Youth and World Governance

By Anugraha John 1 Regional perspectives from Dara Parker, Lucinda Hartley Ben Knight, Dunfei Chen, Safira De la Sala

Forum for a new World Governance & Global Citizens for Sustainable Development (India) Youth and World Governance Contents

1. Youth and World Governance Anugraha John ...... 3

Background and context What is World Governance? ...... 5 What do young people (really) need the world governance to be? ...... 6 - Workable - Organized - Re-affirmative (of Rights and Responsibility) - Local to Global, Legal to Legitimacy - Democratic to Transforming (of our attitude and behaviour) Who are Youth? ...... 8 Why Youth? ...... 9 - Increased level of awareness, participation, competence and leadership skills - Education, Information and Communication Society - Sustainability and Intergenerational Partnership Role of Youth in World Governance ...... 11 (a) Role of youth in United Nations and its subsidiary organizations - Case Study 1: Youth Engaging Youth in Educational Opportunities - Case Study 2: Incubating Women and Youth Resource Center in A Conflict 2 Zone (b) Role of youth in national government and multilateral institutions (c) Role of youth in civil society movements - Youth and Charter of Human Responsibilities (CHR) - Youth-Led Development Programmes - Global Citizenship Conclusion and the Way Forward ...... 14

2. Youth and World Governance Perspective from different regions

i) Youth Governace Models in Canada The Case of the United Nations Association in Canada Dara Parker ...... 17

ii) Youth and Governance – An Australian Perspective Lucinda Hartley ...... 19

iii) Youth and World Governance: A North American (USA) perspective Ben Knight ...... 21

iv) Youth and Governance: A Chinese perspective Dunfei Chen ...... 23

v) Youth and World Governance: A South American (Brazil) perspective Safira De la Sala ...... 25 Youth and World Governance Youth and World Governance

By Anugraha John Forum for a new World Governance January 2011

Background and context Network, Asian Youth Climate Network, 350. org, International Youth Advisory Board for “Yet I know that if all the money spent on UN-Habitat and others, ighting for one of war was spent on ending poverty and inding the key challenges of the 21st century, i.e. environmental answers, what a wonderful global warming (without undermining there place this would be. In school you teach us are several other key challenges that we face not to ight with others, to work things out, in this century and are presently working for to respect others, to clean up our mess, not to as well). But still we are disappointed with hurt other creatures, to share, not be greedy. most of the negotiations happening so far Then why do you go out and do the things at the world governance level as there is no you tell us not to do? You grownups say you major headway. love us, but I challenge you, please, to make your actions relect your words.” Children and youth today are frustrated with the ‘people in power’ who are unable In 1992, at the very young age of 12, Severn to come to a tangible consensus of capping Suzuki with the help of her friends raised our carbon emissions and implementing money to participate at the Rio Earth alternative solutions globally. UNFCCC’s Summit. It was at this summit she delivered Conference of Parties (CoP15) held in 3 an incredible (six minute) speech which not Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009 only received a standing ovation but also was a total failure. Although there were some silenced the whole United Nations gathering. positive sings seen at COP16 meeting in Later after ten years of her activism, in her Cancum, Mexico but it is not enough. interview with the Time Magazine she admits that although she has seen some improvement We (the youth) demand that people in since 1992, there is nothing signiicant yet that power to change their diplomacy attitude has been accomplished. In fact, her conidence and ind appropriate way forward to post in the people in power was deeply shaken. Kyoto Protocol and reach a common It is a bitter understanding of their local, national truth; It should not come as a surprise to anyone and planetary responsibilities. Rio+20, something that that stories similar to that of Severn Suzuki i.e. the UN Conference on Sustainable happens in one are near almost true for many other young Development (UNCSD) will soon take part of the planet has dire men and women across the globe. The youth place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and we don’t consequences who are genuinely concerned about some want to be patronized by just listening to on all parts of of the key challenges of this century are ‘Our Voice’. We demand Commitments and the planet, and certainly disappointed with the present world Action. it is not just governance. humans that As children, we all grew up learning that suﬀer but all In the last three years, I have personally met, ‘as you sow, so shall you reap’. Here is a beings. interacted, networked, and lobbied with many most fantastic example of the direct result young leaders and activists across the globe of the Industrial Revolution that has led us under the banner of Indian Youth Climate to this situation with our carbon emission Network, South Asian Youth Environment level soaring high. The consequences of Youth and World Governance

Fishing in Shilabati river Photo: Sudipto Das

4 that period are evident now and are no and signed a document calling for global cuts surprise, that it is us, the young people and in carbon emissions. our children to come-the next generation, Several such countries which are who will be deprived of clean air quality/ economically disenfranchised and struggling environment, a basic human right. Shouldn’t to progress after their colonial regimes will we expect more from the previous generation face more problems, due to climate change, and our present world governance system? although these countries are not directly It is a bitter truth; something that happens in responsible for this situation. The climate one part of the planet has dire consequences crisis is not just catastrophic, but also exposes on all parts of the planet, and it is not just the glaring inequalities in the world. And the humans that suffer but all beings. According irony is that these nations have contributed The climate to the IPCC, Bangladesh for example will be least to greenhouse gas emissions and (as a crisis is not just one of the poor countries that due to rise consequence of climate change) but however catastrophic, in sea-level temperatures, will go through it is these countries that will have to bear the but also an intense transition process of looding, brunt of climate change. exposes disastrous cyclones, destruction of agriculture Unsustainable growth and the relentless the glaring capacity, and various other habitat related pursuit of progress by the present and inequalities in issues, which will displace not just humans previous generations has created this the world. but also other beings. To raise awareness convergence of crisis – the crisis of climate of this grave issue, on 17th October 2009, change, the crisis of poverty and hunger President Mohamed Nasheed of the and the crisis of species loss and resource Maldives held a cabinet meeting with his consumption. Now if we look at the bigger ministers decked in scuba gear under water picture, climate change is only one such Youth and World Governance example of the many challenges that we We need to do something about these face today. But what about other challenges concerns and we need to do it now! and issues such as poverty, illiteracy, Youth today see themselves as the ‘Agents overwhelming power of the multinationals of Change’, and inspired by Gandhi’s word, over government (control inluence on “You must be the change you want to see in governance institutions), unequal distribution this world” they are taking action both locally of inancial resources (global inancial and globally. inequity), the present economic crisis, nuclear weapons, war, terrorism, fundamentalism, This paper is an attempt to look at the youth racism, increasing population growth, HIV/ perspective of world governance and their AIDS and others? active role in the same. Some of the UN and its agencies have World Governance astounding statistics and estimates: In the twentieth century, the term world - 10 million children die every year due to governance surfaces two important lack of health care structures, the League of Nations and the - More than 25 million people have died of United Nations. The League of Nations as AIDS since 1981 and as of 2007 there are a concept was thought of in the eighteenth 33 million living with HIV/AIDS century inspired by Emmanuel Kant but was very short lived in the twentieth century, - 884 million in the world do not have when it was operative. access to safe drinking water 5 Post World War II, since 1945 the world - 2.5 billion people in the world do not have gradually started to accept the United access to adequate sanitation Nations (UN) as the new structure of world The United Nations Millennium Declaration governance. ‘International relations’ in the set 2015 as the target year for achieving era of ‘globalization’ had become more most of the Millennium Development Goals complicated, and thus world governance In the 21st (MDGs) is today less than six years away but seemed more appropriate term to replace century, the progress towards the goal is threatened the same term, although each have their own there are due to the present (convergence of crises) distinguished meaning but the former is since several issues economic crisis, climate change and other then less used or relative. and factors factors involving the member states. But, As of 2008, the UN along with its subsidiary supported if we wait to evaluate until the date of the organizations facilitates with 192 member by historical achievement of the MDGs, it might raise states, cooperation in international law, facts that have doubts about what we have achieved so far at international security, economic development, raised doubts the ground reality. social progress, human rights, and achieving about the role of United In the book, ‘The End of Poverty’, Jeffery of world peace. Nations Sachs predicts with his study and analysis, In the 21st century, there are several issues how the present generation can end poverty and factors supported by historical facts by 2025. But unfortunately, even he misses that have raised doubts about the role of the emphasis on the role of young people United Nations as the world governance who will have to play a major role in this system. The most recent example is the war effort and goal. in Iraq where UN remained a mere spectator Youth and World Governance

