As part of efforts to engage more young people to participate in addressing environmental issues, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) is cooperating with the Indonesian government to hold the Tunza International Children and Youth Conference slated for Sept. 27 through Oct. 1 in West Java's capital city of Bandung, local media reported on Saturday..

Tunza, a Kiswahili word for "treat with care or affection", is meant to provide knowledge for young people on how to care for Mother Earth and implement actions for a better world.

The conference theme, "Reshaping Our Future through a Green Economy and Sustainable Lifestyle", will involve up to 1,500 children and youth delegates from 120 countries across the world to discuss efforts to deal with the world's major challenges for the global economy, the sustainability agenda and poverty eradication.

"The conference will nurture concern from children and youth about the environment. As they are growing up, they will hopefully become leaders who will strive for the sustainability of the Earth, because they are our future," Environment Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta said.

He added that Bandung was chosen to host the biannual event because the city was well known as a place historically known for its youth activism and creativity. "We hope that the event will lift Bandung to a higher quality of living," the minister added.

The Environment Ministry will team up with the Ministry for Youth and Sport, the National Education Ministry, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Bandung's local government to host the first environmental conference for children and youth.

During the conference, tentatively scheduled for six days, children and youth aged from between 10 and 25, will be involved in several programs, including workshops, debate, a green concert, education on urban ecotourism and various field trips.