World Youth Congress 2008 Personal Report

th
4 World Youth Congress (WYC)

Regénération 2008
Québec, Canada, 10 – 21 August 2008
Personal Report
World Youth Congress 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pages
1) Acknowledgements..........................................................................................3
2) Brief Background..............................................................................................4
3) Celebration.......................................................................................................4
Opening Ceremony
Exhibition
World Youth Walk
4) Skill Building.....................................................................................................6
Regional Roundtable Dialogue
How to become a Youth Delegate at the UN General Assembly
Making the Case for Youth-led Development
5) Action Project..................................................................................................14
6) Basket of Quotes............................................................................................15
7) Link to Other Resources.................................................................................17
8) Some Outcomes and Thoughts......................................................................18
9) Plan of Action..................................................................................................18
10) Appeal.............................................................................................................18
Page | 2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To God be all the glory!
Writing this report has brought back profound memories of time spent in working
tirelessly to raise funds for the trip. It was a huge and exciting challenge for me to
embark on this trip to Quebec, Canada for the World Youth Congress. This could not
have been possible without the immense contribution provided by the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Special thanks to Doris Hribernigg,
Focal Point, Human Security Coordination Special Programmes Group, Programme
Coordination and Field Operations Division and the team of able personnel at
UNIDO. I deeply appreciate the timely sponsorship of my flight ticket.
Special mention must be made of The Canadian Government; The Governor

General, Michaelle Jean; Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P;
Ministers in Charge, Canadian International Development Agency; The Canadian
High Commission Ghana; thanks for the tremendous contribution, in terms of
financial support and heartfelt hosting and reception, provided to young delegates
from across the world. To the Quebeckers and the people of Canada, your lovely
smiles brought me a sense of belonging. Indeed, I enjoyed every bit of my stay in the
beautiful historic Quebec City.
I cannot find words to express my appreciation for the support of Dr. Laura Laski,
Senior Technical Advisor, Coordinator of the Adolescent Youth Cluster, TSD; Ziad
Mikati; Charlotte Juul Hansen and the entire staff of UNFPA New York office. Thank
you for your sustained support.
Particular thanks are extended to Prof. Manuel Budu Adjei, President, Ghana
Christian University College; Prof. Joseph Nsiah, Vice President; Prof. Swedstrup
Ahlijah; Prof. Patrick Cline; Faculty and Staff of Ghana Christian University College.
Your support is well appreciated.
Credits to the Management, Organizers, Partners and all who contributed selflessly
to making the World Youth Congress a success. To all young delegates from around
the globe, it was inspiring, motivating and challenging sharing ideas and skills
together. Keep up the passion, energy and the spirit of resilience.
Finally, comrades and youth/young people, who continue to battle onwards in your
efforts to impact lives and society positively. You are the heroes and heroines.
Persevere!
To all those mentioned above and others not mentioned, I am most grateful.
Cyril Nii-Offei France

WYC 2008 Delegate, Ghana
Page | 3
BRIEF BACKGROUND
From 10 to 22 August 2008, an estimated number of 600 young people from 120
countries gathered in Québec, Canada to celebrate not only the city's 400th
anniversary, but above all the contribution that youth all over the world are making to
the development of their communities and societies. The Fourth World Youth
Congress "Regénération 2008" aimed at acknowledging the achievements of those
who make youth-led development a reality and to equip participants with the skills
and support needed to contribute to the realization of the Millennium Development
Goals more effectively. The Congress was divided into three main sessions:
Celebration, Skill Building and Action Project.
CELEBRATION
Opening Ceremony
The "Celebration" segment encompassed the opening ceremony, Cultural events,
the celebration of International Youth Day and the presentation of the 'Champion of
Youth' awards to a number of distinguished adults in recognition of their support to
youth issues. Among them were Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michelle Jean,
Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada; the Founder and honorary
President of CIVICUS, Kumi Naidoo, David Woollcombe, President and Founder of
Peace Child International; Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Director-General of UNIDO who
received the award for pioneering the Mano River Union (MRU) Youth Employment
Programme. This multi-agency programme aims to create employment opportunities
for youth in the MRU countries and to contribute to social and political stability, and
economic growth in the region.
Participants at the Opening Preliminary session witnessed empowering and