while thousands of innocent lives were perfect, but in all this debate, can we certainly lost at war. Then Secretary-General of the not say, United Nations is not the only way? United Nations, Koi Annan speaking on the Global governance refers to more than invasion, said, “I have indicated it was not in conformity with the UN Charter. From formal institutions and organizations through our point of view, from the chart point of which the management of international affairs is or is not sustained. The United view, it was illegal.” . Thousands have lost their beloved, family and friends in the recent Nations system and governments are surely genocides in the last 10 years, as a result more central to the conduct of global governance, people are drawn in tentacles of poverty and but they are only part of the full picture. hunger and peace still remains elusive. The concept of global governance over the period of time has become very popular In this context, one wonders, what is world but also very complicated. The meaning governance really and how we can revive the of both words ‘global’ and ‘governance’ present one? has been interpreted differently during For any common man to understand world different circumstances and hence widely misunderstood. But here James Rosenau’s governance, Arnaud Blin best deines it according to me very simply, ‘as nothing remark brings to our light a very important more and nothing less than the collective aspect, that amidst the United Nations failing management of our planet, in its political attempt to work as a world governance and economic aspects, but also in its social, system we are missing the full picture. And this century we need to focus on looking at 6 human and environmental ones.’ the world governance in totality, we need to It is an accepted fact now that globalization draw the full picture. is here, and it is here to stay. The 21st century requires global action and global effort to So, what do young people (really) manage our planet. There are several reasons need the world governance to be? that the United Nations alone cannot be seen Governance is the exercise of economic, as the only structure of world governance political and administrative authority to anymore, neither could it take that place till manage a country’s affairs at all levels… date. Nor do organizations like World Trade it comprises the mechanisms, processes Organization (WTO), G8, and Non-Aligned and institutions through which citizens and Movement have been able to play the role groups articulate their interests, exercise The United of global governance vis-à-vis the UN. The their legal rights, meet their obligations and Nations UN’s role is limited and the principle of ‘one mediate their differences. system and state one vote’ further limits the voice and governments This deinition of governance is generally concerns of the majority of the people to are surely accepted by the member states of the United be heard at the United Nations. Even worst central to Nations. But as far as world governance is the conduct it can put a smaller country like Nepal or concerned, how we apply this deinition in of global Bhutan at the same level as the USA, paving the global framework is the big challenge the way for the big nations to have the upper governance, but Common principles like transparency, hand to make decisions in the UN. they are only accountability, legitimacy, participatory, part of the full There certainly can be an endless argument democratic, respecting human rights are picture. that no world governance system can be essential elements of good governance. Youth and World Governance

And the new world governance we perceive should be inclusive of the same principles, it should be: Workable: Over the period of years there have been several debates about theory and practice but one of the observations we overlook in these debates is the notion that practical experience leads to the development of theories. The League of Nations and United Nations in today’s context, have become many practical experiences. We need to move on and work on a new theory of new world governance which is workable in Running for glory Photo: Anugraha John this century, drawing from the lessons learnt accepted by the world citizens as an essential from the UN. Thus reiterating, one of the most important driving forces of the Forum third pillar. for a new World Governance programme Local to Global, Legality to Legitimacy: which not only identiies new ways of global Mechanisms of co-operation between all governance but also inds the means for it to levels of governance is important. The work. decisions made at the local level are as important as the decisions made at the global Organized: The role of the world level. World governance deinitely needs to be 7 governance should be more of an Organizer. deined by certain rules and regulations; it has As an Organizer, it must help a community, to have a legal framework. But the legitimacy or communities, acquire a sense of collective of this legality rests on the sense of equity, purpose and promote participatory dialogue priorities of the biggest and poorest human and partnerships for catalyzing collective groups. action. Democratic to Transforming (of our “The invasion Re-afirmative (of Rights and attitude and behaviour): Setting the right of armies can Responsibility): World governance should pace for an emerging global community will be resisted, ensure a balance of reafirmation of both be a challenge for the new world governance. but not an idea rights and responsibilities of all human being. It has to not only develop new strategies and whose time has At present, international life is underpinned plans for new challenges of the 21st century come.” by two pillars: the Universal Declaration of but also undergo a transformation process Human Rights which focuses on the dignity so it has the capability to manage a long term of individuals and on the defense of their plan. rights, and the Charter of the United Nations, In Victor Hugo’s words, “the invasion of which focuses on peace and development. armies can be resisted, but not an idea These two pillars have been a framework for whose time has come”. We need to relect, undeniable progress in the organization of re-evaluate and reshape our present world international relations. But new challenges governance. of the century clearly indicate that these two pillars are not enough. We need a ‘third pillar’ The time is now, today and not tomorrow and the Charter of Human Responsibilities and both young men and women have an is an effort for due consideration to be important role to play in the same. Youth and World Governance

