Last Wednesday 17th March, I attended the St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House, Washington DC, at the invitation of President Obama. It was a great honour to receive this invitation and it was a wonderful experience to be there and to meet with President Obama.

There were over 200 people present with many prominent Irish Americans, and many more from Ireland who had arrived especially for the reception. There were a wide variety of people there including people from the world of media, writers, artists, actors, politicians, representatives from the world of business and NGOs. The general theme for the St. Patrick's Day reception was innovation in its broadest sense. The American Embassy selected approximately 20 people in Ireland to attend under this theme in addition to the government delegates.

Innovation is the hallmark of ECO-UNESCO, whose innovative programmes range from the Young Environmentalist Awards to drugs prevention using environmental and outdoor education and my invitation showed that appreciation of ECO-UNESCO's innovative approach goes right to the top.

The White House under President Obama has shown a commitment to environmental protection, and has emphasised the need to reduce carbon emissions; Michelle Obama has created a special vegetable garden in the grounds of the White House with the help of local school children and is putting an emphasis on healthy eating.

At ECO-UNESCO we have always prided ourselves on developing innovative approaches to environmental protection and through our programs we encourage young people to express their innovative spirit in everything from fashion shows to film-making in a bid to raise awareness of the issues around sustainable development and the environment.

I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with President Obama, this recognition of the innovative work of ECO-UNESCO will push us to continue to lead the way in innovative environmental education and youth work.

Until next time,

Elaine Nevin, National Director, ECO-UNESCO
director@ecounesco.ie