Vietnam Action Network for Youth - VANY

2006-02-17T10:59:00.000+07:00

VIETNAM ACTION NETWORK FOR YOUTH –
VANY PROJECT PROPOSAL
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“Promoting Vietnam Youth Voices & Participation through networking and communication”

1. VANY Project Proposal Goals/Objectives:

The project proposal of the Vietnam Action Network for Youth – VANY established and operated with following key goals:

- building up an open, friendly and loose platform for individual youth, youth organizations & volunteer groups to exchange and share experiences, information and initiatives of youth offline through a series of activities on special occasions and online activities through a website/forum/discussion boards or in monthly VANY newsletter,
- organize training and workshops on how to promote volunteerism among young generation; provision of life-skills, organizational skills, facilitation and fundraising skills for youth/volunteer groups,
- foster, promote and advocate for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) among youth/youth organizations and volunteer groups in Vietnam through IEC campaigns at all levels: school, university, community etc. with member organizations as focal points,
- networking of all member organizations that link activities/projects/programmes to have bigger and bigger impacts on awareness of the society and community, a big step for the change of policies regarding youth,

2. Introduction & Identification:

Vietnam Action Network for Youth - VANY is a network of individual youths, youth groups and youth-led organizations that share the same perspectives of “YOUTH TAKE ACTIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT” that must be consistent with the promotion of a substantial slogan “YOUTH VOICES & PARTICIPATION” in Vietnam. It serves as an open, loose and friendly platform for youth to exchange ideas, share experiences and collaborate together on different projects and programs that are led by youth.

As a member of the Global Youth Action Network – GYAN, the Global Youth Service Day – GYSD and TakingITGlobal, VANY provides information support and recognition for the voices, participation, initiatives and positive solutions of youth.

Given the facts that many individual youths and youth organizations in Vietnam has been contributing human, financial resources and volunteering in nationwide to development of Vietnam but unworthily unrecognized due to lack of a “strong voice” that could put an effect for change. VANY would be a connection to link and gather specific recommendations on youth issues, volunteerism to have a stronger petition to be submitted to the Hochiminh Communist Central Youth Union, Vietnam Youth Federation, National Committee on Youth of Vietnam or even the Vietnam Government.

With the identification given, a group of youth, volunteers in Hanoi who have been working as young activists came up with an idea of the youth-coordinated network for all unregistered youth groups/organizations to make a difference.

In the ideal case, VANY will be an umbrella organization of almost youth groups/organizations, volunteer groups and civil society organizations working with/for youth in a common perspective of “for a better world”.

3. STATE THE NEED FOR VANY PROJECT PROPOSAL:

As VANY initiative is the first ever-established youth network which can link all in-country youth groups, clubs and volunteer groups working for youth development and achievement of 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) nationwide through a coordination group (called Governing Council) who are pooled from all member organizations. Further, the networking and linkage of Vietnam youth groups/clubs has never been taken into consideration by government agencies especially the unregistered youth groups. Additionally, VANY would be a good panel/channel that its member organizations can raise their voices to policy-makers, legislators and government officials on all youth-related issues such as volunteerism, youth law (that has just been adopted by Vietnam National Assembly on November 28, 2005) etc.

The VANY project proposal will be a breakthrough in the process of regularization of its member groups that would help them with more empowerment in their intervention into decision-making process in the future.

In Vietnam, adolescents and young people are facing many challenges. One of these challenges is lack of HIV/AIDS prevention knowledge. “HIV/AIDS campaigns in Vietnam have been successful in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS among the vast majority of young people who participated. However, though high levels of knowledge were recorded, accuracy of knowledge was lower. Notable is that nearly three quarters of young people who have never attended school have not heard of AIDS. SAVY shows a clear relationship between level of education and HIV knowledge. SAVY also shows that discussion about HIV/AIDS with young people in the family is often not linked to reproductive health and sexuality issues”[1]. Further, substance use is also identified in the SAVY findings as challenged issues for adolescents and young people in Vietnam “…98.6% of the total sample said that they can easily obtain alcohol. Young men are further encouraged to drink through peer pressure, but social constraints discourage the same behavior in young women”[2]. Therefore, the awareness-raising as well peer education is considered important to change their risky behaviors to HIV/AIDS and substance abuse and VANY is trying to play a small but indispensable role in changing young people’ thinking that HIV/AIDS is not an easy disease to be contracted as well substance abuse must be tried to become adult.

4. STATE THE PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES:

VANY has organized some events and activities in all areas of MDGs on international occasions such as World Environmental Day June 6, 2005 event in Hanoi; International Volunteer Day (December 5), World AIDS Day (December 1) & International Day of the Disabled Persons (December 3) etc.

In addition, VANY has planned to follow up with some other activities to promote volunteerism and youth development through some key events such as International Youth Day (August 12) International Volunteer Day (December 5), World AIDS Day (December 1), and International Day of the Disabled Persons (December 3) etc. These days were jointly-organized in Hanoi where more than 1,500 volunteers, young participants could come and share their experiences in favor of these days and there have been many important government officials, embassies and UN agencies’ representatives came and delivered remarks. This year, the event was called “Beauty in Diversity: Something for everyone”.

Further, VANY has been working together with other South East Asian nations to set up a SEA Youth NGOs and planning to host a SEA Youth Leadership for MDGs soon.

5. MILESTONES OF THE VANY PROJECT PROPOSAL:

In next 5 years, the VANY project proposal with the Governing Council as focal point will try to set up a network of about 20 youth groups/volunteer groups nationwide with strong commitment to youth movement. Of which there will be three appointed to be representative organizations of VANY for three regions of Vietnam which will be responsible for reporting to the Governing Council (GC) in Hanoi. Further, these focal points will be standing members of the GC involved in the decision-making process, planning and designing of programmes of the whole VANY.

6. WHO WILL UNDERTAKE/IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT?

There will be about 10 youth and volunteer groups/clubs of 30 members minimum accounting for 300 members in which at least 5 of each are active in planning and designing of the VANY projects and activities. They are all owners of the VANY. Further, there will also be a Governing Council who will be pooled from all youth groups to manage, monitor and evaluate activities. The head of the Governing Council will be president/founder of the VANY who will lead the VANY Governing Council.

5. WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE PROJECT?

Actually, the first beneficiaries are our direct members of 300 from member youth organizations which are registered with VANY. Further, these direct members will return to their home town and train new young members with new emerging youth & volunteer groups established therefore, the indirect beneficiaries will be approximately double of its origin. Additionally, the Governing Council members in collaboration with Youth Union member organizations promote volunteerism among young generations in local areas where Youth Union network are strong. Therefore, the indirect beneficiaries will be much more extensive.

6. HOW WILL YOU DETERMINE THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT?

VANY has set up a management board (Governing Council) with representation of its member organizations. This board will have monthly meetings to monitor and evaluate all activities, projects and programmes. Further, this board will also act as advisory board which can provide guidelines for the better implementation of all VANY members’ activities.

In addition, monthly reports of all projects will be sent to Management Board (Governing Council) members to ensure that their activities are running on time followed with proposed commitments.

7. THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT:

VANY needs about 75,000 USD for its 5 years project which can cover all administrative work (website, domain, hosting, newsletter printing, workshop, training, events, location for server set up). This amount of money is being a hindrance for the VANY members as they are stuck in seeking fund. (to be clarified more in page 5)

8. What contribution, if any, will be provided by the applicants and what contribution, if any, will be provided by other sources?

As VANY is not-for-profit and volunteer-based network therefore, all human resources pooled from its member organizations are free of charge. The Governing Council will coordinate implementation of the VANY project as well pooling human resources from its member organizations.

In addition, the maintenance of the VANY server and updating process will be provided by some other volunteers who are graduates of IT University on voluntary basis. VANY will provide space, electricity and internet connection during the time.

9. Who will be responsible for looking after the completed project?

During the time of VANY project implementation, the Governing Council will work together to formalize VANY to be a not-for-profit organizations with legal personality according to the Decree 88 ND-CP dated on 30 August 2003 by Prime Minister. This NGO will be looking after the completed project and also responsible for follow-ups. Further, VANY member organizations will gradually become legal organizations and VANY would by that time be a network/coordinating forum for these organizations. Additionally, VANY would like to collaborate with the Global Youth Action Network – GYAN, regional office to foster the establishment of the country office where VANY member organizations can be active members. This alliance will promote youth voice to a higher level.

Contact person:

Tran Van Tinh (Mr.)
Founding President of VANY
Home: (844) 862 5888
Mobile: (84) 91 223 0617
Email: tran.van.tinh@gmail.com / young.vietnam@yahoo.com
Group: http://groups.google.com/group/vanyproject
Blogger: http://vanyproject.blogspot.com
[1] Survey Assessment of Vietnamese Youth – SAVY, Executive summary, p11, August 2005, MOH, GSO, WHO & UNICEF
[2] Survey Assessment of Vietnamese Youth – SAVY, Executive summary, p11, August 2005, MOH, GSO, WHO & UNICEF

ASIA-EUROPE YOUTH NETWORK-FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2006-02-14T15:49:00.000+07:00

ASIA-EUROPE YOUTH NETWORK

FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Draft 1 (October 26, 2004)

Background

The Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) first convened the Heads of States of Government of different Asian and European countries in Bangkok, Thailand in 1996 in recognition for the need to strengthen relations between the two regions as reflection of the shift from “aid and trade” to a more “balanced and equal partnership” for both regions.[1] Every two years thereafter, the ASEM Summit is convened to increase understanding and enhance cooperation especially in the “three pillars” of development: political, economic and social, between the two regions.

In preparation for the 5^th ASEM Summit in September 2005, 61 youth leaders from 24 countries in Asia and Europe met for the 4^th ASEM Youth Dialogue in Hanoi, Vietnam in June 28-July 2, 2004. A product of the Hanoi Youth Dialogue is the “Youth Statement on Sustainable Development” (Attached herewith as Annex 1), wherein the observations and recommendations of the Asian and European youths were outlined for presentation to the 5^th ASEM Summit.

The Youth declared the need for holistic approach to sustainable development and for stronger youth participation and collaboration with the government, international organizations and with each other for such a campaign. They also realized the importance of stronger relations and more frequent communications and cooperation between youth organizations among and between Asia and Europe to contribute to the efforts to promote sustainability in development in the two regions.

The concept of an inter-regional youth network to foster stronger and continuous partnerships between the youth organizations in the two regions was conceived in Hanoi during the 4^th ASEM Youth Dialogue. This network can help ensure realize the adoption of the Youth inputs in the ASEM and other international directional policy organizations.

This concept had been further developed when 17 youth leaders from 9 countries representing 16 organizations met in September 11-12, 2004 in Tagaytay City, Philippines for a Strategic Planning Workshop on the propose network. The Workshop was hosted by the Philippine delegation to the Hanoi ASEM Youth Dialogue and was supported with support from the Youth Connections Grant of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF).

VISION

A partnership that enhances inter-regional cooperation[2] between Asian and European youth towards achieving the culture of sustainable development[3]

MISSION

The Asia Europe Youth Network for Sustainable Development is a loose and informal network of youth organizations from Asia and Europe that acknowledges each other as partners and collaborators working towards global sustainable development.

OBJECTIVES OF THE NETWORK

1) To strengthen the existing network between youth organizations in Asia and Europe advocating and working for sustainable development;

2) To provide a forum for exchange of ideas and experiences between and among partner organizations;

3) To encourage consensus-building on thematic issues and concerns among the partner organizations;

4) To present opportunities for coordinated activities and programs in the campaign for sustainable development;

5) To facilitate additional support for partner organizations and their respective programs and activities, specifically those within the framework of sustainable development; and

6) To highlight positive contributions of youths and youth organizations in the campaign for sustainable development.

STRATEGIES and ACTIVITIES

To fulfill the vision of stronger relations for a bi-regional sustainable development, and to achieve the objectives for this network, this partnership will focus on the following strategies and projects/activities:

1. Advocacy

To continuously campaign for the inclusion of sustainable development in the priority agenda of Asian and European governments and inter-governmental organizations and institutions in both regions as well as to promote investment on youth participation and inputs at both the national and international/global processes (e.g. ASEM, UNCSD, ASEAN, EU, others) on sustainable development. Focus of the advocacy includes:

o Push for sufficient youth representation in National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) within the different Asian and European governments and in countries where NCSDs have not yet been set-up, to push for its creation and support

o Push for the drafting and adoption of a National Strategy on Sustainable Development (NSSD), if there is none, with inputs and contributions from the civic society, including the youth in all countries in Asia and Europe

o Push Asian and European governments to create and actively monitor; with direct youth involvement, sustainability indicators as recommended by the Hanoi Youth Statement on Sustainable Development

o Push for the implementation of key targets of the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) such as the integration of sustainable development in school curriculum; especially in the primary education and the implementation of sustainable development projects in school campuses

The process of consensus building and coordination of activities fro the network will be facilitated through annual bi-regional youth dialogues and the assembly of this propose network to ensure effective advocacy.[4]

2. Knowledge Management

To review, evaluate and investigate sustainable development processes and implementation in both Asia and Europe, and to share these and other information (including best practices) for the promotion of sustainable development the following will be instituted within the network

o The creation and maintenance of a regularly-updated inventory of the positions and activities of the youth in both regions within their respective NCSDs and NSSD policy making mechanisms.

o Prepare an inventory of the roles and involvement of the youth in both regions in the implementation of the targets set for the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) starting 2005. The aim of the project is to put together and widely share relevant information and opportunities about the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development across all contacts and linkages of the partnership

o Mobilize youth in both regions to actively participate in monitoring the sustainability indicators in countries where such indicators exists and facilitate youth exchanges to build the capacity of the youth from countries where these indicators still do not exist so that they can effectively push for its adoption and institutionalization

3. Network Consolidation & Expansion

To promote (individual and organizational) exchanges and collaborations within this network and cooperation with other organizations, the following strategies and activities are being proposed.

o Identify profile and invite other youth organizations engaged in the sustainable development within Asian and European countries. For strategic purposes, the consolidation will start among relevant youth groups in the ASEM member countries but will eventually cover all countries in Asia and Europe.

o The strengthening and consolidation of regional youth platforms for sustainable development for both Asia and Europe. [5]

o To foster increasing communications and understanding of youth in Asia and Europe through internet forums and seminars on topics and issues related to Sustainable Development. A good starting point are the main issues and positions reached in the Hanoi Youth Statement on Sustainable Development, including in particular the effects and relationship of globalization to sustainable development

o Provide opportunities for individual youth people and youth organizations from both regions to experience and learn varying approached to sustainable development implementation at all levels in difference countries within the two regions through an educational/immersion youth exchange program.[6]

COOPERATION FRAMEWORK

The members of this network intend not only to work with each other internally but also to network and cooperate with other organizations and institutions directly or indirectly working for sustainable development. These may include inter-governmental partnerships and organizations, international development organizations, other youth organizations, etc.