These are some fundamental components Many young people from Asia and Africa that young people demand for new world feel that the UN’s age range of youth, 15-24 governance. The present crisis is not the end is very limited and narrow. And most likely, of the world. The youth today are optimistic there is a growing pressure or a debate within and determined to see opportunity in the the UN and its subsidiary organizations to present crisis. There is a light at the end of reconsider the age range of 15-24 for the tunnel, and young people like me are working ‘youth’ (as deined by them for statistical towards reaching that end, and hopefully purpose). For the irst time, the UN’s it will lead our path towards new world subsidiary organization, UN-Habitat elected governance. their irst Youth Advisory Board with age range 18-32 at the World Urban Forum held Who are Youth? in Nanjing, China in November 2008, a clear The concept of youth can be deined as all indication of reform and reorganization. the people within a speciic age group, or as The statistics according to the UN, says a state of being or even a state of mind. The that more than one-fourth of the worlds UN, for statistical purpose, deines ‘youth’, population (about 1.7 billion between as those persons between the ages of 15 and the ages of 15-24) are youth. With this 24 years. But the Commonwealth deines information, we can further estimate that youth as those persons between the ages of youth between the ages of 15-30 could be 15 and 29, in the Indian and African context somewhere at least between 40-45 % of the it is between the ages of 15 and 35 and in world population if not more. And 60% of the context of Malaysia it may range up to 8 the global youth population lives in Asia, 40 years. There are yet others at the age of and majority of the youth live in the ‘Global 60 or 70 determined to be young forever and South’. exemplify youthful attitude all their life, living and singing to the tunes of Bryan Adams, ‘18 In the 21st century, these groups of young till I die’. people are the largest ever to be entering

Who Youth Youth and World Governance adulthood and the largest underrepresented dissatisfaction experienced by the youth with Youth with segment of the world’s population. the present local and the world governance their great system and thus increased level of awareness enthusiasm, Why Youth? has led to responsible participation of new ideas, both young men and women in politics. It Increased level of awareness, bountiful is also true that the national youth policies participation, competence and energy, of several countries discourage youth to dedication and leadership skills participate at various local and national levels commitment of governance and active citizenship. Few Albert Einstein was only 25 years when he being fully reasons identiied are; denial for right to vote wrote his famous theory of relativity. Gandhi aware of the until the age of 18, opportunity to represent was about 25 years when he was instrumental complexity their country in parliament until between in founding the Natal Indian Congress know of what which molded the Indian community of 21 and 25, youth preference to work at the grassroots or local level, most common - the they want to South Africa into a homogeneous political achieve. force before he moved on to ight for the lack of capacity building and experience, etc. freedom of India. Che Guevara was about World disorder, the challenges of a new 28 years when he joined the revolutionary century due to globalization and failed old movement with Fidel Castro for the freedom ideologies has compelled young leaders of Cuba. Nelson Mandela was about 30 years to take responsibility of the present old, when as a leader, he was spearheading situation, and act before it gets any against apartheid policy of racial segregation. worse. Governments and institutions that There are several such young leaders today acknowledged this factor have encouraged 9 that exemplify their leadership in the ield of youth participation at local activities and science, medicine, technology, business, art, decision making process, and such initiative sports, politics, literature, and other sections has reaped beneits with their inputs and of the society. knowledge of innovative and creative thinking. In the 21st century, when it comes to politics vis-à-vis governance, there have been recent Youth with their great enthusiasm, new ideas, developments even for the top position of bountiful energy, dedication and commitment the state. Younger leaders are illing those being fully aware of the complexity know of proiles. In 2008, Barack Obama became the what they want to achieve. They are no more youngest President of United States at the the leaders of tomorrow but are leaders of age of 47 amidst ierce competitors of the today. so called ‘the experienced’. At the young age of 34, Nikoloz Gilauri took the ofice of the Education, Information and Prime Minister of Georgia and the Bhutan’s Communication Society king, Jigme Wangchuck who acceded to the Today, internet is a fascinating tool for throne at the age of 17 in 1972, is presently citizens to learn and participate at different aged 29. levels of governance both locally and globally. Traditionally, governance has always been At the tip of your inger there is information considered the concern of the old and available about what is happening all over the wise. But this generation of youth is way world through several news website. There is different with the young people of the music, academic and research papers, among last two generations. There is a mounting many other things that are available on Youth and World Governance Internet has opened many internet. Young people today are networking against the reelection of President Mahmoud windows of through the World Wide Web and have the Ahmadinejad in June 2009 which is a ine opportunity potential of mobilizing youth or citizens for example of how the mobile and internet for the youth any urgent cause, in a very short period of revolution at the disposal of youth have to learn about time. changed the dynamics of politics. the various incidences If J.F.Kennedy won the election using the Internet has opened many windows of across the media of television and radio then the opportunity for the youth to learn about the globe. victory of President Obama is certainly a various incidences across the globe. Youth result of the excellent campaign through today, not only work in the framework of Think Global, Act Local but also are in the mode of Acting Global. Platform like Taking IT Global (TIG) has emerged for youth activists to network and jointly lobby effectively for causes urgent to them. Education has now become one of the top priorities for young people today. Many youth believe that education is an antidote to poverty. They also know that education by itself is not enough, nor will it solve the whole issue of poverty. Thus once educated 10 they want to be trained and skilled to be ‘Social Changemakers’. Youth have positively contributed to the success of programmes like ‘Education for All and Education for Sustainable Development.’ Sustainability and Intergenerational Partnership At the ‘Youth: Trendsetters of Education for Sustainable Development-ESD’ workshop of the UNESCO and UNEP 4th International Picasso - Dance of Youth Conference on Environmental Education held in India in November 2007, it was internet. Obama’s campaign was able to the young people who proposed the idea mobilize its citizens, especially young men of an intergenerational partnerships for and women using tools like Facebook, You Sustainable Development. This idea was Tube, and many other programmes available further tabled by the youth at the 4th IUCN Education has on the internet to swing the victory for the World Conservation Congress 2008 held in now become Democrats. Young people voted for Barack Barcelona, Spain. Later, in October 2008, the one of the top Obama by a far wider margin than did voters initiative of Intergenerational partnership for priorities for in other age groups. Sustainability (IPS) was successfully launched. young people Young men and women in Iran have also not Today’s youth are open to ideas, suggestions today. left any stone unturned with their protest and partnership with the older generations. Youth and World Governance

Magritte Clairvoyance

And don’t necessary believe that only youth capacity to involve young women and men in 11 can bring the change by themselves nor do building and designing the future. they want to do it just by themselves. A need for an intergenerational partnership approach Role of Youth in World Governance for the challenges of 21st century is a must. a) Role of youth in United Nations and In a continent with 60% of the population its subsidiary organizations being youth, an intergenerational partnership focus will be very vital for a regional and It was only after the call by the UN General global governance perspective. The wide gap Assembly for the observance of the 1985 between youth and adults needs to be illed International Youth Year: Participation, for peace and regional stability. The Asian Development and Peace that drew attention Citizens Assembly held in Bangalore, India to the important role of young people in in August 2010 has already initiated work in the world, and, in particular, their potential this framework of partnership. contribution to development and the goals of the United Nations Charter. On Sustainability or Sustainable Development 18 December 2009, the United Nations has become an important factor for many governance and development initiatives. Too General Assembly adopted a resolution Today’s youth often youth are left out of the processes that A/RES/64/134 proclaiming the year are open shape their future but less do we realize that commencing on 12 August 2010 as the to ideas, inclusion of youth automatically ensures a International Year of Youth: Dialogue suggestions sustainability component in any programme. and Mutual Understanding. The Year also and partnership The progress of our governance is based, coincides with the 25th anniversary of the with the older generations. among other elements, on each society’s irst International Youth Year in 1985. Youth and World Governance