motivational speeches which heightened the youth agenda around the world. Her
Excellency the Right Honourable Michelle Jean, Governor General, Canada, started
the proceedings with a dynamic and positive speech. “This is the space in which the
voices of all backgrounds can join hands to pursue a better place in the world; the
youth must be considered to be part of the solution. You are part of the solution here
and now! The entire nation has
come together, my commitment to
global solidarity is the reason I‟m
excited to be here. You are the movers,
the shapers of our planet” her
Excellency pronounced.
Her Excellency the Right

Honourable Michaelle Jean,
Governor General, Canada
David Woollcombe, President and
Founder of Peace Child
International, Continued the positive
Page | 4
messages by saying: “YLD = the best dollar anyone can invest in. The UN is your
champion. You need to learn now, because they need you to step up and do your
projects”.
Other speakers included William Reese, Chief Executive Officer of the International
Youth Foundation; Director of Youth, Sport and Culture Directorate, Pierre Mairesse
and Mae Mendelson, Founder Member of the Youth Employment Summit.
Youth speaker Kyle Tailor from Youth Venture summed up the feeling of all the
participants with an emotional presentation, asking: “Why are you here? Who are we
as a generation? What moves us?” Answering himself he said “We are the first Truly
Global Generation. We have had enough; we are going to do it ourselves. Dream it!
Do it! Think global! Act locally!”
Exhibition
The insightful and inspiring exhibition attracted keen interest from delegates,
Quebecers and guests present. In attendance once again was Her Excellency, the
Right Honorable Michaelle Jean, Governor-General of Canada. With her were other
VIP guests including deputies and winners of the Champion Youth awards. Dozens
of exhibitors had the opportunity to briefly share with dignitaries and delegates,
details of their organizations and projects. A notable exhibit was the Water
Awareness Education Program (WAEP) led by Wadi Environmental Science center
(WESC). The program seeks to mitigate the problems of limited clean water
resources in Egypt. This program approaches the issue mainly from two
perspectives; assessment and education. It chemically analyzes the quality of water
in the localities near the Nile, whilst promoting public awareness. WAEP believes
Page | 5
that early prevention, particularly through early education is essential. The program
also coordinates regular workshops and allows youngsters to raise funds on their
own in pursuit of their projects.
World Youth Walk

On United Nations International Youth Day, hundreds of delegates and other youth
from Québec joined in the World Youth Walk which started from 6pm in the evening
amidst musical instruments, flags and posters, calling for an end to war, HIV/AIDS
and environmental degradation. The colourful procession marched the 7 kilometres
from the Congress venue (Université Laval) to the heart of Old Port of Québec. The
high spirits, chanting, dancing, and singing bespoke of the energy and enthusiasm.
Even those who watched from the balconies and patios of their homes couldn‟t help
it, but to clap and share in the “fun”.
Delegates: during the World Youth Walk
Page | 6
SKILL BUILDING
The skills building component of the
congress constituted an estimated number
of 230 workshops, round table discussions
as well as keynote speeches. These
activities gave delegates the opportunity to
exchange, learn, and share experiences and
ideas to build together a better future for
humanity. The over 155 skill workshops
helped enlighten delegates‟ knowledge and
competence. The round table discussions
and keynote speeches gave delegates the
Patience W. Stephens, Ph.D. Focal Point and Team Leader chance to discuss pertinent
UN Programme on Youth development issues with UN agencies-
both international as well as local professionals. To make this happen, the program
was divided into thematic sessions. Additionally, young educators, activists and
young journalists spiced up the congress by sharing their experiences and talents in
their specific fields of expertise.
Guests from organizations such as the Canadian Development Agency (CIDA) and
UN- Habitat emphasized the point that youth organizations and governments need to
look for win-win situations, learn to speak each other‟s language and find shared
goals to work upon.
David Woollcombe, President and Founder of Peace Child International, never

without a useful piece of advice, said that the youth need to look for their
comparative advantage when asking for support from their governments. That is to
say, what can youth do that their government wants to accomplish, and can do so
better than any other organization working with government? In short, he advised the
youth to find something they could offer their government that no other entity or
individual could, in return for their governments support.
Presentation by: Cyril Nii Offei