The network can specially work with inter-governmental organizations that influenced the directions for national, regional and international sustainable development priorities through technical and policy inputs as well as through collaborated programs and activities. Such organizations and mechanisms include, but are not limited to the following:

a. Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is composed of 10 countries from the said region that bonded together to achieve “cooperative peace and shared prosperity”.

b. Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an assembly of Heads of States from 10 Asian countries and 15 European nations that recognizes the need to strengthen relations between the two regions to “reflect the increased importance of Asia on the world stage”.

c. European Union (EU) is an organization of 25 democratic countries in Europe that foster cooperation and unity among the peoples of Europe.

d. United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) is an inter-governmental organization that serves as a high-level forum for sustainable development within the United Nations. Membership to UNCSD is possible only for UN member states and only through election by the Economic and Social Council.

e. World Bank and other International Financing Institutions,

f. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

g. UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) efforts

CURRENT STRUCTURE AND IMMEDIATE PLANS

Initially, all activities of the network is coordinated by the YSDA-Pilipinas Inc. (Youth for Sustainable Development Assembly). These will cover drafting, finalization and distribution of the concept paper to participating and other potential partner organizations, collation of feedbacks and decisions from these organizations, as well as coordinating the initial activities of the network prior to the next Network meeting in Brunei in July or August 2005, simultaneous with the proposed 2005 Youth Dialogue..

Formalization, in terms of recognition and approval of the concept of partnership indicated above, from the founding partner organizations is the initial and most vital step for this network.

Upon approval of the partnership arrangement and finalization of network/partner organizations, the discussion on the structure, institutional system and the short, medium and long-term programs and plans will be conducted in the next network meeting.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For inquiries, comments and suggestions please contact:

Mr. Roy Cabonegro

Chairperson & CEO

Mr. Rior N. Santos

International Affairs Coordinator

YSDA Pilipinas, Inc.

(Youth for Sustainable Development Assembly)

59 C. Salvador Street Loyola Heights, Quezon City

1105 Philippines

Telefax No.: +63 2 436 02 07 Mobile Phone +63 912 213 02 54

Email address : ysdamail@yahoo.com / rior_nsantos@yahoo.com

Website: in progress

[1] From “An Introduction to the Asia – Europe Meeting – ASEM” during the ASEM 4 in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2002

[2] Relations that promote unity and harmony in cultural diversity and utilize globalization to better understand other cultures and societies.

[3] A development that puts premium on an empowered youth, which not only has access to education, resources and information, but are also involved in all decision-making processes from the local to the global socio-political levels. “Culture” here refers to the culture which provides equal opportunities and encourages responsible lifestyles..

[4] Brunei Youth Council has submitted to the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF) a proposal to conduct a Youth Dialogue in Brunei for 2005. The Tagaytay workshop participants have recommended two (2) topics for the proposed 2005 Dialogue: (a) Education on Sustainable Development, and (b) Renewables as a Possible Future Energy for Asia and Europe.

[5] This will include supporting efforts to consolidate an Asian platform for youth involvement in sustainable development building from the existing gains in various efforts such as the South East Asia Sustainable Development Youth Network (SEA SusDev YouthNet), Asia Youth Environment network (AYEN), the South Asia Youth Environment Network (SAYEN), the Asia Pacific Youth Environment Network (APYEN), the Asian Students Alliance (ASA). For Europe, this will mean further strengthening existing regional groups for environment & sustainable development such as the Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) and other groups. Efforts will also be made to maximize the existence of a UNCSD Youth Caucus and other youth caucuses in various sustainable development-related international mechanisms.

[6] YSDA Pilipinas (Youth for Sustainable Development Assembly) www.ysda.tk currently is writing a proposal on ASEAN-Japanese exchange on sustainable development for Summer of 2005. European partners to the network will be provided a copy of the concept paper to determine if they want to participate in the said exchange.

Vietnam Innovation Day 2006 (VID 2006) - Call for Proposals

2006-02-14T15:41:00.000+07:00

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The Vietnam Innovation Day 2006 (VID 2006) is organized jointly by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) through the Primary Education for Disadvantaged Children Project (PEDC) and by the World Bank (WB) and other donors, on the theme of “Disadvantaged Children and Youth” with the four following sub-themes:

1. Quality education for disadvantaged children and youth

2. Street children and youth

3. Out of school, out of work children and youth; and

4. Participation and empowerment of children and youth in society.

Children are here defined as those between the ages of 4 and 14; and youth are here defined as those between the ages of 15 and 24.

VID 2006 will be held in June 2006 in Hanoi, when individuals or organizations with shortlisted innovative proposals will have an opportunity to meet and share ideas. The World Bank together with other donors and MOET will establish separate panels of judges to make final selections for funding from shortlists of the best proposals. It is anticipated that at least thirty projects will be selected for awards of up to a maximum US$10,000 each, either from the World Bank together with other donors or from MOET under the PEDC, to support their implementation.

The World Bank together with other donors and MOET will separately and independently select proposals for grant award in relation to the following categories:

· World Bank and other donors will award grants to innovative proposals from individuals and organizations addressing the needs of youth or targeting both children and youth.

· MoET will award grants to innovative proposals only from organizations (not individuals), addressing only the needs of children.

Foreign individuals and entities may only apply in cooperation with a Vietnamese partner bearing primary implementation responsibilities.

Eligibility criteria, implementation requirements and application forms are different for projects selected by the World Bank together with other donors and those selected by MOET. Further information in each case and application forms are available at: (1) WB: http://www.worldbank.org.vn; (2) MOET: http://www.edu.net.vn; and (3) PEDC: www.gdth-pedc.org.vn. Hard copies are available at the World Bank Office at 63 Ly Thai To St., 8^th Floor, Hanoi; at the Vietnam Development Information Center 1^st Floor, 63 Ly Thai To St., Hanoi; at the PEDC Project Coordination Unit (PCU) at 57A, Tran Phu Street, Hanoi; or at the Department of Education and Training (DoET) within any province, or can be emailed or posted upon request.

The World Bank together with other donors and MOET are inviting proposals within the theme and sub-themes specified above from all interested parties. Completed proposals (hard copy or electronic) must be received at the World Bank Office in Hanoi no later than by 17:00 April 28, 2006, address to:

Vietnam Innovation Day program

The World Bank in Vietnam

8^th Floor, 63 Ly Thai To St., Hanoi

Or email: vietnam@worldbank.org

For further details please call 1900 – 1734 for automatic answering service or contact:

Ms. Ngo Kieu Anh /Ms. Luu Thu Thuy

The World Bank in Vietnam PEDC

8^th Floor, 63 Ly Thai To St., Hanoi 57a Tran Phu

Tel: (04) 934-6600 Ext. 335 Tel. (04) 734 2092 Ext. 207

Fax: (04) 934-6597 Fax. (04) 734 2091

Email: vietnam@worldbank.org Email: thuy.pcu@pedc.org.vn

Vietnamese youth delegates visit Korea

2005-04-04T08:25:00.000+07:00

A delegation of thirty Vietnamese youth recently journeyed to Seoul of the Republic of Korea to take part in youth exchange in the capital city.

Led by Mr. Bui Dang Dung, the Secretary of the Communist Party, the delegation met the Youth Department under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Korea.

Mr. Dung suggested in their meeting that the two sides should tighten youth exchanges by establishing a model forum where youths from both countries could gather.

He proposed Korean youths provide assistance and training to their peers from Vietnam concerning state-of-the art technologies.

Mr. Kim Doo Hyeone – Head of Youth Department under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Korea said they would be delighted to take the forum into consideration at the earliest time.

The Vietnamese youth then toured the cities famous sites, universities, and modern industrial zones.

Reported by Dinh Thi - Translated by Quynh Nhu

Khoi Nghiep – Reality TV for youthful businesspeople

2005-03-28T13:11:00.000+07:00

A youth television show exploring youth business initiatives has already become popular with future businesspeople and parents alike.

Debuted a month ago on the state channel VTV, the show, Khoi Nghiep (Beginning A Career) challenges young entrepreneurs to start a business with nothing but their wits, and initial start-up funds.

Start-up

Each candidate on the show receives VND1 million with the objective of devising a plan to effectively utilize the money to start a career.

It is interesting how young minds attack the challenge, displaying talent, youthful business inclinations, and practical ideas.

Tackling the difficulties of start-up proves a major hurdle in the contestant’s success in starting career.

Some successful businessmen came up with selling toys at school gates, processing food, opening a small restaurant during their tenure on Khoi Nghiep, broadcast on VTV3.

The program demands a lot of effort and time from television editors, cameramen and the entire behind the scenes production.

For 15 minutes of ‘Khoi Nghiep’ featuring a contestant on air, editors and cameramen record on average at least 20-30 minute tapes.

Fresh approach

Television writer Tran Thanh Hong from Vietnam Film Studio comments, “The success of Khoi Nghiep is in its unique content. It’s an intellectual program for television staff and contestants. Like the reality TV craze in the West, the show gives an insider’s look that TV audiences want.”

The youth contestant business plans to date on the show have shown a unique approach to business that an adult mind might overlook, or view in a complicated manner. The results are a pure show presenting real opportunities for ambitious youths with a fresh look at business.

(Reported by Nguyet Huong – Translated by Minh Phat)

UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

2005-03-26T13:03:00.000+07:00

Resolution 217 A (III) of the General Assembly of the United Nations, 10 December 1948

PREAMBLE:

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

ARTICLE 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

ARTICLE 2
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

ARTICLE 3
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

ARTICLE 4
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

ARTICLE 5
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

ARTICLE 6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

ARTICLE 7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

ARTICLE 8
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

ARTICLE 9
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

ARTICLE 10
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

ARTICLE 11
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

ARTICLE 12
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

ARTICLE 13
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

ARTICLE 14
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

ARTICLE 15
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

ARTICLE 16
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

ARTICLE 17
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

ARTICLE 18
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

ARTICLE 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

ARTICLE 20
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

ARTICLE 21
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

ARTICLE 22
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

ARTICLE 23
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

ARTICLE 24
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

ARTICLE 25
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

ARTICLE 26
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

ARTICLE 27
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

ARTICLE 28
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

ARTICLE 29
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

ARTICLE 30
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

Sister Cities International Young Artists Competition 2005

2005-03-24T10:12:00.000+07:00

Awards
Sister Cities International Young Artists Competition 2005
For international young artists...
Deadline: April 29 2005

The Sister Cities International Young Artists Competition uses artwork to promotes peace, mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. Young artists from around the world, ages 13 to 18, use their imagination to express their concept of the sister city mission through the competition's yearly theme. The theme for the 2005 Young Artists Competition is "Connecting Global Villages."

The deadline for the 2005 Young Artists Competition is April 29 2005.

Each participating student artist must be between 13 and 18 years of age at the time the entries are due. All entries must be the original design and artwork of the entrant. Only new pieces inspired by the theme should be submitted. Each member community may submit one piece of artwork created by a local student. Each member community may invite its sister cities to participate as well, submitting one piece of artwork created by a student from each sister city. Each entry must be sent with a completed official entry form. For cities outside of the USA to participate, they will need to first become members of Sisters Cities International.

A panel of judges selects the winners based on originality, composition, and theme interpretation. Ten winners will be selected and awarded a cash prize. The winning artwork goes on a one-year tour, with the tour kicking off at the Sister Cities International Annual conference in July 2005. Each of the ten winners will receive a $300 award and certificate. All other entrants will receive a Certificate of Participation. A press release announcing the winning students' names and local communities will be made available to sponsoring programmes to highlight their involvement in the Young Artist Competition.

There is a $30 entry fee for each piece of artwork. It is the responsibility of the member community to ensure that entries are submitted with the entry fee. Any entries not accompanied by the entry fee will not be judged. If an entry is to be returned after the competition, it must also be accompanied by a $15 shipping and handling fee. If an entry does not include the return fee, it becomes Sister Cities International property. Returns are made to the member community submitting/sponsoring the work. Click here to find out about becoming an international member of Sister Cities International.

Click here for more information.

Contact:
Erica Smith
Sister Cities International
1301 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Suite 850
Washington DC 20004, USA
Tel: +1 202 347 8630 ext. 4877
Fax: +1 202 393 6524
esmith@sister-cities.org or info@sister-cities.org
Competition website

Source: Sister Cities International website

Youth Forum on Pregnancy Prevention in a Time of AIDS ONLINE, March 15 – April 15, 2005

2005-03-24T09:58:00.000+07:00

YouthNet invites you to participate in this new online forum, where you can share your experiences and lessons learned, along with guest experts from the United Nations and other international agencies. YouthNet is co-sponsoring this with the INFO Project, in conjunction with the Implementing Best Practices in Reproductive Health (IBP) Initiative, which is coordinated by the World Health Organization.

The forum will focus on critical health issues for youth throughout the world, to help reduce unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV/AIDS. Each week will focus on a particular topic such as dual protection, abstinence, medical barriers to contraceptives for youth, and the role of media.

To participate: Send an e-mail to info@ibpinitiative.org with “Youth Forum” in the subject line.
In your e-mail, please include your name and the country in which you work. You will receive an e-mail response explaining how the forum will work.

During the month-long online forum, you will receive only one e-mail a day from the forum administrators, with all contributions screened and presented as a single well-organized digest. You will be able to participate in the forum simply by responding to this daily digest e-mail. Or, you can contribute to the discussion via the Web, through the Implementing Best Practices in Reproductive Health Electronic Communication System (IBP/ECS) atwww.ibpinitiative.org

Youth-Policy.Com Newsletter

2005-03-24T09:53:00.000+07:00

Newsletter December 2004

The youth-policy.com Newsletter includes recent news, events, and current policy making efforts within the rapidly-changing field of youth reproductive health. The youth-policy.com website, launched in 2004, is an online resource for improving youth reproductive health and HIV policy worldwide, and is used by youth, policy-makers, NGO's, donors, and technical experts. Both youth-policy.com and the Newsletter are brought to you by The Adolescent Working Group, POLICY Project in collaboration with YouthNet/Family Health International.

To subscribe to the youth-policy.com Newsletter, or to contribute ideas, feedback, or questions please send an email to yrh@policyproject.com. For copies of publications please contact the organization referenced in the newsletter.