The involvement of today’s youth in local, national and international level through The wide gap environment and development decision- representation, leadership and action. between youth making and in the implementation of Craig Kielburger founded the organization and adults programmes is critical to the long-term in 1995, and at the time he was a twelve- needs to be success of Agenda 21. year-old Canadian. In the past seven years, ﬁlled for peace Free the Children has spread to more Top leaders of national government and and regional than 35 countries and more than 1 million the United Nations realized that it would be stability. people have participated in its projects and impossible to achieve the goals set for MDGs campaigns. The organization is currently set to be achieved by 2015, without the working on many issues concerning the participation of young men and women. The protection of children’s rights and youth importance on the role of young men and representatives from Free the Children have women at the international level was by and become international spokespersons for large evident in the last decade, at the end of children’s rights and primary education for all the Millennium. children. The United Nations currently has youth One of Free the Children’s projects is ‘School advisory boards, and other means for youth Building’. The organization has built and engagement in the following: United Nations outitted more than 375 schools around the Environmental Program (UNEP), United world providing education to more than Nations Programme for Human Settlements 30,000 children in 23 developing countries. (UN HABITAT), United Nations Population School building projects are supported and 12 Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Development enhanced by alternative income programs, Program (UNDP), United Nations Educational, medical centers and clean water programs. Scientiic and Cultural Organization Another project the organization has (UNESCO), UN Ofice for Drug Control undertaken is providing ‘School and Health and Crime Prevention (UNDCP), UN Space Kits’; it has shipped more than 175,000 Program (UNISPACE), as well as through school and health kits to children in nearly agencies for children, like the United Nations 40 developing countries, providing them with Fund for Children (UNICEF) and the Ofice the necessary supplies to go to school and of the Special Representative for Children and remain healthy. Free the Children owe their Armed Conlict. success to the formula: ‘young people for ‘We know what works and what needs to be young people’. done’. With this attitude youth have been Case Study 2: Incubating Women and working with commitment to fulill the goals Youth Resource Center in A Conlict of the MDGs as their strength remains a Zone combination of both volunteerism and activism. In May 2002, Margaret Mercy Akongo, age 25, an Oxfam International Youth We will study two cases here that exemplify Parliament Action Partner in North East youth’s activism and volunteerism: Uganda founded Tedwaii Indigenous Women Case Study 1: Youth Engaging Youth in Development Organization (TIDO) with the Educational Opportunities hope it would empower young people and young women in Karamoja as active partners Free The Children is an international in the development process.77 Karamoja network of children helping children at a is stereotyped as a backward region and is Youth and World Governance neglected by the government. Conlict in the or youth council has worked well in few region dates back thousands of years, but countries and could be an option to be modern warfare has made the situation even explored at places where youth participation more deadly. Education levels are low and is limited. there is little access to information. Natural resources are scarce and competition for Youth have been deprived of the right them leads to conlict. Famine, drought and to active participation in formulating of disease exacerbate the situation. Human international policies, and implementation rights abuses are frequent, especially against of the same. Youth should not be seen as young people. mere beneiciaries but also as contributors. The role of youth in international institutions Mercy, with the aid of her organization, with governmental membership, spanning began running workshops to educate the several regions, including inancial institutions people in her community on issues such as such as World Bank and IMF, UN agencies human rights and development. She took and regional groupings is more relevant an active role at her university in advancing with the present crisis of economic and women’s affairs and she lobbied on behalf globalization. Youth with appropriate training of her community at different local, national and capacity building should be able to work and international forums. Mercy has found towards reform in some of the multilateral that the more she speaks up, the more young institutions, which is need of the hour. people in Karamoja have called for changes to be made. At Oxfam International Youth c) Role of youth in civil society Parliament 2004, Mercy developed an Action movements 13 Plan to set up a resource center for young Participation of young men and women people and women in Karamoja to provide in the civil society movements has proven information that the community needed, but to be very positive and productive. Their previously had no access to. With assistance expertise in information and communication from Oxfam IYP, Mercy is currently technology has proven to be rewarding establishing a resource center on various as well for developing programmes topics such as reproductive health, HIV/ of many countries. International civil AIDS and human rights to help empower the society movements like the World Social youth and women of Karamoja. Through the resource center, Mercy also runs regular discussions and debates on topics like involving young people and women as active partners in the development process. b) Role of youth in national government and multilateral institutions The governments of each country have realized the potential of the youth that could be tapped for the various programmes run by the government. These programmes need to give a legal framework for the youth to function and also exercise the power to work effectively. The idea of youth parliament

Grafiti Youth and World Governance

Forum and the Citizens Assemblies have to overcome problems of urban poverty, increasingly included young people as Social UN-Habitat launched – The Opportunities Changemakers in their journey of:; ‘Another Fund programme which is designed provide world is possible’. inancial support of up to one million dollars per year. Such programmes have indeed Youth and Charter of Human obliged youth to be seen as partners and not Responsibilities (CHR) just mere beneiciaries. At the conclusion of the World Citizens Global Citizenship Assembly held in France in 2001, Charter of Human Responsibilities emerged as a In the 21st century, citizenship is hope for young people to reassess their fundamentally plural, for each individual responsibility for their planet. Since then will inevitably be a citizen, not only of their youth have been very active in promoting the immediate community and of their state, notion of ‘responsibilities and rights as two but also of a world region and of the entire sides of the same coin’. planet. The CHR International facilitation team has Global citizenship as understood by few of organized several capacity building workshop us in one of the workshops organized in and seminars to empower youth to work Bali is, ‘a deep appreciation and embraced towards managing the planet with an intellect responsibility for the human condition, our of responsibility. essential oneness, and the unique expressions of each, beyond artiicial boundaries.’ 14 Youth-Led Development Programmes Fortunately or unfortunately, globalization Over the past many years inancial has also opened the door for a booming institutions and donor agencies have aviation and transport industry. It is inevitable donated or given on loan several millions for young people today to migrate for study, of money towards the development work work, business and personal reasons. There to governments or selected NGOs but is an urgent need for programmes which unfortunately they have not been able to educate and advocate the need of global channelize the same amount of money to citizenship. several small organizations or NGOs that could work for the same purpose but have There are several youth organizations like bigger impact. Peace Child, Taking IT Global, Global ‘A deep Citizens for Sustainable Development appreciation Youth-Led Development is a new concept (GCSD), etc. that have been working to and embraced gaining momentum which empowers youth as create a society of “Global Citizens”, a well- responsibility it allows access to funds/small grants to bring informed and committed group of young effective change. Through this programme, for the human people with a clear vision about intercultural youth are able to have trainings, learn to fund- condition, understanding in a world where local and raise, build leadership skills and also engage in our essential global issues are intertwined. oneness, and effective action. This is mostly driven by youth the unique but not necessarily only for youth but for Conclusion and the Way Forward expressions of different needs of communities and region. each, beyond Youth need to be involved actively in the Acknowledging this strategy of Youth-Led artiﬁcial drafting of the national and international Development Programmes to be a success boundaries.’ youth policies, implementation, and decision and to harness the energies of the young making process of the various governments Youth and World Governance and international developmental programmes Global Citizens for Sustainable Development and implementation of the same. The (NGO based in Bangalore, India) organized opportunities for youth to be involved its irst workshop on this theme, ‘Youth in politics should be expanded. Their and World Governance’ on 26th July 2009 commitment to work voluntarily and in Bangalore, India and will continue to responsibly should be tapped to the fullest. organize more workshops and discussions for youth in collaboration with the Forum for a Youth shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of the new World Governance to explore the way failed system of world governance. But their forward on this theme. participation and inclusion will only help to the positive implementation of the same.

