Today we witnessed a transformation of the mood and momentum of the Forum in a promising direction. This change was 
ignited by the provocation of a handful of participants challenging their colleagues to think bigger, to invoke a higher level of analytical rigor in discussions, and to maximize on the potential offered by the wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion convened together at this event.
Two distinct points raised during today’s discussions stood out in particular for those of us in the Secretariat. One was raised by the group of past and present leaders, the other by the younger generation of emerging leaders Despite the difference in generational knowledge and experience they brought to these points, both arguments spoke directly to us as the youngest attendees of the Forum. The issue raised by the group of past and present leaders emphasized the need for a renewed modern movement of grassroots organizing to provide the political pressure necessary to incite change and reform. To hear this vocalized by the political leaders we all respect and admire was inspiring, as it suggests the potential importance of our role as the younger generation as well as the solidarity between the generations convened through the Forum. The emerging leaders highlighted the opportunities offered by modern evolving technology, namely in its capacity to facilitate widespread global communication and to catalyze effective global dialogue about these issues. Reform of the global environmental governance system can benefit greatly from the rapid technological progress occurring throughout the world, an opportunity upon which younger generations are typically anxious to maximize.
We have been inspired by this injection of renewed enthusiasm and look forward to the continuation of momentum generated by today’s discussions throughout the rest of the Forum.
