“All the News That‘s Fit to Print“

No 3 , Wednesday, August 4, 2010 Free copy

CROSSING THE BRIDGE

By Andrea Arzaba from Mexico

Wonder and excitement: two words The WYC delegates were dancing shining brightly, while strong Turkish Sultan Mehmet bridges, bringing two that describe best what delegates and singing in many languages while voices and Puerto-Rican drums were continents together; Anadolu Hisari, irradiated while waiting for the buses entering the ship and during the rocking through the boat. constructed by the Ottoman Sultan in order to take the Bosphorus boat whole trip. The trip started in Eminonu Yildirim Beyazit in order to conquer trip. The adventure started with a next to the Galata Tower (Europe) Some of the important places seen Istanbul. practical dinner : a chicken sandwich, and from there through the coast of during the trip: a piece of fruit and a pack of juice. Uskudar (), finishing in Beykoz. IN EUROPE… More than one thousand delegates When the boat approached the IN ASIA… Dolmabahçe Palace, where famous crossed from one continent to the , words of excite- The palace that was leader Ataturk had his last breath; other. People at the port stared at the ment were heard around the boat constructed by the ; the Ortakoy , a symbol of young crowd heading to the ship, as the bridge changed its color from Kuleli Askeri Lisesi, one of the most late ; Çırağan wondering if the boat would fit that blue to green and then to orange. important military schools in ; Sarayı, constructed as a palace and many people. The lights along the coast were the beautıful Boğaziçi and Fatih used as a hotel.

To change the world, change your lifestyle first

By Veerle Joanna Vrindts, Belgium

The images of the Climate Change during the peaceful protest, the expec- conference in Copenhagen in 2009 tations for ‚Hopenhagen‘ followed (COP15) are still fresh in the memory by the complete lack of a binding of many of us: the shivering activists agreement. holding banners before the closed gates of Bella Center, the arrestations Continued on Page 2 2 No 3, Istanbul, Wednesday, August 4, 2010

“We need a network between youth and the government”

By Wojoud Hasan Mejalli and Sana‘a from Yemen

Unemployment and political misrepre- sentation are the major issues facing the youth, Adrian Bazavan from Roma- nia said during Monday’s round table discussion on national youth policies. These policies and their imple- mentation are among the issues being discussed at the World Youth Congress as most of them are facing challenges during the current econo- mic conditions. “Although Romania has been an EU member state since 2007, red tape still prevents young people from working Continued from Page 1 in other EU countries,” said Andrei Ionita from Romania. “You need to file a huge number of documents to get a After the COP15, which is referred to they will not see the urgency of their personal choices and the job in the EU.” as a ‚catastrophe‘ by commentators, taking action.” consequences of their actions, for Adrian Bazavan said policies a lot of young people lost motivation The youth represented in the example by understanding the link should not be only written in docu- to fight for a climate change agree- panel tackled the issue on a some- between factory farming and global ments as a claim of support but they ment. Why would COP16 in Mexico, what more practical level. “As youth warming. It is up to us to embody the should be taken into consideration in or even Rio+20 in 2012, bring any we have to start from ourselves,” change we want to see.” reality and be applied. results after the failure at Copen- says Vu Lam (Vietnam). “Just by Paradoxally, it is exactly this Another delegate, Maria Los Angeles hagen? During the round table on making small changes in our own kind of ecological awareness from Honduras, suggested that “poli- the post-Copenhagen challenge, six lifestyle, like avoiding air travel and that is lacking during the World cies should be made according to the panellists shared their outlook on turning vegetarian, we can con- Youth Congress 2010, according needs and thoughts of the youth, not the future of climate activism and tribute without having to wait for to the panellists. “It is up to the the governments.” strategies to save our generation political agreements.” Sarah Came- youth to give the good example Her fellow delegate, Senegalese from the worst consequences of ron from the UK sees the problem by organizing carbon neutral Boully Galissa, said that young leaders global warming. in the Big Lie of our society: “We are events. However, this Congress is not had lost hope in politics : “We need Should we have put our hope on brought up to believe that posses- carbon neutral at all”, states Jeeban to change that and start creating the Climate Change negotiations sing more ‚stuff‘, like iPods, laptops, Panthi from Nepal. He reminds the as network between youth and the in Copenhagen? According to cars and daily meat and animal audience of the glaciers that are government.” Felix Dodds (Stakeholder Forum), products makes us happy. This is far melting in his country, while we The Turkish Ministry of State for we should not: “The expectations from reality. If you look at the Happy keep barbecueing, using several youth is about to launch several for the COP15 were too high to Planet Index, you see it is not our plastic water bottles a day and major youth strategies because of the begin with. Even though there consumption of energy, meat or con- predominantly go for the non- too many drawbacks found in the are many great examples that UN sumer goods that increases our self- vegetarian option at lunch and previous one, according to a Turkish conferences have worked, it is still perceived well-being, but having a diner time. “Of course people do official participating in the meeting. the goverments and memberstates close connection with other people not like to have to feel limited in In the latter’s opinion those drawbacks who make the decisions. It seems and nature.” Joao Scarpelini from their‚ freedom to consume.” But include the lack of surveying for like all of us have forgotten how Brazil agrees: “In the early 2000‘s, is that an excuse for not taking youth issues as Turkey does not have the US government works. The people did see climate change a personal step to reduce your a national youth survey program. He NGO‘s should have focused on as a scientifıc thing. The media own carbon footprint?” says Sarah added that youth NGO‘s in Turkey lack the climate scepticism triggers, attention around COP15 managed Cameron from UK. “Life is not only funds compared to those in wealthy like FOX News, to bring a change to mainstream the topic. People about sustaining your own wants, it countries. into the American public opinion.” are becoming more aware that is about finding a way to live that is Golda El-Khoury, the Chief of the Luis Davila from the United Fra- climate change is not just another sustainable for seven billion of us. UNESCO Section for Youth, Sport mework Convention on Climate neglectable threat. Climate change This earth has enough resources and Physical Education, said there Change (UNFCCC) agrees that is about people and how they live. for all of us, there is still a way to are a few important questions to be young people should know the It is about behaviour, about lifestyle prevent the worst consequences answered, including how to coordi- position of their own country on change, about human rights through of global warming. A change in nate between different ministers in a climate change in the first place climate justice, about gender and lifestyle is the least we can do to country to implement youth policies and question if it is reflecting what emancipation of minority groups prevent ourselves and the next and have them regulated. the people want: “If the govern- in global negotiations. People start generations from real disasters.” ments think people do not care, to realize the connections between No 3, Istanbul, Wednesday, August 4, 2010 3