Serenity Photo: Anugraha John Youth and World Governance

i Extract from the speech of Severn Suzuki at the Rio xiv The Commonwealth of Nations, often referred as Earth Summit in 1992. the Commonwealth and previously British Common- wealth is an inter-governmental organization of 53 in- ii The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was unprec- dependent member states. Most of them are formerly edented for a UN conference, in terms of both its part of the British empire size (172 governments, 108 at level of heads of State or Government, 2400 NGO representative) and the xv News report by Anne Ryman published in the Arizona scope of its concerns. Twenty years after the irst Republic – 6 Nov 2008 global environment conference, the UN sought to xvi International Union for Conservation of Nature help Governments rethink economic development and ind ways to halt the destruction of irreplaceable xvii www.asianassembly2010.org.in natural resources and pollution of the planet. xviii Agenda 21 – Chapter 25 (Children and Youth) iii 350.org is an international campaign dedicated to xix Youth and UN (www.un.org) building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science xx Page 21, Final report of the Ad Hoc Working Group and justice demand. for Youth and MDGs iv United Nations Framework Convention on Climate xxi Page 27, Final report of the Ad Hoc Working Group Change for Youth and MDGs v The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement xxii Multilateral Institution as deined in Bretton Woods linked to the United Nations Framework Convention Project glossary on Climate Change. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 indus- xxiii The World Social Forum (WSF) is an annual world trialized countries and the European community for network meeting, started based in Brazil, that deines reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions . These itself as “an opened space – plural, diverse, non- amount to an average of ive per cent against 1990 governmental and non-partisan – that stimulates the levels over the ive-year period 2008-2012. decentralized debate, relection, proposals building, experiences exchange and alliances among move- vi Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General Koi Annan ments and organizations engaged in concrete actions and Economist towards a more solidary, democratic and fair world....a permanent space and process to build alternatives to 16 vii The term youth here applies to all those person be- neoliberalism tween the age 15 and 30 xxiv Citizens’ assemblies gather women and men, associa- viii http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3661134. tion and organizations that would want to participate stm - BBC 16th September, 2004 in renewing democracy and act in signiicant changes ix What Amazonia does the World Need? Proposal Pa- in their society and at global level. Assemblies are per Series. Forum for a new World Governance (2008) not a kind of new parliaments or new institutions but they stand for social and participatory processes x James N. Rosenau, ‘Governance in the Twenty-irst where trustful relations and cultural, ideological and Century’, Global Governance 1, no.1 (1995):13 religious differences are respected and they are based xi United Nations Development Programme 2001 on organizing discussions among numerous members of the society so as to gradually deduce joint and shar- xii The idea for a third pillar, an “Earth Charter”, focusing prospects and strategies to be achieved collectively. ing mainly on relations between humankind and the They extend an international hitherto unknown biosphere, irst surfaced at the 1972 Stockholm World adventure which started in 1994 with the Alliance for Conference. It was revived during preparations for the a Responsible, Plural and United World, and later on, 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, but no Earth with the World Citizens’ Assembly, in 2001. Charter inally emerged because governments were unable to reach consensus on a wording which truly xv Pierre Calame – Principles of Global Governance addressed the global challenges. Other References from: xiii Pierre Calame – Principles of Global Governance www.world-governance.org www.un.org Youth and World Governance Youth Governance Models in Canada – The Case of the United Nations Association in Canada

Dara Parker Dara is a Canadian Urban Planner with a specialization in social sustainability, global urbanization and local governance in poverty reduction planning. She has lived in 5 countries, travelled and/or worked in over 40, and speaks English, advanced French and intermediate Spanish. With 10 years experience in non-proit project management and local government policy development, Dara has developed an emphasis on strategic planning, cross-cultural communication, designing inclusive and participatory processes, and relationship management. Throughout her career Dara has worked with and for youth, mobilizing young people to be the change. Currently she is as Executive Board Member of the United Nations Association in Canada (Vancouver), where among her responsibilities, she manages the youth volunteer program. Youth and World Governance of nations, but a community of peoples and of individuals. UNA-Canada works to It is young people who are the most willing make that vision a reality. UNA-Canada is to listen to new ideas while absorbing fresh a Canadian national non-proit organization information – they still in their education promoting UN programmes and activities years. It is young people who instinctively within Canada. The Association offers seek out partnerships and collaborate on individual Canadians a window into the work 17 multi-stakeholder solutions – they are of the UN, and a channel through which to habituated to working in peer groups. It become engaged in the critical international is young people who are accustomed to issues affecting us all. As the United Nations adapting to change – change is a constant struggles to reform itself to deal with a in your youth. This adaptability will build new array of emerging global problems, the resiliency to our rapidly-changing world. If Association strives to foster an understanding we are to effectively address issues including of what the UN is and where it is going. By women’s rights, climate change, food security creating links between the work of the UN and HIV/AIDS, we will require knowledge, and the lives of Canadians, UNA-Canada collaboration and resiliency from our leaders. is helping to build a better United Nations. When our global community is serious about Recognizing the importance of youth in addressing international challenges then we world governance, UNA-Canada focuses the will engage youth. Youth require preparation majority of their programs on youth. to contribute in an intelligent, innovative and empowered manner. The United Nations Model United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) is A Model United Nations (MUN) is an activity doing just that. that simulates the activities of speciic organs United Nations Association in and committees of the United Nations. It Canada is a form of experiential education that aims to raise awareness about current global “We the Peoples…” these, the opening words issues, the beneits of cooperation, and of the UN Charter, offer the hope of a world the functions and structure of the United organization that is not simply a community Nations. Youth and World Governance

