Thousands of Queensland students take on Earth Dialogues Challenge

One out of 8,000 Queensland school students taking part in a comprehensive education program will have the opportunity to deliver a keynote address alongside Mikhail Gorbachev at Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006: A World Forum for Resource Management and Sustainable Development.

The Earth Dialogues Challenge Program is the education component of Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006, which will take place from July 21-24 as part of the Brisbane Festival. The program provides a medium for students to have their voices heard by world leaders, Nobel Laureates and scientific and environmental experts.

The program encourages students to highlight environmental projects from their own communities and enables them to be part of an important international event.

Since the launch on April 28, students have been involved in a number of aspects of the Challenge Program. Their efforts will culminate in Education Day, Monday July 24, which will showcase some of the outcomes of the Program and present the talent of Queensland youth to the world.

The Challenge Program includes:

• Earth Challenge HQ: students explore the concept of sustainable development through interactive activities online at Education Queensland's e-learning website, the Learning Place. 8000 students are currently enrolled.
• Youth Ambassador Speaking Competition: provides the unique experience for one Queensland student to address the World Forum alongside Mikhail Gorbachev and Premier Peter Beattie on Education Day. Those entering this competition will research, write and present a three minute speech relating to the World Forum theme, voicing their opinion on the current state of the planet and what impact decisions we make now will have on their future.
• Regional Workshops: A series of workshops are currently being held throughout Queensland to provide those in regional communities the same opportunity to be part of Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006 and to showcase local environmental programs.
• Student Questions: During the main session on Education Day, students will have the opportunity to put their questions to world figures attending Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006.
• Student Delegation: A student delegation drawn from across the State will be given the chance to attend Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006, contributing to the discussion during Education Day.
• Queensland Student Blueprint for Environmental Sustainability: A Queensland Student Blueprint will be developed from student input throughout the Earth Dialogues Challenge Program and will be presented to the leaders on Education Day.

Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini said the Earth Dialogues Challenge Program was a great opportunity for Queensland school students.

"The Program will allow many students to be part of Earth Dialogues Brisbane 2006: A World Forum for Resource Management and Sustainable Development with that very special opportunity for one student to deliver an address to such an important global gathering," Terracini said.