France, under the topic: Youth
Job Creation Programme (How to
create jobs for youth in the least
developed, post-conflict states),
08/14/2008
Highlighted some challenges,
successes and lessons learnt from
youth-led development, Mr. France
Page | 7
said his motivation was drawn from the fact that agriculture accounts for almost half
of Ghana‟s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and export earnings and employs three-
fifths of the workforce1. However, despite its importance, sectoral growth has lagged
behind other sectors of the economy, hence the decision to collaborate with young
farmers in creating appealing sustainable initiatives to encourage more young
farmers.
Presentation by: Cyril Nii

Offei France, during the
Round Table on, “Youth &
Government Dialogue
Session”, Moderators Wendy
Cunningham, World Bank
Children & Youth Department;
David Woollcombe,
International Director, World
Youth Congress;
Guests: CIDA-Canada (Paul
Samson); UNIDO (Doris
Hribbernigg); GTZ-Germany (Timo Weinacht); UN Habitat (Mutinta
Munyata); IADB (Fabien Andres Koss)/ AED-USA (Andy Munoz).
08/13/2008.
The United Nations system keenly participated in the Congress through a joint UN
exhibit and also facilitated various workshops on topics ranging from sustainable
development, the MDGs, youth employment, sport and values, sexual and
reproductive health and youth participation.
Regional Roundtable Dialogue

As part of the second section of the Congress, Seven (7) Regional Roundtable
dialogues took place on Saturday, August 16 from each region displaying insightful
solutions in the form of two major recommendations which will be forwarded to
Governments and Aid Agencies. For the purpose of this congress, the „round tables‟
were divided as follows: Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands, Europe, La
Francophonie, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa and North America. The
methodology of sessions allowed participants to discuss the challenges and
opportunities of Youth Led Development, as well as having a democratic dialogue
and decision making dialogue on the recommendations which would be submitted to
the Canadian Government and other stakeholders. Finally, the small groups
reported to the larger group and two major recommendations were extracted and
1
Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy II (2006-2009) vol. 1. Priorities for private sector competitiveness p.31
Page | 8
agreed upon by the larger group. Recommendations from regional roundtables are
as follows:
Region: Africa
Number of Participants: 36
Countries involved: Ghana, Burundi, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Liberia,
Central African countries,
Major Recommendations:
1. Localize the Millennium Development Goals and recreate them as youth-led
initiatives
a. Be inclusive of local governments, languages;
b. Create partnership between governments and existing institutions working
with young people.
2. Provide more funding for youth-led initiatives and youth capacity-building
a. Include the issue of gender inequality (re-orientation of values), human
rights
b. Provision of mentorship programs;
c. Provide educational training (formal and informal) as well as specific skills
geared towards sustainable development;
d. Create partnership between governments, institutions and young people
to promote youth-led development.
3. Youth policy should be established for each government ministry.
Region: Asia and the Pacific Islands