Astonishing Saman IMPRINT General Media Coordinator By Audry Maulana from Indonesia Cemil Yücel

Editors in Chief The Indonesian dance has thrilled singing too. And as if that was not delegate from Yemen who attended Maria Kuchma, Russia the participants. Monday evening enough, the dancers were clapping the performance. “It is something Irina Shuvalova, Russia Indonesian Delegates performed their hands to make the atmosphere amazing, because they do not do it Editor Assistant two traditional dances from their more energetic. with music at all, only with singing,” Robert Schmidt, Germany home country at the Sports Hall. “We practically had only two she added. Layout This was part of the cultural and nights to practice it,” said Shania, Saman Dance was not the only Dumitru Iovu, Moldova social events. One of them was the the program coordinator. “While all performance, all the Indonesian Proof Reader Saman Dance, a traditional dance other delegates were partying at the delegates were also asking the Cecile Guezennec, France that comes from the farthest west of tent, or sleeping in their warm room, audience to get up from their chair Photo Editor Indonesia archipelago, Aceh. From we practiced the Saman Dance at and get together with them. They Liza Smith, South Africa the region that became so popular the Fen Edebiyet Fakultesi building,” immediately did the Poco Poco Photographers Anna Morawiec, Poland because of the shocking earthquake she added. “It was really a hard job, dance together, another traditional Davıd Hiss, Germany and tsunami back in 2004 comes doing this, but we finally managed dance from eastern Indonesia. Irina Shuvalova, Russia an astonishing traditional dance to perform it in front of other dele- Many delegates from the other Facilitators that has been here for more than a gates coming from all across the countries were excited to do this Dumitru Iovu, Moldova thousand years. To perform it, fifteen- globe” said Shania with a smile. dance. According to Anna Lenna, Emre Çalışkan, Turkey Fatih Muslu, Turkey twenty dancers dance in a very The result was totally worth it. a delegate from Switzerland, it was Mühtan Sağlam, Turkey rapid yet harmonious movement. “I was fascinated by the timing very amazing to see many people For more articles and media go to: The Saman Dance needs no music, the dancer had, it was so fast but from many different cultures doing www.virtualwyc.net there were only two main singers they manage to do everything in the same dancing together. and the dancers were sometimes the same time,” said Aarej Haidar, a All articles do not necessarily repre- sent the opinions of the magazine.

TRENDS OF CONGRESS: Tradition vs. Modernity THE BIG DEAL By Irina Shuvalova, Russia

All of us, depending on the country MUHAMADU SANI, GHANA: GABRIELA GUERRERO, ARGENTINA: of origin and its culture, have not the In my country, tra- In some cases it may REPORTERS similar point of view on the problem of dition is very much be useful. Tradition saving national traditions and peculi- respected, we need has to do with the WANTED arities themselves. We tried to feel the to preserve it and past, and every nation trends by just asking several people keep it for the youn- needs to know its from different continents, whether it is ger generation. Today past, the roots of that Are you a journalist or just a participant? necessary to save traditional culture a lot of people are society. We are very in modernity and how to make your losing their traditions, especially in the individualistic, and culture can join the Do you have a voice? national identity, especially if your Western part, and for me it is not the nation. But that can be tricky, using tradi- Do you have a story to tell? parents are of different origin. best. But in Africa, I think, we are trying. tion in a weak way can result something Or you just want to say The world today is becoming a global like Hitler, something very extreme – you how you feel to everyone? MARIA PIA ESPINEL, PERU: village. But this is irrelevant, because remember, that all just started with If Yes, then become our First of all I think that we are now one – and it should be one romanticism! SPECIAL REPORTER it is important for global tradition for everybody. everyone to have a IGOR DOBROSAVLJEVIC, cultural background, LENKA POLCEROVA, MACEDONIA: Send your materials to: [email protected] to know where they CZECH REPUBLIC: I think, it all depends come from, what to It is quite a difficult on the location of your or better

