Baha'i SED Main Conference 7:30 p.m.

The Keynote address was offered by Ms. Carol Stern, of UNICEF. After a short introduction of her family background, Stern made a case for a children's project of UNICEF. Stern mentioned that in any society, children are vulnerable to any challenge. Climate change now taking place wil affect children in a negative way in developing countries. Climate change could impact on regional water supplies - water needed for life support as well as maintaining hygene. Also affected would be agriculture sectors which supplies nutrition to people but more importantly to children who are most vulnerable to malnutrition. Both would have affect on family education programs, social integration processes and economic development. Food security is a necessity if dietary needs are to be met and food security is threatened with climate change.

UNICEF initiates programs that reduce these vulnerablities. UNICEF has provided insecticide-impregnated netting used over beds to address malaria infections. UNICEF provides assistance in rain-water harvesting that offers a buffer when drought conditions exist. Out of 6.8 Billion people on the earth, approximately 2.6 Billion lack proper sanitation facilities and therefore prone to health problems and dehydration. 96% of world disasters occure in developing countries.

Stern closed with a UNICEF project called "Believe in Zero". An inspiring instructional video can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrF_iq1-QtY . Briefly, Stern reported that there are approximately 25,000 children that die every day due to poor water conditions. by becoming involved in the Believe in Zero project, we all can reduce that number to zero.

JohnK