Inclusion of publications and resources in youth-policy.com Newsletter does not imply endorsement.

News

Jamaica Approves New National Youth Policy
The revised 2004 national youth policy articulates the importance of planning for the development for Jamaica's human resources from birth onward; defines a common vision and framework for youth development; spells out the roles and responsibilities of youth in their personal and national development; and serves as a tool for advocating on youth development issues. In the focal area on health, the policy prioritizes youth at risk of early pregnancy, substance misuse, and HIV and other STIs. Strategic objectives include the provision of quality information to young persons on healthy life styles, including alternatives to risky behaviors such as drug use and multiple sexual partners, and to increase access to and use of quality youth-friendly health services.
Source: Youth Reproductive Health Policy, Country Brief Series No. 1, September 2004.
Read the new policy

Uganda Reviews Consent Policy on HIV-testing for Minors
The Ugandan government is reviewing its policy on HIV-voluntary counseling and testing for children following recommendations by experts that disclosure of a child's sero-status should only be done by a person with whom the child feels most comfortable. According to current policy, a child (18 years and under) cannot be tested for HIV without the consent of a parent or guardian. But officials say the reality is that many children who lack parental support begin sexual activity early or have been caught up in war-situations and got infected. Experts also agree there is a need to address the special counseling and testing needs of disabled children. Uganda has won acclaim in the world for its anti-AIDS campaign that has paid off by reducing infection rates from 30 percent in the 1990s to about 6 percent presently. An estimated one million people are HIV-positive, of whom 10 percent are children. A million people have died of the disease since it was first diagnosed 22 years ago.
Source: PlusNews, October 2004
Read more about VCT & Youth policies in the youth-policy.com database
Read policies from Uganda

Specific Educational Programs can Significantly Reduce Support for FGC
An evaluation of village educational programs in Senegal and Burkina Faso revealed that women who participated have higher levels of knowledge and improved attitudes concerning gender-based violence, FGC, and reproductive health. Approval rates of FGC decreased significantly, but not all participants changed attitudes to FGC. However women reported a significant and sizeable decrease in cutting of young daughters in Senegal.
Full Report: The Tostan program: Evaluation of a Community-based education program in Senegal
Full Report: Experience from a community-based education program in Burkina Faso: The Tostan program
Read more about FGC and youth policies

Mandatory parental involvement in youth contraceptive decisions may increase risk of teenage pregnancy
Facing laws requiring parental involvement in family planning decision-making, half of teenagers would discontinue use of clinic services, but few would be deterred from having sex, according to a recent U.S. study, "Confidential Reproductive Health Services for Minors: The Potential Impact of Mandated Parental Involvement for Contraception," by Rachel K. Jones and Heather Boonstra. Instead, a review of the research shows that teenagers would reduce their use of the most effective contraceptive methods and use less effective ones, such as withdrawal, or no method at all.
Source: Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, Volume 36, Number 5, September/October 2004
Read more about contraception and youth policies

In Their Own Words: Practitioners Talk About Policy Impact

Uganda adopted a National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy in 2004. Rev. Mwesigwa Simon, Diocesan Youth Worker of the Anglican Church of Uganda, comments on the policy's impact on the activities of the Church:

As a result of the formulation of the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health policy, many Dioceses in the Anglican Church of Uganda have committed themselves to ensuring an annual budgetary allocation for ASRH activities. These include the Diocese of Kampala, Busoga Diocese, Sebei Diocese, and South Rwenzori Diocese among others. In Sebei Diocese for instance, youths have formed an advocacy music and drama group which communicates ASRH issues through drama and music to schools and parishes. They do this using the funds allocated to them in the annual diocesan budget. As a result, many folks have changed their attitude towards female genital mutilation, a cultural practice that demeans the girls. One elder had this to say, "We realized the danger this was causing our girls as they came up to express it in their plays. Most of us have abandoned the practice."

Events

Repositioning of Family Planning Conference: Accra, Ghana - February 15th-18th, 2005. Participants from various African countries will be coming together to address the repositioning of family planning within their regional and cultural contexts. Also being featured at the conference will be youth-policy.com as a tool for policy-makers worldwide. Contact: Nina Pruyn at npruyn@advanceafrica.org.

New on youth-policy.com

Streamlined Search Engine
Based on user feedback, we have streamlined the basic and advanced search functions. Check it out! - We welcome user feedback on this recent change and encourage you to contact us through the website link with your impressions and/or suggestions.

A Resource Guide on HIV/AIDS for Young Women
The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and The Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) created this resource guide based on a February-March 2002 online discussion aimed at young women. Moderated on AWID's Young Women and Leadership (YWL) list-serve, this forum was designed as a means for sharing ideas and information, as well as for initiating debates on issues that affect young women in their particular contexts. The forum was also an effort to provide a space for young women to articulate their visions and perspectives for the advancement of the women's rights and social justice agenda internationally. Some of the topics covered included: Intersections between youth, gender, and HIV/AIDS Emerging challenges and successes in HIV/AIDS for young people (particularly young women) Ways in which young people can participate in addressing gender and youth issues in HIV/AIDS programmes geared specifically toward young women who are leaders in their communities worldwide, to download a copy of this booklet go to http://www.awid.org/publications/ActNow.pdf or Contact: Shamillah Wilson, AWID, Shamillah@awid.org, or Sisonke Msimang, UNIFEM, sisonke.msimang@undp.org. For details of how to access discussion archives: http://www.hdnet.org. Source: SEA-AIDS eForum 2004: sea-aids@eforums.healthdev.org
Read more about HIV and youth policies

Female Genital Cutting (FGC) This new report, funded by the USAID Interagency Working Group on FGC, attempts to answer the question: what information exists on FGC and what information gaps are perceived by individuals and groups that work to eradicate this practice? PRB, FHI, PATH, FRONTIERS, and the Manoff Group gathered information from eight African countries (Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Senegal, and Uganda) where FGC is practiced.
Full Report: Information on Female Genital Cutting: What Is Out There? What Is Needed? An Assessment
Read more about FGC and youth policies

Feedback and Evaluation

Just in! The June-November Monitoring Report of youth-policy.com Usership results

Send your comments, questions, requests, and ideas to yrh@policyproject.com.

Youth in Action News in Brief

2005-03-24T09:09:00.000+07:00

Expanding the National Youth Action Council
Having recently concluded its annual meeting with very positive developments, NYAC is currently being expanded to include youth serving organizational members. Members may take substantive roles in the planning and execution of the National Youth Platform and the National Youth Conventions. NYAC will also create a communications network among these organizations to ensure adequate youth representation at the national level. Interested in becoming an organizational member? Visit the NYAC page for more information

Youth In Action Award Winners Announced
Winners of of the 2002 Youth In Action Awards have been anounced and will soon be posted on the web site. Youth-initiated projects that have had an extraordinary impacted on their communities are being recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Proposing a National Partnership for Youth Engagement
Youth In Action, having convened a meeting of key youth-serving organizations dedicated to improving youth engagement, is again building a National Youth Platform. The youth vote is important, but only when young people feel their voices are being heard will they go cast their ballots. Now prepared to galvanize young people's voices nationwide, a cooperative youth-adult partnership is being proposed to improve youth civic engagement in America.

Youth Resources On-Line Guide

2005-03-23T13:25:00.000+07:00

Welcome to the world guide on resources for youth policies, programmes and activities
(http://www.youth-resources.net/english/main.htm)

One of the most important problems confronting a national youth policy and various youth programmes and activities, is the issue of resources. However, it is often not very easy for those responsible (especially young people) to identify and obtain the resources necessary sufficiently to plan, implement, evaluate and re-direct such youth policies, programmes and activities on a sustained basis.

This gap of information on resources has led the ICNYP to prepare this World Guide.

In one part, the Guide presents profiles, links, and contacts of organizations from various parts of the world which provide different types of resources for youth policies...

In the other part, in order to facilitate your work, the Guide provides a manual of guidelines and a select bibliography for research on resources for youth policies...

The ICNYP Resource Team expresses its sincere thanks to the UNESCO INFOYOUTH Service for its material support for the preparation and launching of this on-line World Guide and to the National Commission for UNESCO of the Republic of Korea for its nomination and backing of this project.

The Guide is a follow up of a UNESCO sponsored World Directory in 1993 and the ICNYP Resource Team intends to up-date and improve this Guide on a regular basis. We welcome your reactions and suggestions, and we hope you find the Guide useful in your search for resources for youth policies, programmes and activities.

Happy Surfing!

William D. Angel, ICNYP Secretary General
on behalf of the ICNYP Resources Team

P.S. We need your help to evaluate the utility of this Website. If you are willing to answer a VERY brief questionnaire on this matter in a few months from now, please click below and send us a blank message. Thanks!

United Nations Youth Fund

2005-03-23T13:21:00.000+07:00

Address:

c/o Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD)
Department of Economic and Social Development (DESA)
2 United Nations Plaza, Room DC2-1314
New York City, New York 10017 U.S.A
Tel: +1-212-963-2791 Fax: +1-212-963-3062 Internet: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin
E-mail: youth@un.org

Establishment of the organization:		1981
Legal status:		Intergovernmental fund of the UN/DSPD/DESA.

Purposes of the organization:

In accordance with the United Nations General Assembly guidelines, the Fund supports: activities to:

strengthen policy-making and programme capacities for youth;
encourage research, training, data collection, and evaluation of technical information on youth issues;
support of youth-related technical cooperation activities requested by Governments, especially for the least-developed countries;
support of projects to further the implementation of the United Nations World Programme of Action to the Year 2000 and Beyond.

Activities supported:

Generation, dissemination and exchange of information (research, publications, use of new information technologies) policies and programmes concerning youth
Research, data collection, and surveys on the situation of youth
Leadership training for youth and youth NGOs
Civic participation of youth in national development
Democracy/human rights and youth participation in decision-making processes
International/inter-cultural youth understanding and cooperation
Voluntary service for, by and with young people
Media education and channels of communication by, for and with young people
Civic participation of youth in national development

Types of support: financial

Average size of grants: from US$5,000 to US$10,000 and sometimes-larger based on ear-marked grants by donors to the UN Youth Fund.
Conditions under which grants are made: Project Documents may be submitted by Governments, intergovernmental or non-governmental youth and youth-related organizations. However, if a national NGO submits such a Project Document/Grant Request, it must have the approval of the respective Government. International or regional NGOs do not need such approvals in order to submit Project Documents/Grant Requests.
Request special application form.

Priority Groups:

Adolescents and young persons aged 15-24.
Gender focus: both female and male.
Geographical focus:
Rural youth
Urban youth
Primarily in the developing countries of Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean and Western Asia / Arab regions.

ICNYP REGIONAL AWARDS ON NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY

2005-03-23T12:51:00.000+07:00

INDIA (Government of India: Ministry of Youth and Sports, Youth Department, and National Youth NGO Platform: National Youth Commission of India).

The National Youth Policy of India was formulated in 2003-2004 as an update of the first National Youth Policy adopted by the Government of India for the United Nations International Youth Year (IYY) in 1985. It was adopted by the Government of India in 2004 and many youth NGO representatives on the National Youth Commission of India and on other bodies in India contributed to the design and content of the new National Youth Policy of India The Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) provided some consultant services on this project. The ICNYP Secretary General made a presentation of ICNYP Asian and Pacific Regional Awards on National Youth Policy to Mr. Hemant Karkara, Counsellor and Alternate Permanent Representative, Embassy of India to Austria on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of India and National Youth Commission of India. Mr. Hemant Karkara made a statement to the ICNYP Council on receipt of the ICNYP Awards on 26 May 2004. The Ministry of Youth and Sports of India sent a letter to the ICNYP thanking it for this ICNYP Award and regretting that it would not be able to participate in the Second Session of the ICNYP Council due to the recent appointment of a new Minister of Youth and Sports on 25 May 2004.

IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF: (Government of Iran, I.R.: National Youth Organization of Iran I.R. and the National Youth Assembly of Iran I.R.).

The National Youth Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran was formulated in 2003-2004 and is due for adoption in 2004. It was an update of the first National Youth Policy adopted in 1998 by the Supreme Council on Youth. The process of preparing the new NYP included the participation of youth from each province and of representatives of national youth NGOs on the National Youth Assembly.. The National Youth Organization of Iran I.R. coordinated and supported this project which included the provision of an ICNYP senior consultant on national youth policy in 2004. The ICNYP Secretary General made a presentation of ICNYP Asian and Pacific Regional Award on National Youth Policy to Mr. Jafaar Satvaty, Director of the Department of International Affairs, National Youth Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran (NYOIR), Office of the President of the I.R. Iran on behalf of the National Youth Organization of Iran I.R. and the National Youth Assembly of Iran I.R.. Mr. Jafaar Satvaty made a statement to the ICNYP Council on receipt of the ICNYP Awards on 26 May.

Placing Youth at the Forefront of Efforts to Achieve the MDGs

2005-03-23T09:59:00.000+07:00

When the Millennium Development Goals were announced in 2000 by the United Nations, not enough people knew. In late 2002, two groups were created, the Millennium Project, commissioned by the Secretary-General to devise strategies for achieving the Goals, and the Millennium Campaign, which encourages citizens around the world in their efforts to hold governments to account for the promises made at the September 2000 Millennium Summit. In 2002, the Global Youth Action Network became involved in the preparatory committee for the 57th Annual NGO-DPI Conference at the UN, whose theme was MDGs: Civil Society Takes Action. The following spring, responding to a friendly challenge by Prof. Jeffrey Sachs of the Millennium Project, GYAN helped to convene and act as secretariat for an ad-hoc committee of youth experts, who recently released for consultation an extensive paper which supports our belief: that young people should be at the forefront of the movement to achieve the MDGs. Because it's our future we're talking about.

GYAN's MDG Strategy-at-Large includes :

Gathering the Facts and Raising Awareness. Following a successful series of workshops at the 2004 Annual NGO-DPI Conference, a partnership was formed with the World Federation of United Nations Associations, with whom we developed a section on youth for their upcoming Report on the MDGs. An Ad-Hoc Working Group was created, for which GYAN served as Secretariat, and an on-line consultation was organized by the group with 350 international youth participants. A report entitled “Youth and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Challenges and Opportunities for Implementation” was released in December 2004 by the Ad-Hoc Group for consultation, following 6-months of research, and will be published in the Spring.