Through Model UNs, students develop from every province in the country to support and practice skills in research, organization, MUN activities and to encourage Model UN writing, debating, lobbying, negotiation, connectivity within each province. cooperation and compromise. Model • A Model United Nations Activity UN activities are often cited as formative Sourcebook - An essential guide to Model educational experiences with the potential UN participation and organization for to positively affect the career choices and teachers and students across Canada worldviews of its participants. wishing to be introduced to Model UN. Model UNs assist students in understanding • The ListServe & Online Resources - A the intricacies of global problems, but also comprehensive Model UN Programme underscore the potential for solutions through website, including an online inventory discussion and multilateral cooperation. In of existing Model UN conferences and essence, Model UN activities create links initiatives in Canada; and the MUN- between participants and enhance the capacity Canada ListServ. of young people to communicate and share ideas, expertise and experience with each other. The above components work together to create links between young Canadians from The Canadian MUN (CANIMUN) different regions of Canada while promoting Canada’s international role among these Since September 2000, the United Nations and among youth in other countries. UNA- Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) Canada’s Model UN Programme highlights manages a n annual Model UN Programme 18 the beneits of Canadian diversity, particularly to encourage Canadian student participation vis-à-vis multiculturalism and bilingualism, at Model UNs and to support, inancially and ultimately works to engage a signiicant and logistically, the organization of Model number of young Canadians in the work UN events throughout Canada. Six major of the United Nations and with Canadian components can be identiied as pillars of the foreign policy priorities around the world. Model UN Programme. These include:

• A Domestic Grant Fund - Awarded to CANIMUN Outcomes students in Canada, attending Canadian Model UNs are a form of experiential Model UN events at least 450 km away learning that have many beneits for from their homes, and to organizers of participants. Youth develop international new Model UN conferences and initiatives. awareness, learn about the goals, purposes • An International Grant Fund - Awarded and structure of the UN, develop abilities to to Team CANIMUN participants from solve complex international problems, beneit across Canada, attending pre-selected from the demonstration of cooperation, international simulation events abroad. compromise and communication, and enhance their capacity to share ideas, • The Canadian International Model United expertise and experience. The CANIMUN Nations (CANIMUN) Conference - Planning model is an excellent example of how to and realization of the only pan-Canadian and further engage and prepare youth to play a international bilingual simulation event for signiicant role in world governance. It is post-secondary level students. integral that the world engages youth in a • The Provincial Representatives - A Team of meaningful manner if we are to address the ten (10) Provincial Representatives selected international issues that face us all. Youth and World Governance A Perspective on Youth and Governance

Lucinda Hartley Lucinda Hartley, is a Landscape Architect and Urban Designer with local and international development experience across Australia, Asia and Paciic including positions with UN, AusAID and Habitat for Humanity. Lucinda is the founder of [co]design (Community Oriented Design) studio, a non-proit design studio that provides emerging designers with a platform to engage with community development projects. Lucinda also currently represents Asia-Paciic on the Youth Advisory Board of UN-Habitat.

Youth engagement, youth participation, youth oficial governing bodies. Secondly, through mainstreaming are words frequently thrown dedicated youth activities and youth services around with regards to youth and governance. provide by larger community groups and However, to what degree are youth really non-governmental organizations. Oxfam, included or engaged in governance? In World Vision and the Salvation Army for Australia there has been a recent shift to example all run dedicated youth programs. providing dedicated youth activities, round Thirdly, youth engagement is exempliied 19 tables and governing committees as well by an explosion of youth-led organizations. as young people becoming involved in This is in-turn being supported by grant- regional and global youth networks. While making bodies, philanthropic organizations this is a good step, questions remain about and government bodies who are providing the effectiveness of youth engagement in dedicated funding, mentoring and support to governance. This document outlines several youth-led initiatives. examples of youth and governance from an In the instance of the irst types of youth Australian perspective and suggests a need to engagement – through oficial government not only include youth in decision making, bodies, involvement of youth tends to rely but to ensure their participation is meaningful on formalised channels of communication and effective. and works more as a means of consulting While there are more young people under 25 young people, rather than engaging youth globally than ever more – nearly 3 billion – as active partners in a particular initiative. Australia has an ageing population. Only 21% Having formalized youth engagement in of the population is under 25, compared with place is to be commended, however there is room to engage youth more meaningfully in 50% or more in many countries, particularly this process. developing countries. There is, nevertheless, a shift to include young people, to varying Where youth and engaged as part of services extents, in decision making processes in and activities through broader organizations, Australia. Engagement of young people the type of youth governance can be highly generally forms one of three forms: irstly, varied. Some organizations are grass roots, through formalised youth boards and youth others set up youth-led advisory groups round tables within local councils, and while others run programs for rather than Youth and World Governance

with young people. There are a number of for young people. advantages to having youth programs within While there is an overall increase of ways broader organizations, particularly in terms in which young people can be involved in of mentoring and access to funding. governance and leadership in Australia, The inal model of youth-led organizations there remains a need to develop more has grown signiicantly over the past decade inclusive methods of youth participation, with an increasing number of young people and to provide opportunities for meaningful involved in youth-led movement. Youth-led partnerships with young people. Effective organizations typically allow for meaningful mentoring, access to resources and peer to governance by young people. Some youth-led peer development programs all contribute organizations such as the Australian Youth to meaningful youth-engagement. The real Climate Coalition or the Oaktree Foundation need is to create a level playing ield where provide an avenue for thousands of young young people are treated as partners in people to have an active voice on key issues governance. Increasing global youth-networks and to be directly involved with international and international funding opportunities development projects. Pressing global issues are strengthening Australian youth-led such as climate change and urbanisation are initiatives, and enabling Australian young mobilising young people on a wide scale to people to demonstrate leadership on a take action and to demonstrate leadership regional and global level. We are likely to and a voice for young people. Youth-led see youth-led initiatives grow in the next organizations often work in partnership with few decades and as a result this will assist in 20 other organizations and increasingly there is growing partnerships with young people in access to effective mentoring and resources governance.

Opportunities Fund for Urban Youthled Development Youth and World Governance Youth and World Governance: A North American (USA) perspective

Ben Knight

Ben Knight was born, raised, and had his formative education in New York. He is a practicing design manager (Pratt Design Management alumni, 2008) who has had an enormous amount of creative work experience in various institutions, in many contexts, throughout the world. For over 6 years he has been working full time as a staff member for the United Nations in NYC. He writes a monthly blog post at Catalyst Strategic Design Review (http://catalystsdr.wordpress.com/)

