Manila to Host International Conference on Children and Climate Change

FYI for advocates of children's welfare and the environment ...

Press Release:

Hundreds of delegates from the Philippines and around the world are expected to attend the 2nd Asian Children's Museum Conference to be held at the Manila Hotel, from February 2 to 4, 2012.

Organized by Museo Pambata Foundation, Inc. (MPFI), the three-day conference with the theme “Children and Climate Change” is set to discuss how educators, parents, and adults involved in children's welfare can address these pressing environmental issues so that young people can play a strong role in facing climate change. The conference is made possible through a grant from Japan Foundation.

“Global communities are addressing climate change more keenly as we witness environmental havoc - earthquakes, flooding and extreme weather conditions. Children learn about this in school, from their parents and the media. They may also be victims of these environmental changes. It is important to know how the various sectors in society are addressing these issues on climate change. How can we provide fun and exciting learning modules on climate change through programs, interactive exhibits and publications for children? We want the next generations to be champions in their own way, to become “planet savers,” to be a part of the solution and not the problem,” says Nina Lim-Yuson, president and CEO of MPFI.

Foreign and local experts in the fields of disaster preparedness, health and wellness, schools and universities, museums, and children's literature have been invited to talk about their successful and innovative programs which help children understand climate change. “By bringing together these diverse groups, we hope to come up with recommendations that are doable in the Philippine setting,” Yuson continues.

California Academy of Social Sciences' Meg Burke, Lord Cultural Services' Laure Colliex, Learning Innovation Network-Osaka's Keiko Kuroiwa, and Lilibeth LaO of Museo Sang Bata sa Negros will discuss how their museums have developed interactive exhibits to raise children’s awareness of natural disasters, global climate change and other environmental issues. Vanessa Tobin from UNICEF-Philippines and Lorenzo Tan of WWF-Philippines will be presenting their organizations' studies on children and climate change. Jim Sharman of Gamot Cogon School in Iloilo, Thomas Van der Walt from University of South Africa, Froilan Grate of Mother Earth Foundation and Maja Olivares-Co of the Paco Market Redevelopment will talk about their organizations' projects which make children's spaces fun and enjoyable places to visit. Carla Pacis will explore how effective the story book is in educating our children on climate change. Visual artist Alma Quinto will conduct a scrap art workshop, and young pioneers Bryan Mc Clelland (Bamboo Bike Project), Chips Guevarra (Veggie Oil Jeepney Project) and Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (Plantsahan ng Bayan) will talk about their innovations.

Early bird fee (until December 2011) for the three-day conference is 7,000 Php for Philippine residents and 250 USD for foreign delegates. Students, teachers, LGUs and group discount rates are available. You may get application forms at the Museo Pambata office at Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila or you may download it from www.museopambata.org/acmc. For more information, call 523-1797 to 98, 536-0595 or 400-7558. You may also email info@museopambata.org.

The conference is co-presented by the City of Manila, with additional support from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Development Bank of the Philippines, WS Family Foundation, and Landbank.