stand by. In my case, question for me, country, is it in rural bring them to: I have two types of culture: the ancient because we have of or urban areas. But house C on the map Library one about the Incas and also the modern course some traditio- generally the role of 1st floor culture, the one I have at home, in my nal celebrations like traditional culture is country and city of Lima. Besides music Easter and Christmas not bad, it depends on Plese make sure your articles and arts, there are ways of doing things, everywhere, but we how people perceive it. It may be some- are signed with your different types of living. If a person is born are not so keen on keeping tradition, as thing unique a country has. It is nice to see Name, Surname and Country from parents who come from different for example Muslim countries. But we the tradition of the country where you go. It and we will make sure cultures, it depends on how they teach still need to be keen on ourselves, our is good for people who are interested. For to find space for them in The Congress Times a child and where they live. history. If we forget, it is bad for our future. me it is not something exciting. 4 No 3, Istanbul, Wednesday, August 4, 2010 How To Survive on Campus (TIPS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE DELEGATE HANDBOOK)

By Louise Tan from Malaysia

than you realize. It is the equivalent of a Turkish identity card. They simplify introductions and, when necessary, help ensure that your name is spelt correctly. Outside the campus, they help explain locals what you are doing in their country. That is one whole minute of your time saved. racial differences. Be interested in their PAY ATTENTION wonderful country and historical nati- TO ANNOUNCEMENTS onal figures, immerse yourself in their unique culture, make an effort to learn Informing people of changes in the their language and communicate with congress’ timetable is quite difficult them. In return, these awesome people because of a huge number of dele- are the ones who will help you when gates. So do pay attention when you need to find something specific, announcements are being made, as direct you to your destination and read So, we have been here at the 5th World do not just be on time; make an effort well as to pieces of paper pasted up the signposts for you. They can also Youth Congress for five days already, but to be ahead of everyone else, be it for everywhere. Nobody likes having to tell you where to get your necessities, most of us are still trying to adjust to life workshops, Aile meetings, buses and repeat themselves. It would save the the best bargains and what places you in a completely new place. Turkish nati- (most important of all) MEALS. organizers a lot of headache, and make must visit. onals and those from around the region Because if you have not seen the them a lot more cheerful and willing get on just fine, but the majority of the queues here at mealtimes, you either to run the congress. But the golden rule of survival is this: delegates here come from countries do not need to read this guide or you and cultures vastly different. However, are a camel. And with relevance to BUY A TURKISH SIM CARD SEE THE GLASS AS HALF even for those familiar with Turkey this point, the next most important FULL and Istanbul, frustration has become rule of campus survival is... It would make communication bet- a familiar emotion while on campus. ween you and your friends, your Aile Need we stress what a unique situ- Despite the organizers’ best efforts, the DO NOT MISS THE BUS members and your leaders easier. ation we are in? How many times problem is that it is extremely difficult in our lives are we going to find to coordinate, feed and give water to Because campus is just that big. By LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE ourselves in one place in a beautiful 1,400 people. And so, in order to avoid now you are probably aware that the country with dynamic young people the inevitable odd temper tantrum, the distances between buildings are not Preferably Turkish, in this instance. This from almost every country on the Young Journalists have come up with a short. If you like long strolls that is fine, is especially useful in emergencies, planet? Do not focus on what is going guide intended to help all the delegates but this is inconvenient when you have especially those involving the bathroom wrong, focus on what is right. survive - and enjoy - the remainder of to get to your workshops on time; so - which, by the way, is tuvalet in Turkish. Be nice to everyone, and be cheer- our stay on campus. you either catch the bus (be prepared ful all the time. Because appreciating to squish) or get used to walking. MAKE FRIENDS WITH LOCALS every waking moment of your time in BE EARLY Istanbul is what can really help make WEAR YOUR TAG It works the best. Besides, Turkish people your time at the World Youth Congress ... for EVERYTHING. This is the first and EVERYWHERE are incredibly warm and welcoming. seem less like a survival boot camp, most important rule if you want to avoid Being a secular state, this also makes and more like one of the best times hair-pulling moments on campus. So Your delegate tags are more useful them a lot more open to religious and of your life.

THE VIRTUAL CONGRESS IS GETTING STARTED! Several Pictures, Blogs, Videos and Radio Podcasts are already available on the platform.

If you can manage to find an Internet connectıon somewhere, the team of the Virtual Congress would be happy if you could upload your photos, videos, PowerPoints or Outcomes of your Workshops or whatever that is related to our Congress. Moreover we would be thrilled if you could write a little blog post yourself or comment on the posts of others.

If you can’t manage to find Internet our doors are open. Find us in the Jumanji something building, (you might know it as C) in room number D214 on the ground floor where we have several computers that are connected to the Internet.

So get started and check out the Virtual Congress @ www.virtualwyc.net or write to us @ [email protected]