Mobilizing Action. GYAN believes that change happens when there is real action. To supportive our strategy, a tri-partite agreement was signed in 2003 between TakingITGlobal, GYAN and the Millennium Campaign, committing our institutes to a strategy for engaging youth in MDG-related projects. In April 2005, an MDG Youth Toolkit will be distributed globally to thousands of organizations, including an MDG Youth Action Guide. Later this year, National MDG Youth Campaigns will be launched in 30 priority countries as part of this collaboration.

Impacting Policy. Change can only be sustained when it reaches the policy level, and youth voices are critical in that process. In collaboration with the Millennium Campaign and GYAN's strategic partners abroad, we will seek to engage youth in advocacy and government lobbying, and have them participate, where possible, in the poverty reduction strategy papers being produced by priority countries.

To get more information, please write to the attention of the MDG Coordinator.

. .............

.......

City NGO plans to rescue kids from sex abuse, exploitation

2005-03-22T07:35:00.000+07:00

HCM CITY — A HCM City foundation plans to expand its welfare programmes this year to protect children from work exploitation and sexual abuse.

The HCM City Child Welfare Foundation will work with city social affairs authorities to promote projects for needy children, especially those living on the street, says Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, the foundation’s deputy head.

"By offering shelter, food, education and vocational training, we aim to prevent less fortunate children from becoming involved in social crimes, child labour abuse or human trafficking," says Anh. "At the same time, we will help them return to a normal life."

Anh made her remarks at a meeting March 3 to discuss this year’s foundation goals.

"However, to achieve these goals, we need close co-operation from relevant government agencies and need to look for more funds to ensure a good performance for our childcare projects," she says.

Foundation reports show that the non-governmental organization in 2004 helped more than 1,600 under-privileged children, including the homeless, orphans and children of poor households.

Of the group, some 263 children have been given free accommodation at the organisation’s social centres known as Shelter or Open houses; 112 have attended general education classes; and another 167 have received job and life skills instruction.

Last year, the foundation found jobs for 143 children after they graduated from school.

The foundation is now running 10 childcare projects, with six of them offering homeless children with shelter, education and vocational training so they can later re-unite with their parents or get a job.

The other four community-based projects aim to prevent children of poor parents from dropping out and from becoming involved in drug and sexual abuse in their residential areas.

Among the most successful projects are The Future, Street Vision, Green Bamboo, Little Rose, and Social and Professional Integration.

The projects have received regular funds from international donors like UNICEF, Education for Development, Terre de Hommes and British Petroleum.

The Future alone has helped thousands of street kids with job information and sex and HIV/AIDS education while the Little Rose shelter has provided safe accommodation for 104 teen-age girls who are former victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse.

The Street Vision job-training project provides camera skills for 50 street children each year.

In 2004 alone, workers of foundation projects approached 575 children on city streets or at city hot spots like bus stations or entertainment clubs, and helped 115 others reunite with their parents.

More than 300 children also participated, for the first time, in a summer camp in Nha Trang, funded by the US-based Catalyst Foundation.

Raising funds to cover the operation of these childcare projects is another concern of the organization in the new year, Anh said.

In 2004, the foundation collected nearly US$12,000 in cash from a number of its fund-raising activities, mainly the annual Charity Gold Drive, in addition to more than VND4.1 billion in donations from international organizations.

"We do hope to raise more money from local and international donors to maintain our childcare operation and to upgrade our head office," Anh said. — VNS

Thanh Nien supports free eye exams for students

2005-03-21T15:43:00.000+07:00

Thanh Nien newspaper has joined hands with a health agency and local company to help provide free eye exams for students and to conduct a survey on school-related diseases.

The Preventive Health Department under the Ministry of Health and SPM Company are taking part in the project which will initially benefit students in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi from March 16 to April 15.

“I highly appreciate Thanh Nien’s involvement in the program as well as its articles reflecting the alarming increase of school-related diseases,” said Dr. Nguyen Huy Nga, head of the Preventive Health Department.

The rate of school children with eye diseases like myopia is 10 to 24 per cent while the number is even higher at 70 per cent for gifted students, according to ministry statistics.

One major cause is the substandard school infrastructure like poor lighting and arrangement of desks and chairs, said Dr. Nga.

Another cause is that students use computers and other learning aid equipments for long periods of time, he said.

Currently, the ministry is working with the Ministry of Education and Training to draw up a plan to better care for students’ health.

Reported by Thu Hong & To Tam - Translated by T.H.

International Development Association (IDA)

2005-03-21T13:30:00.000+07:00

A Fund To Improve the Lives of the Earth’s Poorest People

-- Related Links --

	IDA
	IDA 13 Replenishment Report
	World Bank Experts: Geoff Lamb

The International Development Association (IDA) plays a key role in supporting the World Bank's poverty reduction mission. IDA helps the earth's poorest countries by providing interest-free loans and grants for programs aimed at boosting economic growth and improving living conditions. IDA complements the World Bank's other lending arm - the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - which serves middle-income countries with capital investment and advisory services.

IDA's goal is to reduce inequalities both across and within countries by allowing more people to participate in the mainstream economy, reducing poverty, and promoting more equal access to the opportunities created by economic growth. In pursuing this goal, IDA's funds pay for programs that build the policies, institutions, infrastructure and human capital needed for equitable and environmentally sustainable development.

IDA also emphasizes increased access to basic human services, such as primary education, housing, and health care, that are necessary to ensure people a decent quality of life and empower poor people in developing countries to become productive participants in the global economy.

IDA's support is vital, because most of the 81 countries eligible for IDA loans or grants have average annual incomes of less than $500 per capita and in many, substantially less. IDA funds help these countries deal with the complex challenges they face in striving to meet the Millennium Development Goals world leaders have agreed on as benchmarks for progress – including halving poverty – by 2015. Countries must, for example, respond to the competitive pressures as well as the opportunities of globalization; arrest the spread of HIV/AIDS; and prevent conflict or deal with its aftermath.

IDA lends money (known as credits) on 'concessional' terms, meaning there is no interest charge and repayments are stretched over 35 to 40 years, including a 10-year grace period. In 2002 IDA began providing a significant portion of its resources in the form of grants. Since its inception in 1960, IDA loans and grants have totaled $152 billion, averaging $7–$9 billion a year in recent years and directing the largest share, about 50 percent, to Africa.

Development in Action

• Over the past 40 years, life expectancy at birth in developing countries has increased by 20 years - about as much as was achieved in all of human history prior to the middle of the twentieth century.
• Over the past 30 years, illiteracy in the developing world has been cut nearly in half, from 47% to 25% in adults.
• Over the past 20 years, the absolute number of people living on less than $1 a day, after rising steadily for the last 200 years, has for the first time begun to fall, even as the world's population has grown by 1.6 billion people.
• Driving much of this progress has been an acceleration of growth rates in the developing world - more than doubling the income of the average person living in developing countries over the past 35 years.

Although the World Bank raises most of its funds on the world's financial markets, IDA depends on contributions from its wealthier member countries for most of its financial resources. Donors meet every three years to replenish IDA funds; this replenishment schedule ensures ample oversight and accountability in the program and guarantees the active participation of member countries in their shared financial responsibilities. The United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Canada have traditionally made the largest donations.

The fourteenth IDA replenishment, referred to as IDA14, was launched in Paris, France in February 2004, with a subsequent meeting in July in Hanoi, Vietnam. Future discussions will take place throughout the year, with the aim of finalizing the replenishment consultations by the end of 2004 or early 2005. This particular replenishment is crucial in both timing and volume to ensure adequate financing is available to help the poorest countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals – goals for our common future.

IDA in Action

Promoting Governance and Transparency

IDA supports countries' efforts for broad-based growth by helping improve public sector governance, and enhancing institution and capacity building. IDA's strategy for improving governance and combating corruption combines economic policy reform, public sector administration reform, legal and judicial reform, and the strengthening of oversight, transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. The area of public sector reform has seen the single largest increase in IDA disbursements in recent years, and traditional “technical assistance” has become more focused to foster capacity building in specific sectors.

The Indonesia-Kecamatan Development Project has supported community efforts to establish self-governance mechanisms that are responsive to local needs and are relatively free of corruption.
Poverty Reduction Strategy Credits (PRSCs) for Burkina Faso and Uganda focus on accountability and transparency in budget management and emphasize decentralization in order to improve access to and quality of public services, while in Vietnam the emphasis is on private sector development and reforming state enterprises to improve efficiency.
In India, IDA's collaboration with reforming states has provided a platform to support cross-sectoral governance and institutional reforms, aimed at making governments smaller, more effective, and responsive to citizens' needs.
Stand-alone legal and judicial reform projects have been designed for Albania, Armenia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Particularly noteworthy is the strengthening of IDA's performance-based allocation system, which is the principal mechanism for ensuring that IDA resources are delivered to countries where they can be used effectively and are most likely to make a significant impact. This system puts in place a tight link between IDA resource allocation and country policy performance, particularly governance. This allocation system has resulted in per capita IDA allocations to countries in the highest performance quintile which are almost three times larger than those in the lowest performance quintile.

IDA Helps Countries Recover from Conflicts, Crises and Disasters

IDA plays a critical role in helping countries and regions weather shocks and crises not always of their own making, and has expanded its programs for post-conflict assistance.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, an IDA Emergency Demobilization and Reintegration Project is supporting the efforts of the Government to demobilize an estimated 150,000 ex-combatants and help them return to civilian life.
IDA is helping ensure that the savings from forgiven debt are being invested in programs designed to increase growth and fight poverty, as part of an international effort to help relieve countries of unsustainable debt levels (known as the HIPC initiative).
IDA funding in disaster management included $11.6 million to support emergency recovery in several Caribbean countries after the September 11th terrorist attacks, which adversely affected the tourism sector; $7.9 million to support emergency recovery and management of natural disasters in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; $10.8 million to support natural disaster mitigation in Honduras (following the passage of Hurricane Mitch in November 1998); and $13.5 million to support natural disaster vulnerability reduction in Nicaragua.

IDA Helps Build Infrastructure

The numbers of "infrastructure poor" people are vast in every region of the developing world. Some 1.2 billion currently lack access to safe, potable water, making them vulnerable to water-borne illness. Inadequate sanitation for 2.4 billion people means they are having to live in degraded environments where disease can easily spread. An estimated 2.5 billion remain without access to modern energy supplies, often meaning no light for studying or learning and only dirty fuel to burn for heating and cooking (leading to respiratory illness). And, for the 900 million rural dwellers in developing countries who live without reliable all-season roads, access to markets, jobs and clinics is limited.

In Zambia, IDA is working to restore and expand the country's road network. A Road Rehabilitation and Maintenance credit is currently helping develop and maintain institutional capacity for the efficient, equitable and financially sustainable management of public road infrastructure and safety. The project helps preserve the public core road network and extends urban and rural transport infrastructure and services for increased accessibility. The project also focuses on routine and periodic maintenance, and rehabilitation of roads and bridges.
To help Albania cope with an electricity crisis, which initially was the result of excessive demand resulting from illegal use of electricity and non-payment of bills, IDA is supporting a Power Sector Generation and Restructuring Project. The project is helping finance the construction of a new thermal power plant and is providing technical assistance to improve the performance and support the reform of the country's power sector.

IDA Supports Education

IDA lending for education has grown steadily since fiscal year 2000, to a near record $1 billion mark in fiscal year 2003. As of March 2004, about 90 IDA-supported projects were under implementation, amounting to nearly $4 billion. Support for primary education accounted for the largest share, or nearly a third, of total lending for the five-year period of $3.3 billion.

In Yemen, IDA is supporting a child development project that uses a community education approach to increase girls' enrollment and retention in primary schools. The project compliments Yemen's new strategy on girls' education, which includes reduction of cost barriers by waiving school fees for girls. The project is setting up community schools; increasing the number of female teachers and providing them with adequate training; providing school kits to reduce costs and strengthening textbook distribution system; and incorporating water systems in the project thus, freeing girls up from fetching water and giving them more time to attend school.
A recently approved Education Modernization project in Macedonia is assisting the government in its efforts to improve the quality of learning and efficiency of a decentralized education system. The project aims to improve school-based learning and attendance at the local level, and to empower schools and school communities to strengthen school level planning and management. It will build systems and capacity to operate in a decentralized education system, including improving strategic planning, management, and monitoring.

IDA Helps Fight The Spread Of HIV/AIDS

To date, IDA has committed more than $1.7 billion globally for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, support and treatment. Of this amount $472 million has been committed in the form of grants.

IDA has invested more than $1 billion in a multisectoral HIV/AIDS strategy for Africa, which involves a highly participatory strategic planning process including the following main elements:
- Mounting an aggressive advocacy campaign with leaders in Africa and elsewhere to situate HIV/AIDS at the center of the global development agenda
- Building knowledge by conducting cross-country analyses of the macroeconomic impact of AIDS, integrating AIDS into economic models for IDA recipients, and working with UNAIDS on estimating the costs of comprehensive national programs
- Developing capacity, for example, by retrofitting projects with HIV/AIDS activities, drafting an HIV/AIDS impact assessment module as part of the standard environmental and health assessment of projects, incorporating HIV/AIDS into “heavily indebted poor country” (HIPC) and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) packages, and developing sector-specific guidelines for addressing HIV/AIDS in transport, agriculture, education, and mining.
In Chad, IDA is supporting an AIDS project intended to reduce the transmission and socioeconomic impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the socioeconomic impacts of high fertility. IDA accomplishes this goal by supporting women's education and income-generating activities for women and women's associations. The project seeks to empower women to make their own decisions on their fertility and includes gender-specific indicators to help gauge project performance.

IDA Supports Developing Private Sectors

IDA helps improve the investment climate by encouraging countries to establish the legal and regulatory framework for private sector development, including deregulation, strengthened property rights, and improved corporate governance.

Between 2000 and 2002, 118 IDA projects were approved with components including these objectives. IDA's ongoing work to improve macroeconomic stability, open up trade, strengthen financial systems, and develop infrastructure also contributes to improving the investment climates in countries.
In Pakistan, the Banking Sector Restructuring and Privatization Project focused on partially divesting the state's shares in national commercial banks (NCBs). The state shares of the Muslim Commercial Bank will be fully divested, and the government's 49 percent stake in the Allied Bank will be sold. As part of the bank restructuring process, the project supports rationalization of NCB branches and staff.
IDA helps provide direct financing of rural poor and rural microenterprises. The Vietnam Second Rural Finance Project, in addition to directly supporting the rural poor through microenterprise finance, provides term lending for viable private investments in the rural areas. An estimated 90,000 economic entities will benefit from the project.

For more information on IDA, its history, and how IDA works in individual countries, please visit:www.worldbank.org/ida

Updated September 2004

Media Contact:
David Theis (202) 458-8626
Email: dtheis@worldbank.org

Youth Development & Peace 2004

2005-03-21T12:25:00.000+07:00

The second Youth, Development and Peace (YDP 2004) Conference took place in Sarajevo, where representatives of youth associations from all over the world and senior officials from the World Bank convened to explore ways to improve cooperation in the struggle against poverty world-wide.

Start Slideshow!

The conference was organized with the European Youth Forum and the World Organization of the Scout Movement in cooperation with the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some 170 youth representatives from 83 countries and 40 senior officials from the World Bank and other international organizations participated in this event, which was officially opened by World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Shigeo Katsu, BiH Premier Adnan Terzic as well as President of the European Youth Forum Giacomo Filibeck, and Hany Abdul Monem, Project officer for the World Organization of Scout Movement.

See the video summary of this event, or read the press release "World Bank commits to support youth at global conference"

Millennium Development Goals

2005-03-21T10:00:00.000+07:00

The UN Millennium Declaration and its MDGs are an important point of reference for German Development Cooperation. The MDGs provide the orientation and yardsticks for the policy of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). They have tremendous importance for all German Development Cooperation, and accordingly for GTZ.

In its Action Programme 2015 the German Federal Government describes the German contribution and approaches to implementing the Millennium Declaration. The programme emphasises poverty reduction as the key task for German development policy.

Like the BMZ, GTZ sees the Millennium Declaration and its four key objectives as the reference framework for its work. Projects and programmes embedded in the environment of our partner countries play a decisive role in achieving the MDGs for the long term by changing structures in the developing countries. The capacity development approach offers advice to state institutions on e.g. more effectively combating corruption, improving public services or strengthening human rights. These measures contribute towards improving the circumstances of the poor population in a country.

In its work, GTZ contributes to achieving the MDGs. Numerous projects in the health and education sector make a direct contribution, for example by reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS by providing advisory services and contraceptives. Economic promotion and infrastructural measures aiming at increasing economic growth and reducing poverty are another important contribution towards achieving the MDGs – and especially in cities, which are growing by around 180,000 people every day. Cities too will be decisive for determining our success in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. "Focus – Fascination – Future. Designing tomorrow's cities" has therefore been chosen as GTZ's annual theme 2005.

Download the UN Millennium Declaration:
en-0005-united-nation-millenium-declaration-eng.pdf, 0,07 MB (deutsch)

Pathway to Gender Equality
A joint brochure by UNIFEM, BMZ and GTZ
en-Gender-MDG.pdf, 1,19 MB (englisch)

Further information

Other links to the UN MDG website:
www.un.org/milleniumgoals
Report of UN Millenium Projects
"Investing in Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals"
unmp.forumone.com/
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ):
www.bmz.de/de/themen
Action Programme 2015:
www.aktionsprogramm2015.de

UN Year of Microcredit

2005-03-21T09:59:00.000+07:00

On 18 November 2004, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan officially announced the “International Year of Microcredit 2005” in New York. Development experts see the microfinance system as a decisive means of reducing poverty, thus contributing to the Millennium Development Goals. Poverty is reduced through access to very small credits and the opportunity to open savings accounts. These financial services provide a basis for entrepreneurial initiative and help create new jobs. The income earned is particularly important for educating children and improving health care.

In the last few decades, viable structures have gradually been developed: poor people have been given access to banks, and stable financial institutions have been created. While the initial goal was to make very small loans, today microfinance also covers safe savings products, insurance policies and money transfers. Experience in recent years has shown that for most poor people, savings opportunities are more important than access to credit.

GTZ is carrying out microfinance projects in more than 20 countries on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The World Bank Trust Fund CGAP has recently acknowledged the effectiveness of GTZ’s work. In its study of donor and implementing organisations, CGAP gave GTZ very good marks for its work in the microfinance sector.

Throughout the world, international organisations are preparing for the International Year of the Microcredit. In spring, BMZ, GTZ and the Savings Bank Foundation for International Cooperation are organising a conference on the theme “Local microfinance markets and global development”, to demonstrate the possibilities and successes of microfinancing as an instrument.

Further information:

www.yearofmicrocredit.org

Coming soon! New Development Gateway Forum 2005 website

2005-03-21T09:52:00.000+07:00

Petersberg Call to Action

Recommended Action Items
June 28, 2004

Note: Each year, the Development Gateway Foundation gathers input for the Call to Action at its Development Gateway Forum.

The Call to Action aims to advance the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for effective development. Some of the action items will be incorporated into the Development Gateway’s Business Plan for Fiscal Year 2005. Other action items – those beyond the scope of the Development Gateway’s work – will be put forth as recommendations for action by the larger development community.

This year the Forum gathered more than 100 participants from 39 countries on June 27 to 28 at the Petersberg center outside of Bonn, Germany. At the Forum’s close, input from the participants was summarized by Dr. Michael J. Hofmann, Director General of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and member of the Development Gateway Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The Call to Action itself will be published shortly. Dr. Hofmann’s closing remarks, which follow, capture its essence.

Closing Remarks
Dr. Michael J. Hofmann

The Petersberg Call to Action is the summary of the rich debate of the second Development Gateway Forum. It is an ambitious plan for moving ahead.

Your ideas and input of today will influence the strategy of the Development Gateway and will be woven into the Foundation’s business plan. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between those suggestions that could be the task of the Development Gateway Foundation and those that could fall to others of you here or elsewhere in the ICT community.

We heard again and again that the Foundation has to focus – has to be focused – in what it is doing, so it does not overburden itself and so it is taking up what can really be accomplished.

Much has already been accomplished. Those who have read the progress report from last year’s Forum will clearly see that the Foundation is helping increase transparency, for instance, with its dgMarket service for online public procurement and the AiDA directory of development projects and activities.

Through the Country Gateways, the Development Gateway has created local partnerships in over 50 countries, and we have to build on these partnerships. Last, but not least, it is an achievement that we for the first time have awarded the Petersberg Prize in a transparent manner.

Action Items for the Development Gateway Foundation
The Foundation needs to focus on these key areas:

Development effectiveness. We need to improve the information and tools used to achieve development effectiveness. That means we have to provide information that is comprehensive, but at the same time useful, in order to avoid information overload and waste. Information has to be “handy” so people can use it easily. We also need to use the tools we already have on board, like AiDA. As Mr. Wolfensohn said, the collection of the half million records on AiDA has only brought us to the starting point. The real challenge is to use this information to change behavior. It is important, for instance, to encourage donors to change their behavior in sharing information and, for instance, provide information early on the kind of funding that will be available. It is also important to reduce the reporting burden placed on developing countries. We should help by providing good information tools and achieving a kind of division of labor.
Apply ICT to the MDGs. To this end, the Development Gateway has been developing Millennium Ddevelopment Goals monitoring platforms that we hope to see it bring into use both globally and locally.
Scaling the use of information technologies for public procurement. We heard about the $1 trillion spent each year on public goods and services in developing countries – and it is important that we really use dgMarket as an element to increase competition in public procurement. We can make major contributions to fight corruption by putting this information online. We should draw lessons from doing this and find out its true impact.
Local content/local language. We have to overcome the “English first and only” bias on the Internet and in information gathering and dissemination. We need a strong focus on local content and local languages. The Development Gateway’s Country Gateways are tools to overcome this bias. Its Research and Training Centers can play a positive role for more multilingual applications and content on the Internet.
Catalyze ICT. While the Development Gateway can use its Petersberg Prize to catalyze ICT innovation, others can play a more prominent role in the popularization of technology. To act as a catalyst, we need to reach out to new candidates for the next prize and share the lessons learned from Grameen Bank, the winner.
The Development Gateway Portal of development information. An element we have not stressed enough involves the Development Gateway’s portal of development information. This is important because we should be capable of conveying information on the social, economic, and cultural side of development. It is important that there is a pluralistic way of bringing information into the Development Gateway. In that sense, it needs an arm’s length relationship to very big organizations, to give others a chance to participate in information sharing.

Action Items for the Development Community The larger development community needs to take action to apply ICT to basic needs and to empowerment on the global plane. ICT has to be perceived as a way to increase the voice and means of the marginalized. Here are four areas requiring your attention:

Mainstream ICT. It is important that we mainstream ICT as an integral tool in almost everything we do. We need to distinguish between ICT itself and ICT as an integral component of development efforts. This will require strong leadership, and we need to nurture leaders in this field.
Reach out to people. This is most important. We have to provide services to people. Look at Estonia and its lessons: Estonia shows how it is possible to reach people and give them the right access to information. We need to take this kind of example forward.
Institution building. The whole aspect of creating institutions is tremendously important – as was mentioned by Ethiopia and Rwanda. It is important to provide encouragement from the top and bring up ideas from the grassroots – to bring these elements together.
Public-Private Partnership. The need for such partnerships is true for all sectors in the field – and not only for the Foundation. This means combining the private sector – be it business or civil society – with the public sector.

Finally The task for all of us is to act as ambassadors for the Development Gateway and its goals – to share this kind of information and to propagate the goals of transparency, development effectiveness, and capacity building.

Note: The Development Gateway also issued its “Progress Report – Petersberg Declaration 2003" at the Forum.

