The 17th Asia Pacific Youth Forum begins at Kozhikode today. The five-day forum is an international environmental summit being organised by the Organization for Industrial Spiritual & Cultural Advancement, OISCA, in collaboration with the various Asia Pacific nations and UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to discuss global environmental problems.<br/><br/>Previously, such a summit was organised in India in 1994. Selected 200 youths from various nations will take part in a discussion on 'Conservation of bio-diversity through environmental awareness'. The summit will be an important platform to share ideas for the empowerment of youth to protect the Earth, said the authorities. Members from Asia and Pacific regions, take part in the summit.