In North AmericaUSA, young people that the government will follow their lead. have been marginalized by the government Many new, young person run, American and until the latest election in 2008, many organizations have been established over the have felt that their voices were not being past few years, and I have the pleasure of represented, or were misrepresented, and presenting a few: some still feel this way. From feeling limited OLPC, the One Laptop Per Child project/ and undervalued by traditional government, 21 organization has still managed to raise the there have been a surge of new organizations bar of the democratization of computers, started and/or managed by young people. both on the hardware and software arenas. For the past ten years my work in art and Young people now have opportunities to design related ields has given me a great connect with the world, experience peer- view of change and transformation in to-peer learning and write basic computer North AmericanUSAmerican organizations. programming (Python). The project has had I have witnessed entire disciplines in these its problems from both outside and inside, creative ields embrace a new emphasis on but the main visions and short term goals compassion when compassion was not a have been reached, and the organization and focus of the government. Organizations the new software (Sugar Labs) and hardware are being created to meet the world needs (Pixel Xi) offshoots have created strategic of the 21st century; they fully embrace alliances that have made the organization intrinsic motivation, divergent thinking, even more powerful in solving the world’s peer-to-peer learning, and sustainable creative education problems. thinking. The youth are driving these new institutions. These pioneering in these dual Architecture for Humanity has been making focused creative and compassionate ields tremendous progress among various global are sprouting up everywhere, though over design initiatives. Using young professional the past few years some have really set designers, the organization has transformed new ground for prosperity. The message many communities around the world. is clear the young people of America are Architecture for Humanity created an online compassionate and will create lasting change open source community, Open Architecture through positive organizations and hope Network, to exchange design ideas and Youth and World Governance

promote great design. Architecture for grants, etc. The organization continues to Humanity continues to promote sustainable lourish and create a great forum for art. design and evolve. Art Codex is a young person art collective that NurtureArt, a non proit artist gallery and specializes in creating projects that focus on community art center helps artist thrive and global political and social problems. Some of that is setting a new standard for which they these issues include war, migratio.n, and the teach as well as support contemporary art. human habitat. The artists work independently, Located in a very low income neighborhood, in addition to collectively, making sustainable they help the community directly by exposure art as well as creating lasting change in to and providing free art lessons for all young communities. Art Codex continues to push the people in the area. Also holds sessions on boundaries of art as well as promote artists creation of non-proits and how to apply for who create sustainable art.

xul Solar Fiordo Youth and World Governance Youth and Governance A Chinese perspective

Dunfei Chen

Dunfei Chen is currently an undergraduate student in Mathematics and Financial Economics from University of Rochester, USA. He is the founding member of China India Forum and was a member of the organizing committee for China-India-Japan Forum which was held in Japan in July 2008. He has represented as a young Chinese leader and speaker at several forums including the China-Europe Forum. He presently engages in dialogue and development work in China and globally with his position as the Director (China Chapter) of Global Citizens for Sustainable Development. His recent research in cooperation with the local government in China includes about the food conditions in near 300 primary schools.

“Youth and governance” are new words ields: education and training, voluntary in China. Chinese society is in a big social service, development of new countryside, transition. Roles of the youth are changing, environmental protection, protection so are values. So, youth in China are trying of rights and interests, innovation and to redeine their positions in the society. It employment, youth culture, international is very dificult to summarize the ways that exchanges and cooperation and exchange youth could be involved in with social issues programs with Hongkong, Macau and 23 in China. But we can still see some patterns Taiwan. Due to its signiicant contributions to here. the youth and society, the ACYF was granted the Human Resources Development Award First and the most important, there are by UNESCAP in 1999, the World Youth several large youth organizations with Award by UN in 2000 and the Champion of government background, focusing on youth the Earth by UNEP in 2004. affairs. Even though those organizations are somehow funded by government, the The China Youth Development Foundation operation and daily work are relatively (CYDF), since founded in Beijing in independent. Here I would like to present March 1989, has devoted itself to the well two organizations, which are of the biggest being and development of Chinese youth, and the most inluential. primarily with regards to education, health, environmental protection, volunteerism and The All-China Youth Federation (ACYF) engagement. The mission of CYDF is to help is a federative body of Chinese youth young people build capacity and to improve organizations and excellent youth nationwide. the environment for the development of Through its 52 member organizations and young people by providing aid services, giving over 77,000 individual members at all levels, a voice to the interests of young people and the ACYF reaches over 300 million young carrying out social advocacy. people across China. The ACYF aims to represent and protect the legitimate rights The CYDF is best known for launching and and interests of young people and promote managing its largest program to date, “Project youth participation and development. It Hope.” The goal of Project Hope is to ensure runs programs and activities in the following that children and youth in rural communities Youth and World Governance

have the opportunity to go to school. By of environment protection, the CYDF has the end of 2009, Project Hope had raised initiated the Mother River Protection Project over RMB 6 billion in donations, helped 3.5 to help young people raise environmental million children from poverty-stricken rural awareness, and plant a large number of families continue their schooling, built 16,355 trees near sources of the Yangtze River, Hope primary schools, presented Hope the Yellow River and eventually in other mini-library series to 14,636 village schools in environmentally threatened areas throughout remote areas, and trained over 60,000 village the country. In the ield of health, the CYDF primary school teachers. In a survey of 29 launched Action Red Ribbon, with a mission provinces of household residents aged 16 or to increase HIV/AIDS awareness among above in China, 94% had heard of Project Chinese youth and to support the education Hope and 64% had contributed in some way. of children in AIDS-affected areas. As a result of consistent efforts by staff and Similar organizations in China give young supporters, Project Hope has become one of the best-known and successful charity people suficient stages to present themselves. One of the advantages of those organizations programs in the country. is that they are able to bring those programs The CYDF’s work is always youth-oriented into effects in a large scale, since the and driven by critical needs. In recent years, government backgrounds. It is much easier the CYDF has launched new initiatives for those organizations to have partnerships in supporting the second generation of with schools and communities. migrant workers for vocational education to There are very less NGOs or NPOs, fully 24 improve their life skills and inspiring youth to run and organized by young people, in develop their own creative charity programs China. But, voluntary programs organized and social entrepreneurship. In the ield by Chinese oversea students are becoming more and more prevailing. No matter for issues like global climate change or domestic poverty, these organizations are playing more and more important roles. Although most of them are in their beginning stages, lacking enough experience and in relatively small scale, bright futures can be expected.

Sanja Gjenero Youth and World Governance Youth and World Governance: A South America View

Saira De la Sala Saira is a young Brazilian lawyer, who is now pursuing a Master´s degree in Housing, with focus on planning and project management, in the Institute of Technological Research of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. She is passionate about working with communities in Sao Paulo especially to guarantee their human rights which she thinks is very fundamental. And she is determined to create a society with justice and inclusion for everyone, by awareness people.

In our lives, everything is always changing. exclusion are increasing in a non-ending In fact, life is about change, and the circle. consequently renew of everything. As I said, when we gain the conscience, we So people change too, not only themselves, just can´t stay without doing anything. But but who is alive. From time to time, new how can we do something, if the government people change what the other ones have doesn´t have a special politic to include youth done, giving a new sense about the common in decisions? How can we prepare ourselves interpretation. Youth has always been the for world governance? 25 necessary energy in our World to promote Maybe the answer could be joining a Non- changes, especially because we young Governmental Organization, where we people feel free to do everything, nothing is would be involved and learn more about impossible. the problem which we are interested in. In a good way, when we realize the situation As always, learn more about the subject is we are living in, we feel the need to do fundamental: to promote effective changes, something to change. It comes from inside, we have to know what we are talking about, from our souls. not only have a passionate speech.