Countries Involved: Australia, Hawaii, China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore,
Vietnam
1. To restructure the policy making process into a bottom-up, grassroots
approach that accurately consults all citizens to voice their opinions on a
range of interconnected issues;
a. Promote a move to self-sufficiency of communities and application of
native processes.
2. To encourage the active participation of young people in all programmes of

civil society and to recognize the actions that they are currently taking to make
a positive impact in their communities;
a. Encourage youth and elderly interactions and cooperation.
3. To ensure that environmental policies are inclusive and integrated into

institutions;
a. Raise awareness of environment by encouraging less wasteful behavior
and reducing carbon footprint;
b. Address the carbon injustice between developed and developing
countries.
Page | 9
4. To ensure that governments better allocate resources and ensure that the
capacity of youth is developed and supported;
a. Education system should be re-evaluated to include emphasis on
environmental knowledge, cross-cultural understanding, experiential
education and youth-led development.
Region: Europe
Countries Involved: Azerbaijan, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium,
Austria, Russia, Finland, Serbia, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Czech Republic, and
Ukraine
1. Increase transparency of funding available and simplifying grant application
and making bursary schemes more accessible;
a. Trust should be placed in young people as project managers;
b. Find ways to increase the feasibility and the success of youth-led
development projects.
2. Providing more opportunities for informal education and supporting dialogue

among youth at the global level;
a. Governments should target the stigmatized and marginalized groups;
b. Increase the awareness in communities of the success of youth-led
developments, which will help to motivate other young people.
3. Creating a comprehensive youth policy in each country – including, as much

as possible, youth parliaments and youth advisors to the government;
a. Youth-networks and youth-led organizations are part of the solution: it is
essential to co-operate with them in community and national decision-
making and project delivery/implementation.
Region: Latin America

Countries Involved: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador,
Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru
1. To democratize and facilitate access to governmental and private funding at
the national and international level. This will help develop the leadership
capacity of youth who are actively engaged in initiatives related to social
action, education, environment, and health;
a. There should be more funding for informal education and alternative
methodologies of education;
b. Greater investment into education and prevention programs – particularly
for youth-driven projects, non-formal education, and capacity building
opportunities.
Page | 10
2. To institutionalize youth participation by ensuring their inclusion in multiple

levels of decision-making;
a. A quota should be given for youth representation in local and national
governmental processes;
b. Support councils, co-operatives and civil society organizations as
stakeholders in decision-making rather than solely as consultative bodies.
3. Ensure regional cooperation of Latin American counties in environmental

policy making so that sustainable technologies are implemented through
stronger policies that will lead companies towards more effective practices
throughout our region;
a. Immediate standards and regulations should be adopted to enforce the
suspension of mining activities. This will be implemented until sustainable
practices are established and guaranteed;
b. 0.7% of the GNP should be reserved for foreign aid to follow the
commitment done with the Monterey Declaration.
Region: Middle East & North Africa

Countries Involved: Algeria, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Mauritania and Bahrain
1. To provide opportunity for inter-youth interaction and understanding by:
a. Increasing exchange programs;
b. Establishing pen-pal curriculum in schools;
c. Increasing second language learning, emphasizing on other national
languages.
2. To encourage youth to change public images and prejudices through:

a. Establishing youth-led media
b. Increasing youth councils which will allow youth opinions to be voiced and
taken into consideration by government.
3. To promote care for personal health and the environment by:

a. Allocating the efforts of the Ministers of Health and Environment to support
successful youth projects as well as awareness-raising campaigns
towards health and environment in association with organizations and
youth initiatives;
b. Intensifying the teaching of environmental programs in schools, in a
framework of the educational system in the field of environment and health
(non-formal education).
Region: North America

