term effort and it is the youth today who will carry the stick and continue the run."

These are the words of young leader, Ibnu Najib, who has joined with others across Asia through the Asian Young Leaders Climate Forum (AYLCF), realizing that they are the ones most vulnerable to, and most responsible for, our global climate future.

In December 2007 Najib joined 34 other young leaders from 14 countries across Asia to attend the inaugural AYLCF workshop at CIFOR Headquarters in Bogor. Here they were empowered and equipped to take action against climate change.

British Council initiated AYLCF in partnership with CIFOR and WWF to establish a passionate and pro-active network of young leaders who will lead the way in climate-related initiatives for generations to come.

According to Ibnu the passion for environmental conservation was contagious at the December meeting. Colourful experiences were shared and minds were expanded as the group developed a three year Action Plan that includes specific targets for engaging the media, education, government, community, and corporate sectors.

Eight delegates were then selected to present this strategy at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 13) in Bali, December 2007.
"The only way to effectively mitigate the risks of climate change is to act together now," said Ibnu, 26, who was among the delegation in Bali. "Going to the COP has given me the confidence and the energy to play my role in making sustainable development a reality in Indonesia."

Since the event, AYLCF has received over 700 new registrations and has featured widely in regional, national and international media. Many AYLCF members have already begun implementing projects, realizing that the climate's future not only depends on them, but their future depends on the climate.

With forests high on the agenda of any discussions around climate change, CIFOR said it is delighted to work with British Council and WWF to pioneer this crucial initiative.

"CIFOR's research shows that the world's poorest people are the group most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and many of these people live in Asia," said Frances Seymour, CIFOR's Director-General. "So it's imperative that this vast region be actively engaged with the global climate agenda."

Eni Hidayanti from Sumbawa Besar, Indonesia, believes that deforestation is the most pressing concern around Climate Change in the 21st century.

"Forests are the most important resources for sustaining life, not only human life but also for other living creatures," Eni, 23, said. "Indonesia is home to some of the most magnificent forests in the world, and preserving these forests is one vital factor to climate security."

AYLCF is currently developing an Advisory Board with a broad range of expert members to act as mentors to the Young Leaders, promote their successes, connect them to funding sources and assist with project development.

In Ibnu's words, "in the end what matters is passion and innovation, a change to the status quo that will alter the world as we know it."

For more information on AYLCF, go to: http://community.britishcouncil.org/aylcf

Story by Clare Rawlinson, CIFOR and Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS)