The International Youth Coastal Conference is the culmination of a process. Student delegates prepare 40 minute workshops to present to their peers at the conference on a marine or coastal topic, relevant to their local area. This process involves students working with expert mentors many months prior to the event, and results in children who are motivated, have high self esteem and respect for others. The Conference program also includes an environmental activity day so that delegates get to use their Head, Heart and Hand when thinking and acting on issues that affect their local marine and coastal areas.

Using the Kids Teaching Kids model, the 2008 International Youth Coastal Conference will provide students with skills in marine and coastal education, but more importantly it will build students who are optimistic, have a sense of future, are capable public speakers and can communicate ideas in many different forms.