The French newspaper “Le Monde” Thinking about NGO, we have a lot in Latin published this week in its editorial, that “the America. You can choose which subject you economy is moving to the South”. What prefer to work on: from animals to children, does it mean? Emergent countries as Brazil from environment to violence, every subject and other ones in Latin America are inally is possible. appearing in the international scenario. Besides all these subjects, one is very More than ever, Latin Americans have to important: habitat. It is at home that family is constituted, and family is the base of our choose a position. Do we want to ight for Justice, in all senses, or just keep going? society. It is where we learn most of the Almost every week we have a scandal precious lessons we will take for all our lives, involving politicians, in all old problems, what will mold our personalities. such as corruption. Because of this, plus the In Latin America, we have more than 200 fact of society´s negligence, our problems million of Latin Americans living in a involving health, education, habitat and social situation which characterizes poverty or Youth and World Governance

extreme poverty, without houses or any who was the Secretary-General of the United guarantees to provide them an equal access to Nations. health programs and education. The young people who are working there and Because of this, a speciic NGO is having in many other NGO, are committed to keep a great success and helping thousands of working until building a new country, with families. It´s called “un techo para mi país” justice for everybody. (“a roof for my country”, in free translation). Unfortunately, many young people not even It was founded in 1997, in Chile, and now think about this possibility, because it is a exists in more than 17 Latin American normal thought that “there is nothing we can countries. The mission is separated in three phases, and the phase one is about building do about it”; people who don´t think to vote emergency wood-houses for families in in elections, or just do not vote, because all situation of extreme poverty (in just one the politicians are the same; or even worse, weekend!). All the project is done by youth, “that is not our problem”. Social problems especially in college, from the research of are problems for everyone, once that human communities (slums) to work, contacting beings are social animals, who live in society. government, interviewing families, inding And we have to take the responsibility for donations and organizing constructions. each of us. After the terrible earthquake in Haiti, Un To conclude, we should remember the Techo Para Mi Pais has been one of the most famous quote of Edmund Burke: “all that is important organizations there, working to necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. Youth, fortunately, is 26 re-build the country and give people hope – UTPMP has received the help from young decided not to let the dream die. We will do people from all the American Latin countries, whatever we can to have a new world with and also congratulations from Kofi Anan, equality, where justice will be the law.

Yes we can Photo: Anugraha John Youth and World Governance

About Global Citizens for Sustainable Development (GCSD)

GSCD is a registered not-for-proit and For example, working with peace committees non-governmental-organization based in in communally sensitive areas; promoting Bangalore, India and its mission is to engage interreligious understanding and harmony; and empower children, youth, men and organizing cultural festivals around the theme women to sustain communities, cultures and of peaceful coexistence with society and societies while promoting improvement in nature; providing platform for people from their social, economic and environmental around the world to meet and learn from conditions through the notion of human each other and so on. In this effort GCSD responsibilities. has initiated programs such as China-India Forum, Japan-India Forum, Korea-India GCSD creates platform for children, youth, Forum, Sri-Lanka-India Forum and many men and women motivated to bring a positive such programs. change at a personal, social and ecological level in their individual environment and Ecology: Advocacy on environmental their respective society for the progress of issues in the country and the region, dealing humanity. GCSD creates a platform for particularly with Climate Change. Some youth, children and adults for creativity, examples include the looming global water innovation and compassion to transform the crisis, restoration of water-bodies, roof top society. GCSD believes that every individual rain water harvesting, and water conservation. has a capacity to change his/her attitude Organic farming and vermi-composting are 27 and behavior. Everyone has the possibility part of this advocacy, as well as promoting to contribute in their individual capacity for organic farming among local farmers. creating a responsible, sustainable and united world. GCSD through all its activities will Development: Working with farmers, women foster moral and spiritual values regardless of and youth on issues of ecological agriculture, caste, color, religion or gender and promote health, hygiene, economic and food security; secular human values. responding to the crisis of HIV-AIDS; and soon. Global Citizens for Sustainable Development work focuses on the following areas of International workshops and networking social intervention: Youth Leadership and on civil society issues: GCSD has organized Youth Empowerment: Capacity building for workshops, conferences, forums, ilm children and youth from around the world, festivals in different parts of the world on credit and volunteer programs for students themes such as, Cross-Cultural dialogue for from Peking University (China), J.F. Oberlin Peace, Sustainable Development, Education, University in Japan, University at Albany Housing, Climate Change, Water, Youth and (US), St. Joseph’s College (India) and many World Governance, etc. GCSD also helps others. to network organizations through the World Youth Water Alliance, Asian Youth Climate Peace and culture: Building civil society Network, and Asian Citizens Alliance. capacities towards inter-community harmony. Youth and World Governance

A Global Citizens Program:

WE BUILD: An Alternative American University of Kuwait (Kuwait) Summer Study Abroad in association with GCSD to students from their respective universities/country. & Volunteer Program in Indian Culture, Development Issues and Bangalore, India Experiential Learning (4 Credit Program) This four-week annual program usually MODULE 1: Indian Life and Culture (1 scheduled from mid July – mid August and Credit / 16 hours) - Contemporary India - is designed as a co-curricular service- Political and Economical Challenges in India learning model, as it connects the theory - Caste System in India taught in the school to the application used in the world. It not only gives international MODULE 2: Peace, Justice and Social exposure to students but also engages them Movements (1 Credit/ 16 hours) - Housing through a labor intensive experience by Reforms and Social Justice Movements in building houses for the poor communities. India - Children’s Rights in India - Education The program also introduces students to the as an antidote to Poverty Indian society and culture by focusing on the MODULE 3: Experiential Learning (2 Credit three areas - culture, peace and development. / 32 hours) - Build Homes for the poor - We BUILD is designed to address key Teach Children – Global Citizens Youth themes such as Global Citizenship, Assembly 28 Housing a Human Right and Sustainable WE BUILD is also a SUMMER Development. This program is a youth VOLUNTEER PROGRAM for those empowerment program that engages young students or volunteers not interested in students and professionals in addressing academic credits but are looking for an issues related to children’s rights to education opportunity to do something meaningful and poverty alleviation. during their summer break. Thus, the The students are usually engaged in a series volunteers have an option of selecting for of action-oriented projects with children this program either for: and possibly with the tribal and rural 2 weeks - During this two week volunteers communities: facilitate painting, singing and will be involved mostly for the BUILD photography classes; teach soccer, volleyball, project, building houses in rural Bangalore. jump rope and other recreational games; 4 weeks - During this four week volunteers cook and serve food to children; facilitate and will be involved with both rural and urban participate in discussion forums at the Global program, building houses, teaching children, Citizens Youth Assembly and teach English, attending the Global Citizens Youth Math and other subjects to the children. Assembly and many more opportunities for Presently, 4 academic Credits for this Indian cultural immersion. program are offered by University at Albany For more details send us an email: webuild@ (USA), St. Joseph’s College (India) and globalcitizens.org.in