World Youth Peace Summit - Bangkok Regional Office

2005-03-20T14:32:00.000+07:00

"We the peoples of the World Youth Peace Summit Asia Pacific pledge to uphold the vision and commit to action by signing this charter"
~~~~~~~~

We, the youth of the Asia and Pacific regions, believe that world peace can be achieved through the sustained development of:

Respect

Encompassing the human, for oneself and others, the recognition and appreciation of differences both religious and cultural, and the sovereignty of nation states under international law, with

Equality

That affords an equitable opportunity for education, social integration, informed political participation, health, persons of both genders, and economic prosperity across all economic groups, in harmony with

Natural Resources

And the physical and living environment cared for as a whole by nations, communities, public and private organizations and individuals, attending to

Basic Needs

That comprises of food, shelter, clothing, water, sanitation, health, energy, security, ensuring

Education

Within a culture of learning, that is holistic - academic, cultural, spiritual, vocational, traditional, indigenous, and with values that are both community-based and universal, driving

Governance

Encompassing the human, for oneself and others, the recognition and appreciation of differences both religious and cultural, and the sovereignty of nation states under international law, promoting

Global Cooperation

Between nations, communities, public and private organizations and individuals, enabled by

Communication

That is consistently open, free, fair and crosses all boundaries.

"To this we commit in spirit, thought and action"

World Youth Quest for Peace 2004

2005-03-20T14:31:00.000+07:00

GOALS of the World Youth Quest for Peace & World Youth peace Vigil

To expand awareness of, and build momentum for, the World Youth Peace Summit.
To engage the world’s youth in a dynamic, fun-filled adventure that promotes cross-cultural, inter-racial, and religious tolerance and understanding.
To provide a grass-roots forum for Youth Delegates to the WYPS to hear the views and concerns of the youth constituents they will represent at the Summit
To provide a forum for youth in every region to identify local and national issues which can be brought to the floor of the WYPS
To disseminate the Regional Action plans for World Peace to youth and youth groups throughout the world, and to have them signed and endorsed by political, business, religious and other leaders.

Please login to http://www.worldyouthquestforpeace.com/ for more information.

Millennium World Peace Summit® United Nations

2005-03-20T14:26:00.001+07:00

Millennium World Peace Summit^® United Nations,
New York, United States,
August 28-31, 2000

On August 28th through 31st of the year 2000, two thousand of the world's preeminent religious and spiritual leaders representing the many faith traditions, gathered at the United Nations for a Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders.

DESCRIPTION

On August 28-31, 2000, two thousand participants from 110 countries met at the United Nations General Assembly Hall for the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders. Among the participants were 1,200 religious leaders representing the world's major religions and faiths, as well as religious scholars, government and business leaders, and prominent public figures.

Some of the religious leaders that were approached include His Holiness Pope John Paul II, The Most Reverend Dr. George Carey, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sheikh Ahmed Keftaro, the Grand Mufti of Syria, the Grand Sheikh of Al-Alazar from Cairo, the imans of the mosques of Mecca and Medina, Dr. Abdullah Salehal-Obaid, the secretary of the World Muslim League, Israel's Chief Rabbi, Israel Meir Lau, the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, the Most Rev Bartholomew, the Russian Patriarch, His Holiness Alexii II, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Bishop Carlos Belo, the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize winner from East Timor.

MISSION AND GOALS

The objectives of the Millennium World Peace Summit^® were to encourage religious leaders to exert greater influence on reconciliation, healing, and forgiveness in areas of armed conflict and tension, to foster an attitude of respect for the diversity of the human family and to pledge a commitment to take concrete actions for the achievement of world peace. This commitment has been embodied in a Declaration for World Peace that participants of the Millennium World Peace Summit^® signed specifying actions to be taken.

OUTCOMES

The signing of the Commitment to Global Peace
Initiation of a process to form a World Council of Religious Leaders^®
Co-Founding of the Religious Leaders Initiative of the World Economic Forum
A Partnership with the United Nation's High Commission for Human Rights
Establishment of a Global Commission for the Preservation of Sacred Sites
The opening of international interfaith dialogue
Congress on The Preservation of Religious Diversity
The Global Peace Initiative of Women Religious and Spiritual Leaders

CONTACT

Millennium World Peace Summit - Secretariat
350 5th Ave, Suite 5403, New York, NY 10118
Tel: (212) 967-2891
Fax: (212) 967-2898
Web: http://www.millenniumpeacesummit.org/
Email: info@millenniumpeacesummit.org

Messages from the WYPS Youth Ambassadors

2005-03-20T14:26:00.000+07:00

"I believe that this enormous tragedy that has touched the whole planet has also brought a lesson by Mother Nature with it that we all should learn: it has taught us of the necessity to stay together, in human solidarity, regardless of where we come from, what we believe in and what we wish to achieve in life; and help the ones affected.

I wish I could tell the tsunami victims that we are standing by them, that they have someone to rely on, in us that were not affected by the tsunami; therefor I invite everyone to get involved with relief organizations in their country; if you cannot donate money, then at least tell people who can to do so. Just a small contribution can change the lives of so many people affected.

I promise the tsunami victims that I will do my best to make sure they are not forgotten after news of this devastating disaster leave the headlines. My heart and thoughts are with all of you. And to the rest of us, let this remind us of the help suffering people all over the world need - away from the TV cameras in the Congo or Uganda - of the help that we can and must give."

Muhamed Mesic, Bosnia-Herzegovina
WYPS Youth Ambassador for Europe

"We so often take life for granted and just go about our daily lives. Regardless of where we are and what we do, nature always steps in and decisions are rerouted. We need to take time out and look at who we are and where we are. We so often forget that tomorrow is promised to no one. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of those who were affected by the devastating Tsunami that hit just over two weeks ago. To those who were injured, lost loved ones, and to those who’s lives have been destroyed. In this very difficult time, may you stay strong, and know that this is just a phase that life has thrown your way, and as with everything in life, it is a challenge and only you can decide on the outcome. It humbles me to now that South Africa as a country is doing its part to raise much needed funds for those in South East Asia, we have also sent through a team of rescue workers to assist in the aftermath of this natural devastation. Living on a continent of poverty and illness, when something of this nature happens and people pull together for the sake of humanity, it gives me hope to know that, if each individual just gives of themselves everyday, the world can be a better place.

May your God Bless you and keep you safe."

Catherine Constantinides
WYPS Youth Ambassador for South Africa

Message from WYPS Chairman, Mr Bawa Jain, following the Tsunami disaster

2005-03-20T14:19:00.000+07:00

"In our lifetimes we have not witnessed a disaster of this proportion. The vast majority of lives lost are children and women. I really do not know whether the survivors will be able to fully recover from this trauma. But, I do know that we can and must do everything in our power to mobilise and bring aid to those affected.

We have to make this a long term commitment to be driven by Youth long after the International Community has withdrawn and the media is no longer focused on this tragic and widespread disaster.

As the United Nations Secretary-General said, "an unprecedented disaster needs an unprecedented response". While there has been a phenomenal response from the Global Community, it is not enough. I humbly appeal to you all, let us come together in this hour of sorrow and grief to help our brothers and sisters. I assure you of the total cooperation of The WYPS Secretariat to aid you in your endeavours to help our fellow Human Community."

Following are just of few high profile organizations who, along with hundreds of others, are raising money for or working directly in the effected regions.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
UNICEF
Save the Children
OXFAM
World Vision

Indonesia HELP

A Series of Success Story

2005-03-20T11:25:00.000+07:00

Creating Bonds of Empathy and Understanding: Dmitry's Story (21), from Russia
In Russia, Dmitry, 16, helped young orphans make animated cartoons. Says Dmitry, “The changes in the children’s relations and attitudes exceeded my most bold expectations.” Read more

Ruth's Story (21), from Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia -Ruth Dary Ortiz, 21, lives in the run-down neighborhood called "Nelson Mandela," where drinking water is scarce, and violence is commonplace. Most people who live there are "desplazados" -- families who have fled the fighting and instability of the countryside, caused by conflicts between Colombia's guerilla forces and the counter-insurgency paramilitary. Families, particularly young people, are often caught in the middle. One night, armed fighters broke into Ruth's home and killed her older brother. As tears run down her face, she recalls how her family fled the village, and moved to Cartagena. "We had no money and no jobs. We just stayed at home." Ruth started working as a maid, but lost her job. It was then that she heard about the Entra 21 program. Today, Ruth sits at her computer in the classroom at Fundacion Indufrial,
an NGO based in Cartagena, enrolled in a 6-month course in internet and
computer maintenance. Read more

Valentina’s Story (12), from Zaghreb, Croatia
"Roma children face so many problems in their every day lives, such as poverty, inadequate parental care, health risks, and inadequate educational opportunities," says Bajro Bajiric, founder of the Roma for Roma Association, in Zagreb, Croatia. Through a life skills initiative called "Healthy Communities," however, young people like Valentina, age 12, are building up their confidence, and gaining skills in decision making, problem solving, and how to be part of the solution. "I like to go to the workshops, play the games, and go on trips," she says. "We are also learning not to throw trash in the streets" - the result of the program’s focus on cleaning up the environment. Read more

Hazem's (17), from Ammam, Jordan
“My name is Hazem Abdullah. I’m 17 years old, and I am a student at Qutaiba Bin-Muslim high school. My daily routine was going to school, going back home, meeting my friends at any of the guys’ house, and playing games there. I like music a lot, and I play the guitar. One day, a group from Intel Computer Clubhouse in Jordan came to my school and told us about the club. The clubhouse isn’t only giving me the chance to become a talented guitarist but a self confidant leader in the band, breaking the barrier of shyness and fear.”
Read more

How Youth Can Develop the World's Economy, Society and Politics

2005-03-20T11:06:00.000+07:00

by Mariana, Brazil, 16

Development has such a wide range of meanings...

It can mean "a grow or gradual expansion" or, in music, the elaboration of a new theme, reason or a musical idea. But to youth, development has a complete different meaning.

Everyday we, the youth, incorporate new values, experiences, opinions and knowledge to our character. The youth has this great power of imagining all the possible changes, with originality and, most of the times, no external support.

To economy, youth can bring all of this inventive potential, using a different point of view given by this new world where we, the youth, live in. Almost all of the old economists still see a world dominated by the USA. Meanwhile, youth have a great access to information.

Youth interested in economy live in a world that has new rising markets. A world where, more than ever, information is the most valuable money. Courage to make a right decision is the most important value.

Our society has gone through great changes. And we, the youth, are the first inhabitants of this new society that our parents have helped create. If our grandfathers worked to build a strong and powerful capital, and our parents to throw it down, what is our job then? We have the opportunity to build a whole new world. What kind of value are we going to add to it? We live in a completely different situation. Capitalism isn’t working. Socialism hasn’t worked either. What about now?

Are we going to create a brand new society or are we going to let things be just the way they are now, with the "system" making all choices for us?

We must do something, otherwise life will do it for us.

Politics is every act that interferes in someone else’s life.

The power of engagement and commitment to politics that youth have is strongly connected to new routes this new society has the power to create. Only in Brazil, there are 34 million young people corresponding to 20% of the population and 15% of the voters (In Brazil, voting is compulsory.)

But in order to be able to make all of expected changes, the youth must be empowered. It is necessary to have the support of local and global organisms, as well as a really effective voice, with not a consultative, but a deliberative character.

Youth must have access to quality education, conditions with the responsibility of being the so expected "generation of changes."

Fighting poverty in Vietnam: a decade of success

2005-03-20T10:51:00.000+07:00

Rising above poverty

It was 1945 when starvation hit at its worst, and two million Vietnamese died. The country has made tremendous leaps and bounds since then, and is now considered a forerunner in the fight against hunger and poverty by the international community, not to mention becoming one of the largest rice exporters worldwide. Hoang Mai explores what it will take for Vietnam to lift its population to the top of the food chain.

Fifty-year-old Phan Hai Trieu, a coffee grower in the former Khe Sanh battlefield in the central Quang Tri province, has come to know both sides of the poverty line.
After dropping out of the army during the 1980s, Trieu struggled to grow several different types of crops and raise animals on his land to support his family of a wife and two sons.
He recalls that everyone in his home village of Phung Lam – all 102 families – were so poor that no one could dream of having TV sets, motorbikes or even sending their children to school.
“I just knew that I had to work very hard to produce enough food for the whole family, and that was a day-to-day struggle. But I had no money to invest in crops when I had bad harvests,” says Trieu. That was until 1998, a year Trieu will never forget.
That year, a plantation of arabica coffee trees spread to the Phung Lam village. Trieu immediately started growing the trees on his 2-ha plot, believing the new crop would change his life.
“I have been taking care of my coffee farm to the best of my efforts ever since,” he says.
True to his dream, the trees now bear good harvests and bring Trieu an annual income of $32 million ($2,064).
With this income, Trieu has been able to send his second son to university and furnish his home with comfortable furniture. He has even bought himself a Honda Dream.
“All of us here are getting wealthy and almost a hundred per cent of the families in the village are leaving poverty behind. I know that at least 60 per cent of the families here have motorbikes, too.”
Trieu hopes to share his story of rising out of poverty with as many people as possible. “The way out, the success, lies within ourselves,” he says.

Figures make sense
Nguyen Hai Huu, an official at the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLisa), says that at least 300,000 families like Trieu’s escape poverty every year.
“We take pride in the progress we have made in poverty reduction. The United Nations has acknowledged that Vietnam is an amazing winner in the fight against poverty,” Huu says.
The World Bank shows that Vietnam’s poor population has dropped dramatically in the last 10 years, reduced to 29 per cent in 2002 from 58 per cent in 1993.
A person who earns less than $1 per day is classified as ‘poor’.
Meanwhile, in 2001 Vietnam’s poverty percentage fell from 17.2 per cent, or 2.8 million families across the country, when Vietnam’s introduced its new poverty standards.
This percentage fell even further by the end of 2003, with 9.5 per cent, or 1.6 million families living below the poverty line.
The UN has commended Vietnam as being one of the few nations in the world that has managed to slash poverty in half since the 1990s.
The international organisation forecasts that if the country keeps up the good work, poverty will be reduced to 0.7 per cent before 2015.
“Vietnam’s success in the fight against poverty is a result of the country’s stable economic growth and implementation of national programmes that target the poor,” says Huu.
Between 2001 and 2005, the government allocated between $5-$5.5 billion to eight national programmes, which addressed job creation, clean water supply, family planning, healthcare, education and training.

Challenges ahead
But MoLisa warns that some 70,000 families run the risk of dipping back below the poverty line. And this could get worse if the ministry proceeds with a plan to redefine the poverty bracket.
Vietnam’s current poverty line is VND150,000 ($9.60) per person per month in urban areas, VND100,000 ($6.50) per person per month in rural areas and VND80,000 ($5.20) per month for highlands and island dwellers. MoLisa estimates that around 80 per cent of the poor live in the rural and highland areas.
But the ministry is currently working on a project that would redraw those lines at VND211,000 ($13.6) per month for urban dwellers and VND183,000 ($11.8) a month for rural residents, in an effort to raise the common Vietnamese standard of living. If this change goes into effect, MoLisa estimates the percentage of people defined as living in poverty would climb to 26.1 per cent, or 4.442 million families.
“The fight against poverty is going to become harder,” Huu says, “It will require more effort on the part of the government and the poor themselves. But if we stay focused and committed to the cause, we will be able to manage it with success.”

World of Children Awards- 2005 Call For Nominations

2005-03-20T10:34:00.000+07:00

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Welcome to the World of Children Online Nomination Form

The World of Children Awards honor ordinary people doing extraordinary work on behalf of children. Each year World of Children places a global Call for Nominations seeking to identify selfless individuals whose unwavering commitment to children makes the world a better place for children to live and succeed.

Two separate $100,000 awards and one $15,000 award will be presented at the annual World of Children Awards Ceremony in New York, New York, USA in November 2005. Finalists are selected from hundreds of global applicants. The World of Children International Advisory Council, headed by Muhammad Ali, boxing legend and United Nation's Ambassador of Peace, participate in the process of determining the World of Children Award recipients. By honoring child advocates, the World of Children, Inc., hopes to bring these advocates, their work and their organizations to the forefront of international acclaim and attention.

Award Categories

Three Honorees are selected for each of the two categories of lifetime achievement awards...the Kellogg's Child Development Award and Cardinal Health Children's Care Award. In each category one Honoree will be selected to receive a $100,000 stipend and the other two Honorees will receive $10,000 a piece. Additionally, there will be one Honoree selected to receive the $15,000 stipend for the Founder's Award. In total, $255,000 is awarded annually to our Honorees in order to further their work on behalf of children.

