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Islamabad [18 January 2011]: The “Regional Youth Symposium: Youth in Action for Global Change” organised by the British Council was launched at the Islamabad Club today. The two day regional dialogue has high-level participation from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Qatar, USA and the UK. Participants include key global change makers, youth activists, policy makers and government officials.
The symposium was formally launched by the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mr. Nadeem-ul-Haque who speaking at the occasion said “A profound understanding of youth involvement trends is the first step in formulation of a policy for the young people of a country. I am really glad that this regional dialogue is happening in Islamabad and thankful to the British Council for organizing this momentous event.” He was joined by David Martin, Director British Council Pakistan, and Shazia Khawar, Head of Programmes, British Council.
Keynote addresses were given by Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, former President Supreme Court Bar Association and Ms. Susan Shroud, Executive Director of Innovations in Civic Participation. In his speech Mr. Ahsan remarked: “Youth in the region is involved very actively in the public sphere. All the countries of the region, be it Pakistan, Nepal or Bangladesh, have a huge percentage of young people whose energy, dreams and aspirations need to be channelled positively.” Ms. Susan emphasised the importance of public service as a means of engaging the youth, “Creativity and energy of one billion young people around the world can be effectively mobilized to tackle the development challenges of the world.”
The symposium intends to understand key questions on youth participation. Pradip Pariyar, President Association of Youth Organization Nepal (PYON), pointed out that resentment and a sense of disenfranchisement can cause youth any where in the world to resort to violence. Dr. Abdul Mobin Quraishi, Senior Education Advisor to the Afghan Government, made a compelling case on how governments, certain groups and organizations and prominent figures may actually increase radicalization and how countering it requires a cohesive approach and integration.
Unlike other conferences, the symposium plans to transform discussions into a workable strategy for youth engagement and to counter radicalization by inculcating a sense of Global Citizenship. Dr. Bernadette Dean, a prominent Pakistani educationist, makes the case of including basic tenets of Global Citizenship in the national curriculum tomorrow.
Talking to media after the opening ceremony, Shazia Khawar, who was instrumental in the publication of the groundbreaking “Next Generation Report”, said: “The diverging trends in youth involvement are symptoms of polarization in society. Inclusivity, tolerance and affirmation of common values as human beings and citizens is the way forward.”
The conference celebrates the good work youth in the region are doing through awards for the best social action projects. Some of these projects will be showcased throughout the symposium. Music band Noori and singer Abrar ul Haq will perform tomorrow.
