Rescue Mission 2002 - Global

Schools and youth groups from around the world participated in the preparation of the 96-page publication. First, young people aged 21 and under received a special edition of Earth Focus magazine in English, French, and Spanish telling them about the project, explaining the UN documents, and outlining key topics to be covered in the book. These groups then worked to translate the key points of the material into a format that would be interesting and understandable to their peers. Submissions included poems, case studies, artwork, and personal accounts. An editorial meeting then took place at which young editors, selected from contributing groups, put together a first draft. This draft was field-tested in schools and youth groups. After receiving comments on the first draft, more artwork and writings were considered. After a second editorial meeting involving more young people and students from the International School of Geneva, a final copy was prepared and printed. Those who registered on Rescue 2002 site have been able to receive regular email updates about the progress of the project.

In addition to the book, a CD-ROM containing texts and illustrations from Rescue Mission 2002, the original Rescue Mission, the original Agenda 21, Agenda for Change (by Michael Keating), the Rio Declaration, and related conventions and decisions will be produced. The CD-ROM will link automatically to a website where the reader will be updated on topics under review in the Agenda 21 process and related responses by interest groups. An accompanying teacher's guide is also planned.

Children, Youth, Environment.

In 1993 Peace Child created Rescue Mission Planet Earth, a Children's Version of Agenda 21. This document translated a long-winded UN document into a clear, youth-oriented format. This book sold over 320,00 copies and was translated into 18 languages. Rescue 2002 is an outgrowth of that effort.