The Kellogg's Child Development Award, a $100,000 award sponsored by the Kellogg's Corporate Citizenship Fund, the founding sponsor and charitable arm of the Kellogg Company, recognizes those who have made a significant lifetime contribution to children's futures by greatly improving their opportunities to learn and to grow.

The Cardinal Health Children's Care Award, a prestigious $100,000 award sponsored by the Cardinal Health Foundation, the charitable arm of leading health care products and services provider, Cardinal Health, recognizes an individual who has made a significant lifetime contribution to the health and well-being of children.

The Founder's Award, a $15,000 stipend, recognizes a young person under age 21, who is making extraordinary contributions to the lives of other children.

Please nominate a person who is working as an advocate for children. An organization itself cannot be nominated. In order to place a nomination, registration is required. We recommend that you preview the Nomination Form as seen in the chart below, before registering. After reviewing the Nomination Form, if you wish to proceed with a nomination, please follow the registration instructions provided below.

Click here to preview the 2005 Nomination Form and Instructions before registering.
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Registration Information

The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, April 25, 2005. Please note we would prefer that all nominations be completed in English. If you cannot submit a nomination in English, please contact us as soon as possible to determine if we can support your request in submitting a nomination in another language. Please e-mail Suzan@WorldOfChildren.org or telephone 614/410-6060.

Please do not wait until the deadline to submit your nomination. We encourage you to submit your nomination as soon as possible in order for our staff to review your nomination for completion and accuracy.

In order to place a nomination online, it is required to register your name and e-mail address.

Already registered? Click Here to Login.

Haven't already registered? Please read the following and click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Attention AOL Users, please read the following important information before registering.
Due to the proprietary nature of the AOL browsers and the inability for those browsers to interact functionally with our online system, we are asking all AOL users to please use the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser to complete your nomination online. To do this, log on to AOL as you normally would. Once connected, minimize your AOL window and double click on Internet Explorer. Type in the address for the Online Nomination, http://www.WorldofChildren.org/Nominations. If you have technical questions or comments, please E-mail us at Nominations@WorldofChildren.org

** Click here to continue... I have read the above and wish to proceed with a nomination. **

(compiled by Tran Van Tinh, VYAN President)

Japanese students to join 2005 Green Summer Campaign

2005-03-20T10:33:00.000+07:00

Japanese students are set to journey to Vietnam to take part in a youth based charity campaign in Ho Chi Minh City this summer.

A student delegation from Japan’s Waseda University visited the Head Office of Ho Chi Minh City’s Communist Youth Union on Wednesday in preparation for this summer’s event.

The Japanese student delegates said they look forward to attending the nationwide social and charity activities of Vietnamese Youth called Green Summer campaign 2005.

Japanese students from Waseda University will come to Ho Chi Minh City to take part in the 2005 Green Summer Campaign in August.

Toshiba to grant scholarships to Vietnamese students

2005-03-20T10:28:00.000+07:00

Japanese electronic giant Toshiba has announced it will provide annual scholarships worth 1.5 million Yen (about 14,300 USD) to students from the Ho Chi Minh City National University.

Scholarships will be granted to top students doing their master’s and doctorate degrees at the University of Technology under the HCMC National University. Each chosen student will receive 100,000 Yen (955 USD).

Eligible students should be able to speak English or Japanese fluently. In addition, applicants must be under 27 if in the master’s programs or under 30 if in the doctorate programs.

In the future, Toshiba will also cooperate with the HCMC National University to implement other education projects as well as to establish a research center in the city.

Vietnamese Agent Orange girl to judge world prize

2005-03-20T10:27:00.000+07:00

A 14-year-old Vietnamese Agent Orange victim has been invited to sit on the jury for this year World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child (WCPRC).

Thai Thi Nga from central Nghe An province will join 12 other children from countries all over the world to decide who will receive this year’s prize.

The jury members are all experts on the rights of the child via their own experiences as debt-slaves, child soldiers, street children and refugees or because they have had their rights violated in some way.

The jury also includes children who have long fought for child rights. The jury represents children all around the world that have had similar experiences.

Nga’s father was a victim to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide that the U.S. army sprayed all over Vietnam during the war, and the disease was passed down to Nga and her sister. As a result, Nga has chromosome disorders and spots all over her face and body.

This year’s three final candidates for the WCPRC are the 20 mothers of St. Rita, Kenya; Ana María Marañon de Bohorquez of Bolivia; and Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel of South Africa and Mozambique.

The 20 mothers of St. Rita are nominated for their voluntary commitment to help children living in the villages around Kisumu, Kenya who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS.

Ana María Marañon de Bohorquez is nominated for her many years of selfless work with street children in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Mandela and his wife Graça Machel are nominated for speaking out against the violation of children's rights in South Africa and Mozambique. The couple both run organizations that promote the rights of the child and help children in need. Nelson Mandela is also being recognized for his lifelong struggle to free the children of South Africa from apartheid

Miss Philippines crowned first Miss ASEAN

2005-03-20T10:23:00.000+07:00

Miss Philippines Jhezarie Javier was crowned Miss ASEAN 2005 at the final round of the 2005 Southeast Asian Beauty Contest held in Indonesia Mar 19

Javier, 23, will represent ASEAN to foster goodwill and project ASEAN as an international choice for tourism and economic development.

The first runner-up is Miss Indonesia Imelda Fransisca and the second Panisa Chaikanarakkul from Thailand.

Miss Tourism Vietnam Nguyen Thao Huong, 20 and also the youngest candidate at the contest, won a prize of beautiful photograph.

The ASEAN Business and Advisory Council (ABIS) has launching the inaugural Miss ASEAN Contest this year to stimulate regional solidarity and promote in intra-ASEAN tourism.

The contest also raised funds for tsunami victims in Aceh and north Sumatra.

The final round of the contest, taking place from Mar. 5 to 19, gathered beauties from eight ASEAN countries including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Compiled by Thanh Hang

Youth Workers Wanted - World Youth Congress 2005!Hot News!!!

2005-03-17T16:42:00.000+07:00

World Youth Congress 2005

The 3rd World Youth Congress will bring 600 young activists in the field of sustainable development to Scotland (Stirling) from 120 different countries. The event will take place Saturday 30 July - Monday 8 August 2005. The congress offers a unique opportunity for young people to come together to meet and work alongside other young people from across the world. This event sets a new standard for international youth events, and will be the largest and most inspirational gathering of its kind for young people taking place anywhere in the world in 2005.

YouthLink Scotland has been invited by the World Youth Congress to pull together a team of youth workers and youth work managers to support the event. Working with 'team clans' your role will be wide and varied. This event will require you to demonstrate a full range of youth work skills. working with youth work colleagues from across Scotland you will play a vital role in ensuring that the 3rd World Youth Congress is a huge success.

You will be provided with all the necessary support and pre-event training in the lead up to the Congress, including a residential planning event sometime in May. You should have a commitment to international work and relevant experience of residential youth work. You will need to be a good team worker and be prepared to take the initiative when required. A sense of humour would also be helpful.

We require 32 Youth Workers and four Youth Work Managers. Youth Work managers will have responsibility over eight Youth Workers and 10 'clan co-ordinators'. Between now and the event you will be expected to contribute up to 80 hours. Youth workers will be paid £8.06 per hour and youth work managers £10.48 per hour.

We would welcome proposals from youth organisations and local authorities who are prepared to support staff to get involved in this unique event.

For further information about the World Youth Congress 2005 visit www.scotland2005.com

How to apply

If you would like to become involved in the World Youth Congress 2005 as a youth worker or youth work manager (please specify which) please send your CV and a 1 page A4 letter describing why you want to get involved and what particular strengths you will bring to the event. If appropriate please include a letter of support from your current employer if they are prepared to support your involvement.

Although all delegates at the Congress will be aged 18+, there is an expectation that you will have been disclosure checked since you may have contact with young people under the age of 18 during the local action projects.

Write to
Patrick McMenamin, Head of International Affairs, YouthLink Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ.

Salary: Youth Workers - £8.06 per hour, Youth Work Managers - £10.48 per hour
Closing date: 04 April 2005

Contact Details:

Patrick McMenamin
E-mail: pmcmenamin@youthlink.co.uk
Website: http://www.scotland2005.com

Date posted: 15 March 2005

Vietnamese children book to be released in Korea

2005-03-17T16:22:00.000+07:00

The Korean version of a popular Vietnamese children’s book will be released in the Republic of Korea soon, said Korean publishing house Muhak Segye Sa.

De Men Phieu Luu Ky (Diary of a Cricket), is written by famous modern writer To Hoai.

Kim Yo An, a literary critic from Muhak Segye Sa said the release of the fantastic Vietnamese book would help Korean children understand more about the inner-world of their Vietnamese peers as children around the world always find connections with one another through stories and their imaginations.

The Korean children will easily relate to the character and his adventures in the book, he said.

Diary of a Cricket is Hoai’s first literary work. The story embodies deep educational messages through the unexpected changes in the personal fortunes of the young cricket De Men who goes on an adventure around the world.

Up to now, the book has been translated into 20 other languages and is still a favorite among children in Vietnam.

HCMC Student Union to mobilize 1 million volunteers

2005-03-17T16:18:00.000+07:00

The Ho Chi Minh City Student Union has recently set a target of mobilizing one million students to participate in the country’s voluntary campaigns for the 2005-2010 period.

At the student union’s third congress which started March 13, the delegates unanimously agreed to several goals for the next five-year period.

Besides mobilizing one million students, the student union also aimed to gather 50,000 students to donate blood, to build student societies at all universities and colleges and to have at least 70 per cent of its graduated students earn B-level certificates in foreign language and informatics.

The student union also plans to carry out four student voluntary campaigns in HCMC and two other student movements called ‘Emulation in Good Studies and Training’ and ‘Green Summer Campaign’ in the next five years.

During the congress, delegates also elected the HCMC Student Union’s third executive board for the next five-year term.

Tang Huu Phong became chairman of the HCMC Student Union and Giang Ngoc Phuong, Le Quoc Phong and Phan Thi Thanh Phuong were elected the union’s vice chairmen.

The congress drew the attendance of Le Thanh Hai, member of the Party’s Central Committee and chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, Bui Dang Dung, secretary of the Communist Youth Union’s Central Committee and chairman of the Vietnam Student Union, Nguyen Thanh Phong, secretary of the Communist Youth Union’s Central Committee, and former Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet.

(Reported by Nhu Lich)

Vietnam’s students have a lot on their minds

2005-03-17T16:16:00.000+07:00

Student’s biggest concerns are renting houses, extra jobs, and scholarships, said a recent survey by the Ho Chi Minh City’s Student Association.

The survey was conducted on more than 9,200 students from 25 Universities, 5 colleges, and 4 professional secondary schools in HCMC.

According to the results, sixty-seven percent of interviewees said they turned to friends and acquaintances to rent houses. Only 4.4% went to consulting services of student affairs to ask for help.

One-third of students said that they need extra jobs to earn money to support their studies while others said they were seeking a scholarship.

The survey also revealed another major concern of students was affording vehicles for travel, receiving student loans, and finding places for practicing what they learned before graduation.

Many students complained that they did not have ample entertainment, while ninety percent of interviewees agreed they need
more sex education.

Students also complained about the shortage of learning facilities and materials in schools, with seven percent admitting they could not readily comprehend lessons.

Values

Students also let the surveyors in on what they value in life. One-third thought that the most important value to a student is living with an ideology in his mind and heart. Sixty-five percent claimed they want to be members of the Communist Party. Forty-seven percent said they wanted to take on voluntary activities.

Most agreed that mastering a profession and being honest in life was the most important thing.

For the question, “What is your biggest concern after graduation?” - forty percent said they would like to have suitable jobs related to what they have studied in school.

Seventeen percent would like high-income positions, nearly thirteen percent wanted to find stable jobs in their hometown, and seven percent wanted to live and work in HCMC.

Solutions

Mr. Tang Huu Phong, Chairman of the HCMC’s Students Association term 2000-2005, said the above-mentioned results are evidence that the Association could not meet the demand of most of students.

Currently, the Association runs 20 centers consulting students to find suitable housing. But in fact, many students were unaware of the centers. In the short term, the Association would advertise the centers to students.

Mr. Phong also said the Association would tighten cooperation with enterprises and recruiters to help students access extra jobs.

To conclude, Mr. Phong emphasized the Association should carry out similar surveys to update student needs.

Reported by Nhu Lich

World Bank Small Grants Program 2005!!!

2005-03-17T13:52:00.000+07:00





Call for proposals The Small Grants Program of the World Bank was created in 1983 as a way of supporting small, nonprofit, non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Program supports activities which center around promoting dialogue, networking, dissemination of information and exchange of experience between NGOs. Since 1999, this Program was decentralized to The World Bank office in Hanoi. We are pleased to announce the start of the 6th year of the Small Grants Program in Vietnam with the total amount of USD34,000 made available for in-country grants to domestic NGOs. Activities eligible for grant receipt should focus on: networking, information sharing, promotion of dialogue and exchange of experiences on development issues. These activities may be through conferences and seminars, publications, audio-visual materials, or other networking and capacity building efforts. Small Grants must be used for a specific activity to be completed within one year of the date the grant is awarded. Priority is given to organizations not supported by the Program in previous years and organizations are not eligible for more than three grants from the Small Grants Program within a five-year period. Please note that the Small Grants Program will not provide support for operational projects; research programs; formal academic training programs; ongoing institutional support; scholarships, fellowships, study programs; equipment purchase, service provision, construction of facilities or for individuals applying on their own behalf, including for travel or studies. Due to limited funding availability, only organizations with a development rather than charity purpose will be eligible. The maximum size of each grant will be USD4,000. Grant proposals will be assessed on a competitive basis, to select the most innovative activities. If your NGO meets the above-mentioned requirements and would like to apply for a grant, please pick up application form and guidance at the Reception at World Bank Office, 8th floor, 63 Ly Thai To Street, Hanoi. For more information please contact Ms. Bo Thi Hong Mai (tel.: 04 9346600 ext 300, fax: 04-934-6597; email: mbo@worldbank.org). Organizations outside Hanoi may also contact our office to get this form by mail or email. Click here for a copy of the application form in MS Words and here for application guidelines. The deadline for submission of your application is March 31, 2005 (for those outside Hanoi, the deadline is based on the date of the post-office on the envelope). Decisions on grants will be made by the end of April, 2005 and the selected proposals will be notified shortly afterwards. We look forward to receiving many exciting proposals on a wide range of topics. Following is a list of winners of Small Grants Program in 2003. The Center of Southeast Asian Prehistory - workshop on Cannabis Sativa and a small exhibition on the subject. Research center for Supporting the protection & Promotion of Traditional Culture and Technique - study on "Rituals in cultivation, forestry and livings of E De ethnic group in Central Highlands". STDs/HIV/AIDS Prevention Center (SHAPC) - training course on "Home-based care and support for HIV/AIDS carriers for their family members". Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) - initiative to update, disseminate information and receive comments on business license issues through VCCI's website. Nghe Tinh Eco-Eco Institute - the development of a new model of Natural Resource Conservation Area managed by community. Science and Fatherland Journal - the improvement of "Knowledge Forum" column and the organization of a competition on "Knowdge and Development". Center for Agricultural & Rural Development Consultation - workshop on "Sustainable socio-economic development and environmental protection in the surrounding area of Hoa Binh dam and hydropower plant". Vietnam Inland Waterway Transportation Association - workshop on "The status of inland waterway traffic safety and proposed solutions for traffic safety maintenance in the Mekong delta". Center for Information on Agricutural Technology and Environment - dissemination of Environment Protection Laws for the Dao ethnic group in Thong Nhat commune, Hoa Binh Province. Health for Women and Children (HOWC) - seminar on "Advocacy, social mobilization in health care for women and children".

Vietnam Innovation Day 2005 - Environmental Action

2005-03-17T13:42:00.000+07:00