Countries Involved: Canada, United States of America.
Page | 11
1. Establish a Ministry of Youth in the USA and Canada;
a. To legitimize the importance of youths
b. To create a national network of youth-led development groups, projects
and funding opportunities;
- Involve youth in policy and decision making;
- Implement global, human rights and social education in school
curriculum;
- Increase funding for accessible exchange programs;
- Expanding mentoring and internship programs;
- Implement post-secondary voluntary program which can decrease
tuition fees;
- Increase the funding for, and expand the number of community
centers.
2. To make youth a priority by including youth oriented programs into the federal
budget;
a. Increase funding opportunities for youth services, programs, and projects
to ensure the well-being of youth from every socio-economic status as
responsible citizens;
- Increase government funding for arts programs for youth;
- Fund Public Service Announcements on the Millennium Development
Goals MDGs.
Region: La Francophonie
Countries Involved: Canada,
1. Environment: teach environmental values to young people from their early
years; ensure a continuum of environmental education activities throughout
each young person‟s school career and enacting a political framework for
young people to advance their concerns in all the member countries of the
Francophone;
2. French Language: Support French Language education and learning
programs;
3. Economic Governance: Support the participation and consultation of youth in
the development of economic policy of each country and create a larger
platform for youth participation in the decision-making processes of
international economic institutions;
4. Create a youth section: In each ministry and state institution, that should be
managed by young people themselves.
Page | 12
Cyril Nii Offei France receiving an award from Glenn Zyzanski, Project Manager
CIDA-Canada (...for answering CIDA’s youth-led development quiz)
How to become a Youth delegate at the United Nations General

Assembly
The workshop/debate gave young people, UN officials, and other participants an

opportunity to address what they understand by, and what they expect from “youth
participation”. The term has been used repeatedly but means different things to
different people and organizations. This workshop brought together youth delegates
and UN staff from various agencies to debate on pertinent issues. Young delegates
were exposed to how youth participation can be fostered in promoting national
development and in UN discussions.
How to become a Youth

delegate at the United
Nations General Assembly
Since 1945, the United Nations

(UN) has been renowned as
an international organization
that commits to facilitating co-
operation in human rights,
social progress, international
law and security, economic
development, and achieving
Page | 13
world peace. So, it was imperative the World Youth Congress in Quebec City
featured a conference on how to become a youth delegate at the UN General
Assembly.
The following is basically “how-to” become a UN youth delegate:
1. Prepare to talk to your government:

- Identify national youth institutional structures;
- Build partnership with organizations(i.e. local UN Association);
- Research (i.e. find out what former youth delegates did to research their
goal);
- Find support.
2. Talk to your government:
- Prepare a concise, effective proposal;
- Provide supporting policy document (i.e. your country‟s national youth policy);
- Provide supporting letters (i.e. from your local government official);
- Find the contact in your government that deals specifically with youth.
3. Draft a plan of action:
- Establish priorities;
- Identify key issues in each priority;
- Set objectives;
- List related actions;
- Write a declaration or pledge stating why you want to become a youth
delegate.
Making the case for Youth-led Development (YLD)
How can we engage our

governments and persuade
them that supporting youth-
led development is the best
policy for achieving the
MDGs? The President of
Peace Child International,
David Woollcombe believes
that the answer is youth-led
development. In his recent
book “Youth-led
Development: Empowering
Youth to make poverty
history” he explained the five
arguments he uses to
persuade policy makers that
David Woollcombe YLD works.
President of Peace Child International,
Page | 14
1. Education
The best way to learn is by doing. Supporting youth to lead projects or to
establish small businesses will help them develop useful skills, in a way that
taught courses cannot provide. The opportunity to participate in such activities
increases their employability by increasing self-confidence, team working
abilities and skills;
2. Jobs
The centre of YLD is job creation. YLD supports young people to establish the
businesses they think will work in their communities;
3. Economic Growth
YLD helps young people enter the formal economy. More businesses mean
more workers and more taxes;
4. Evidence of Success
In David‟s book, he presents extensive evidence that YLD projects are
cheaper and sustainable than traditional approaches.
5. Service
The benefits of volunteering for the community and individuals are huge. YLD
provides an excellent vehicle for international youth exchanges.
ACTION PROJECTS
During the final segment of the
Congress, young delegates actively
participated in 40 action projects to
contribute to community development
in the surroundings of Quebec City to
put their newly acquired skills into
practice.
These projects were realised in
collaboration with many local
organizations that already work with
great enthusiasm for the
improvement of the quality of life of
their peers. The idea behind the
action project was also to prove that
youth can go further than just talking,
and take action wherever they go.
The following are but a few Action
Projects undertaken by delegates:
 Delegates participated in the
elaboration of a “tacon-site” in the
frame of the project “Evenement
Page | 15
Ouananiche” Venue: Jonquiere, Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean.

