Incidences of climate change related natural disasters are constantly on the increase with extreme conditions manifesting themselves in different parts of the globe, President Umaru Yar'adua has said.

President Yar'adua made this known yesterday at the 4th Nigerian International Secondary Schools, Model United Nations (NISSMUN) Conference in Abuja.

The President said "I must commend the organizers, the Nigeria Model United Nations Society (NigMUNS) who deemed it fit to bring together the youths who represent the nation's future leaders to discuss pertinent issues of concern to the world at large.

Yar'adua who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant Foreign Affairs, C. D Hart, said that the conference provides a proper forum for the youths to broaden their horizon about world affairs through skills acquisition that can enhance their academic pursuits and future professional careers.

The topic "Climate Change: A Challenge to Everyone" is very apt because climate change has been the serious meltdown the country has experienced for decades before the recent financial meltdown."

In his remarks, NISSMUNS'S Secretary General, Nabil Audie Mohammed, said that climate change has really become a big challenge that cannot be ignored; "this change is not natural in itself, but are influenced by natural disasters, extreme poverty and resource deprivation.

He said that these happenings, as seen by the disheartening daily newspaper reports about droughts, constant rise in food and oil prices, and human tragedy, place new demands on the way the environment is managed.

"As young people therefore, part of the responsibility that we bring about a clean climate fit for all to live in, lies on us. Our task as young UN representatives is to provide the leadership that will change public will into political will, and political will into action and implementation.