CALL FOR PROPOSALS The Country Innovation Day is a World Bank initiative that provides start-up funding for innovative ideas, and which creates opportunities for innovators to meet and share with other people with similar ideas. Building on successes of last year�s Vietnam Innovation Day (VID) � �Innovation to fight HIV/AIDS�, the VID in 2003 � �Innovation for Safer Lives� and of those held in many other countries, the Vietnam Innovation Day 2005 will be held in Hanoi in mid-June this year. The event is co-organized by Danish Embassy, Canada Fund, Mercedes Benz Vietnam and the World Bank, Vietnam Office. It is planned that at least seventeen prizes of up to US$10,000 each will be awarded to support the proposal implementation through an open competition to be held in mid-June, 2005. The topic of the Vietnam Innovation Day 2005 is �Environmental Action� with the sub-themes of: � Managing solid waste � Sustainable uses of natural resources � Community involvement in monitoring pollution. Click here for more details of the above themes and this year's Innovation day. We invite proposals within the theme specified above from all Vietnamese individuals and groups, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local governments, and Vietnamese public and private development agencies. International NGOs may only apply in partnership with a local individual or agency. Organizations working on environment-related issues and people living under heavily polluted environment areas are encouraged to participate in the competition. A shortlist of the best proposals will be invited to compete for funding at the VID forum to be held in Hanoi in mid-June. Full details of the Vietnam Innovation Day, click here to download instructions on how to submit a proposal and application form. Hard copies can also be obtained at the reception desk of the World Bank Country Office located at Building 63 Ly Thai To St., 8th Floor, Hanoi or at the Vietnam Development Information Center on the first floor of Building 63 Ly Thai To St., Hanoi. The documents can also be provided by fax, post or email attachment upon request. Completed proposals must be received at the World Bank Office in Hanoi by 17:00 May 4, 2005. For further details please contact: Ms. Bui Thi Thu Trang World Bank Vietnam 8th Floor, 63 Ly Thai To St., Hanoi Tel: (04) 934-6600 Ext. 335; Fax: (04) 934-6597 Email: vietnam@worldbank.org

Celebrate Global Youth Service Day April 15-17, 2005!

2005-03-17T13:31:00.000+07:00

On Global Youth Service Day, millions of young people in countries everwhere highlighted and carried out thousands of community improvement projects. GYSD offers a way for local, national, and international organizations to:

BUILD the capacity of an international network of organizations that promotes youth participation, service, and learning;
EDUCATE the public, the media, and policy-makers about the year-round contributions of young people as community leaders around the world;
MOBILIZE youth and adults to meet the needs of their communities through volunteering; and
LEARN and share effective practices in youth service, youth voice, and civic engagement in the world today.

Celebrating Youth Employability at YouthActionNet

2005-03-17T13:29:00.000+07:00

In March 2005, YouthActionNet in collaboration with the Alliance for African Youth Employability celebrates young people in Africa who are helping themselves and other young men and women to build and enhance their own employability.

Youth unemployment, according to the International Labour Organisation, has skyrocketed and today, youth make up as much as 47% of all unemployed people across the globe. Some of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world affect Africa. The International Labour Organisation reports that North Africa and the Middle East have the highest rates followed closely by sub-Saharan Africa.

African youth, who live in some of the world�s least developed countries, are more likely than young people in Europe or North America to be unemployed and almost four times more likely to be unemployed than adults living in their own countries.

This month�s feature on Youth Employment in Africa has been developed with the following specific purposes:

Firstly, to raise awareness among youth leaders globally about the significance of unemployment among Africa�s youth and the psycho-social and economic consequences on youth and their communities;
Secondly, to provide youth participating in and / or leading youth employability programmes across the continent with the opportunity to profile successful programmes training unemployed African youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and placing a significant portion of them in jobs that use the skills in which they were trained;
Thirdly, to provide youth leaders in Africa with accurate, reliable information about a country or sub-region or the continent�s labour market trends such that demand-driven market needs are increasingly included in the design and implementation of youth employability training programming; and
Fourthly, to provide youth leaders with simple tools (e.g. Curriculum Vitae toolkit) that can assist them with helping young people to secure employment in the formal sector.

Activities

This month's activities will include:

Stay tuned to YouthActionNet in March for these and more!

Partners

Click here to view the full list of partners for Youth Employability month.

World Health Day 2005: Make every mother and child count

2005-03-17T13:27:00.000+07:00

WHO/Liba Taylor

WHO is pleased to announce healthy mothers and children as the theme for World Health Day 2005. This is also the subject of the World Health Report 2005, which will be launched on World Health Day, on 7 April 2005.

The slogan for World Health Day 2005 is "Make every mother and child count", which reflects the reality that today, the health of women and children is not a high enough priority for many governments and the international community.

This web site will serve as the official web site for World Health Day 2005. Visit us regularly in the months ahead to find information about how to organize your World Health Day 2005 events, and related advocacy material. For more information please contact: whd2005@who.int

Vietnam private university to build affordable PCs

2005-03-17T13:22:00.000+07:00

A private university in southern Dong Nai province has recently announced it will build affordable personal computers for the Vietnamese market.

According to Tran Hanh, president of Lac Hong Private University, the university�s computer assembly line, which was made in Singapore, has an annual capacity to assemble 18,000 inexpensive PCs with the Lac Hong trademark.

Starting in the 2004-2005 academic year, students from the IT department can gain hands-on experience by working on the assembly line.

The university will also be equipped with the Lac Hong PCs. Meanwhile, students and teachers can buy the Lac Hong PCs on hire purchase with preferential costs.

In the future, the university also plans to help universalize access to computers and the Internet by providing the cheap PCs to rural provinces.

The government will help equip schools in Dong Nai province with the Lac Hong computers, said the provincial Department of Education and Training.

Reported by Thien Long

2005-03-17T10:22:00.000+07:00

World Bank Essay Competition Contest

The Topic :

�Building a Secure Future
Seeking Practical Solutions�

What are the biggest obstacles you face in your daily life?
What practical solutions would you propose to build a secure future for yourself and others?"

Winning essays will be chosen for their originality, clarity and use of thoughtful yet concrete proposals for building a secure future. You are free to develop your essay in any way you find to be the most convincing.

The following approaches may give you some guidance in structuring your answer to the second essay question.

Personal Reflection
Describe your own personal efforts to solve a problem or grapple with a specific issue (through volunteer work or other type of involvement), showing 1) how your work changed your own life or the lives of others, and 2) how those solutions can be adapted to helping others facing the same challenges.

Policy Analysis
Essays in this category could focus on a particular organization or public policy. The goal of the essay would be to show to what extent the work of an organization or a policy has been effective in building a more secure future by addressing issues such as unemployment, homelessness, hunger, gender violence etc. The essays should include concrete recommendations on how a particular project or program can be improved or reformed to have greater impact.

Academic Inquiry
This approach may appeal to students of life sciences (biology, engineering, environment, etc.) or economics, but also of philosophy and history. It may be used describe how new technologies might be used to build a more secure future (for example, environmental solutions or agricultural solutions) in their country. Students of history could use historical precedent or example to build proposals; students of philosophy could look at the response of different philosophical traditions to problems of insecurity and explore reasons for their relevance today.

We invite you to make a critical use of analyses from major sources, including, but by no means limited to, the following sources.

Remember to cite any sources you use.

Vietnamese certification still not recognized widely abroad

2005-03-17T09:35:00.000+07:00

Many foreign universities have yet to except Vietnamese educational certification, according to Dr. Le Viet Khuyen, Deputy Head of the Department of Higher Education and Post Graduation.

The reason is that many governments have yet to sign educational agreements with Vietnam to recognize mutual educational certification, explained Dr. Khuyen.

Currently, Vietnam has signed agreements with France and Ukraine that allow the Vietnamese qualifications to carry some weight from universities of the two countries.

For instance, a Vietnamese student could study his first year at a university in Vietnam, then he could go France to continue his second year, as long as he study the same major subject.

Previously, Vietnamese certificates were recognized in some countries of Soviet Union and South East Asia. However, as the educational systems of these countries were reformed, agreements have yet to be signed.

Renovation in Vietnam�s educational system should include a recognized system of naming major subjects, structuring groups of knowledge, and compatible training programs.

Mr. Khuyen commented that Vietnam could only integrate into the world�s economy with a comparable amendment to education and training.

Reported by Vu tho

Vietnamese student tops in UK

2005-03-17T09:33:00.000+07:00


Nguyen Chi Hieu (left)

A young Vietnamese from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) was named the UK's top A-level student last week.

Economics student Nguyen Chi Hieu received the award from the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) - beating over a third of a million (335,000) other examination entrants for the accolade, in London in December last year.

He had straight A�s in his four A level classes. He was also the top student in the country for his Statistics B A level examination and received a solid silver medal for this, having beaten approximately 9,500 other students in the Mathematics section of the awards.

A total of 10 medals were awarded across ten groups of subjects and Chi Hieu was chosen from these contenders as the �A level Student of the Year�, on the basis of his academic performance in A levels taken this year.

Chi Hieu said: 'I'm stunned to win this award. In Vietnam, I was better at social sciences like history and geography.'

The talented boy was an excellent student at his local high school, and at the age of 16 he won a place at the prestigious Le Hong Phong High School for Gifted Pupils in Ho Chi Minh City, one of Vietnam's top high schools.

Hieu hails from Quy Nhon City in Binh Dinh Province located some 700 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City on the coast of Central Vietnam. His parents Tong and Huong gave up their careers as teachers to open an electrical goods shop in order to finance the education of Hieu and his two older brothers.

In November 2001, Hieu was one of 104 pupils who sat the Cambridge Tutors College scholarships tests at Le Hong Phong. He came first with an overall score of 79% and was awarded a scholarship covering all of his tuition fees for a 2-year A-level course starting in September 2002.

As his scholarship did not cover living costs, Hieu worked for up to 15 hours a week in order to earn enough to support himself. In spite of this, he excelled in his studies and in the June 2004 A-level examinations he obtained A grades in all of his 4 main subjects: Accounting, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics.

Out of the 24 examination papers Hieu sat, 11 were awarded full marks and none of them was graded less than 90%. For this achievement, Hieu won the Gold Medal of the AQA, Britain's largest examination board and with it the title of A-level Student of the Year.

Talking to Thanh Nien, the genius student said he would like to come back Vietnam after graduation to contribute to the country�s development.

�I will return to Viet Nam where I was born and raised. Vietnam is also where all of my beloved families, teachers and friends are living. Right now, I don�t know what work I will undertake for my country, but I am sure that I devote to it with all my heart�

Reported by Dinh Phu � Source: Cambridge Tutors College

50 foreign universities take part in HCMC education fair

2005-03-17T09:00:00.000+07:00

50 foreign universities take part in HCMC education fair

With 50 foreign universities represented at an education fair in Ho Chi Minh City Sunday, many Vietnamese students were able to get as much information possible on studying abroad.

Universities from the U.S, UK, Canada, Singapore, Hungary, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore set up booths at the education fair organized by the Vietnam Centerpoint Organization.

The school representatives were able to answer students� concerns on studying overseas like receiving financial assistance, applying for scholarships and getting visas.

During the fair, students were also introduced to different training and vocational programs available from the foreign institutions.

Reported by T.Ng

12-year-old Vietnamese girl wins international poetry contest

2005-03-17T08:46:00.000+07:00


Hoang Le Quynh Nhu (L) and her mother

A twelve-year-old girl from Ho Chi Minh City recently flew to the U.S. to receive her 20,000-USD prize for winning the 2004 Online Free Poetry Contest with her poem about world peace.

Hoang Le Quynh Nhu’s poem The world beat out more than 1,000 entries worldwide for the top cash prize as well as a Silver Cup worth 200 USD. The contest gave away total cash prizes worth 74,000 USD to 36 poems.

As well, Nhu’s poem has been published on the first page of the poetry collection book Touch of Tommorow, which comprises of 224 of the best poems from the contest.

Nhu also recently signed a 20-year contract with U.S.’ Deluxe Hardbound to allow the publishing house to include her poem in its soon-to-be published collection book The Sound of Poetry.

According to the contract, the poet will receive an annual sum of at least 1,000 USD and an additional 30 per cent from copyrights if the book is reproduced.

Writing from the heart

Born in Jan. 20, 1992, Nhu is the daughter of two renowned doctors in HCMC.

Nhu said after watching the terrifying images of the war in Iraq on the television last year, she spent just 15 minutes composing her poem. She said she wanted to write a poem about peace to send a message to the world.

“When I watched the bloody scenes of Iraqi little boys and girls getting shot, I saw something in their eyes and thought to myself it looked like they were telling me something. So, I wrote down these words:

‘The world we live. The world for peace. The world not include war. The world for children. For people, for everyone. The world we call “ Greenpeace”. The world for volunteer. The world for warm heart. The world for poor people to live. The world that no one outrun. The world no gun. We leave the gun. We take the poor people in our life. We accept the AIDS people. We look after them. We do not leave them alone. The world of right people. EARTH !”

Even the toughest judges of the contest were inspired by the girl’s poem, said Dr. Len Roberts, chairman of the judging panel.

Natural gift

Last July when Nhu received an invitation letter from the contest board requesting her presence at the awards ceremony in the U.S., her mother, Do Thi Lan, could not believe her daughter had won the contest.

“Nhu is the oldest of my two children. Though she seems rather quiet and introvert, she is still a normal kid like her friends. But, what makes Nhu special is her natural gift for literature,” said Ms. Lan.

The mother added that her daughter always ranked first at writing contests at school.

Poet Tran Dang Khoa, who was a child prodigy at 10, is Nhu’s favorite author.

Ford Motor Company International Fellowship Program 2006 announcement

2005-03-16T13:39:00.000+07:00

2006 Program - Apply now!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Each year, a group of 20-25 emerging leaders from different regions of the world is selected to become Ford Fellows of the 92nd Street Y. Participating countries change each year. For the 2006 program, we are accepting applications from Argentina, Bangladesh, Georgia, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, and Uganda. The program includes a two-and-a-half-week spring residency in New York City (June 9 - June 28, 2006) and ongoing communication before and after the residency via telephone and email. Fellows are asked to complete assignments prior to their residency to maximize the value of their Fellowship experience, and after their residency to evaluate its impact and success.

Please visit 92Y Street website for further details at Ford Fellowship 2006

Good luck
Tran Van Tinh

World Youth Congress 2005 Scotland UK

2005-03-16T10:02:00.000+07:00

The 3rd World Youth Congress will bring 600 of the world’s most dynamic young activists in the field of sustainable development to Scotland from 120 different countries (including 100 from the UK).

The congress offers a unique opportunity to meet and work alongside young people who are really doing things and going places. This event sets a new standard for international youth events, and will be the largest and most inspirational gathering of its kind for young people taking place anywhere in the world in 2005.

There is a strong role at the Congress for young journalists, cultural performers (e.g. dancers / actors / film makers / musicians), as well as for those with an interest in sustainable development, but less personal experience in this area.

Delegates will join forces with young Scots to undertake hands-on community action projects across Scotland, and will help shape international policy by documenting and showing governments what young people are doing to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Finally, we aim to give every delegate an amazing time in Scotland - one that they will never forget!

World Youth Congress Series

The main goals of this WYC series are to promote volunteering, global citizenship and sustainable lifestyles.

We also want to draw to the attention of government and aid agencies how much young people can do – and are already doing - to support the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Hawaii – Morocco - Scotland

All our World Youth Congress locations share a tradition of warm hospitality to visitors, a rich culture and history, and a modern, cutting edge approach to technology and innovation.

Hawaii

The World Youth Congress series began with the 1999 'Millennium Young People's Congress' in Hawaii, which sought to establish youth priorities going forward into the 21st century.

Hawaii remains key to this Congress series as its culture of Aloha and peace-building, plus its search for sustainable island lifestyles, provide a linking theme and spirit for each subsequent Congress.

Morocco

The 2nd Congress was held in Morocco in 2003 and focused on youth action for sustainable development. Delegates spent five days in the field learning how Moroccans are moving towards sustainable prosperity. Delegates produced the Casablanca Declaration, which appealed for government support to enable youth to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Scotland

The 3rd World Youth Congress will be the largest and most inspirational gathering of its kind for young people taking place anywhere in the world in 2005.

As Britain will also be celebrating 2005 as the Year for Volunteering, the Congress will focus on "Young People working for the Millennium Development Goals and a sustainable world community", helping to promote the benefits of volunteering to young people and contribute to living in a more eco-friendly, sustainable way.