GUELPH, ON, Feb. 4 /CNW/ - One of Canada's pre-eminent scientists and
leaders in environmental sustainability will share his insights and inspire
180 students who represent the next generation of Canadian leaders in
sustainability. Impact!: The Co-operators Youth Conference for Sustainability
Leadership today announced that Dr. David Suzuki will be the keynote speaker
at its inaugural event next fall.
    Dr. Suzuki, co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, is an
award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster. He is renowned for
his radio and television programs exploring a range of natural science topics,
and has written 42 books. The David Suzuki Foundation is one of the partners
behind the conference which will be held in Guelph, Ontario from September 24
to 27, 2009.
    "Canadians and people around the world will be addressing sustainability
challenges for many decades, and that will require a new generations of
leaders," Dr. Suzuki said. "This conference will not only help those young
emerging leaders connect, develop and mobilize, it will also harness their
energy and ideas to generate real solutions today."
    Students who will be 19-25 and enrolled in any discipline at a Canadian
college or university in September 2009 may apply to participate at
www.impactyouthsustainability.ca until February 27. Participants will be
selected from a variety of fields of study, perspectives and geography to
ensure a diverse and multi-disciplinary approach. They will come together on
the University of Guelph campus in September where they will work with a
variety of experts from business, academia and non-governmental organizations
to address economic, social and environmental challenges facing this and
future generations.
    "Dr. Suzuki is a world leader in sustainable ecology, and he's also a
very gifted communicator," commented Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The
Co-operators, the event's initiator. "His participation will be a great source
of enlightenment and inspiration for these young people, just as his work is
for millions of people around the world."
    Partnering with The Co-operators are: the Research Network for Business
Sustainability, the University of Guelph, the David Suzuki Foundation, the
Natural Step Canada, Wilfrid Laurier University, the Centre for the Study of
Co-operatives at the University of Saskatchewan, AIESEC, Coopsco and the
Richard Ivey School of Business.

For further information: Leonard Sharman, 1-877-795-7272, ext. 2707,
www.impactyouthsustainability.ca