The “Yutes”

Sam Parker ’12

Vinny Gambini: It is possible that the two yutes… 
Judge Chamberlain Haller: …Ah, the two what? Uh… uh, what was that word? 
Vinny Gambini: Uh… what word? 
Judge Chamberlain Haller: Two what? 
Vinny Gambini: What? 
Judge Chamberlain Haller: Uh… did you say ‘yutes’? 
Vinny Gambini: Yeah, two yutes. 
Judge Chamberlain Haller: What is a yute? 
Vinny Gambini: [beat] Oh, excuse me, your honor… 
[exaggerated] 
Vinny Gambini: Two YOUTHS. 

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

Yesterday I was able to solidify my focus for this conference, the “yutes”.  Within the COP conferences there are many non-governmental organizations (NGOs), these NGOs are then divided into smaller groups one of which being the YOUNGOs or youth NGOs.  These are some of the most interesting people to talk with.  They are some of the most driven, opinionated and knowledgeable.  They know what they are talking about and what they would like to see happen.  I was able to be a part of a couple of interviews on Monday November 28, 2011 with delegate from different YOUNGO organizations from different countries and I was blown away by the people I talked with.  They all talked about the influence and power that the YOUNGOs have gained and are gaining in the delegations.  During COP16 in Cancun, the YOUNGOs were able to claim the first “victory”, they were able to strongly influence and change Article 6 of the Cancun Accord.  This is just the beginning for these groups.  These young people know that they are the future and are not ready to sit by and let governments make short sighted decisions for their future.