 Delegates helped in the last minute logistical plans for the Festival du
Bucheux. Decorations were made and delegates had an opportunity to
exchange with the city‟s inhabitants. The venue was Saint-Pamphile,
Chaudiere-Appalaches.
 Delegates helped in the transformation of an elementary school by painting
the walls with lively colors and murals to encourage their imagination. Venue:
Ecole Saint-Fidele – Ville de Quebec.
 The young delegates made scientific tests to analyze the various constituents
of water. They further took care of the river banks by cleaning and revitalizing
it in place. Project/venue: Comite de valorisation de la riviere Beauport – Ville
de Quebec.
 Delegates helped in building a rustic campsite in the woods near the Eco-
Chalet, built a biological garden and participated in a medicinal herbs
workshop. venue: APEPA-St-Alban, Portneuf.
Basket of Quotes…
“As youths, you have to be concerned… there has to be something else in life worth
fighting for. Stand up and fight for your rights”
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Director General of the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization.
“Young people need to lobby so that they become the centre of government policy”
David Woollcombe, President and Founder of Peace Child International
“If you are not going to opt into the system, your voice is not going to be heard and
the decisions will continue to be made for us” Brooke Ward, Young Journalist
“Money should not be used as an excuse for not taking action”

Dr. Kumi Naidoo, Founder and Honorary President of CIVICUS International
Secretary-General, Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP)
“Youth need to be empowered to be leaders today and not just in the future”
Her Excellency Michaelle Jean, Governor General, Canada
“Youth and governments need to look for win-win situations, learn to speak each
other’s language and find shared goals to work upon”
David Woollcombe, President and Founder of Peace Child International
Page | 16
Link to Other Useful Resources
Watch out for WYC 2010!

www.turkiye2010.org
Peace Child International

www.peacechild.org
Canadian International Development Agency

www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
Startup and Change the World

www.ysei.org/?q=node/18
Youth-Led Development
www.greenbooks.co.uk
TakingITGlobal’s Guide to Action

www.takingitglobal.org/action/guide/online.html
Nothing For Us, Without Us

www.peacechild.org/www/pci/downloads/Actiontoolkit.pdf
Millennium Campaign Toolkit

www.tigurl.org/millennium
Canadian Educational and Training Awards – Africa (CETAA)

www.cetaa.ca
Page | 17
Some Outcomes and Thoughts:

 Participation in the congress has broadened my understanding in youth-led
development, provided me with skills and support to effectively intensify my
contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals;
 The congress offered me an opportunity to share my experience in youth-led

development with other local and international delegates, guests, and
development/aid agencies;
 Working together with my team during the action project did not only help me
appreciate other cultural differences but also to be accommodative. It was
also an opportunity to know the people and society better.
 The high levels of development witnessed confirmed my impressions and

justifies why Canada often comes out top of the UN‟s Human Development
Index;
 I am confident that this event will inspire the development of more youth-led
initiatives and projects in the near future.
Plan of Action:
 To share the resource materials and experience gained from the congress
with my colleagues, student groups and other local youth groups, this is to
help mobilize more young people and civil society groupings to push for
change towards youth development and youth-led development initiatives.
This will be done through the launch of a campaign (letter writing campaign to
ministers or holding meetings to raise awareness amongst youth where
government officials will be invited to attend);
 In collaboration with the National Youth Council, other youth organizations

and other stakeholders we will create employment opportunities by bringing
young entrepreneurs together by forming co-operatives through which they
can facilitate the development of businesses, such as student businesses, as
well as add value to primary agricultural produce, through the development of
small scale agro-industries.
Appeal:
 Regardless of young people‟s background and/or the difficulties we face in
achieving our full potential and contributing to the development of our
communities, it is evident that indeed young people have contributed and are
contributing significantly to social, economic and environmental change.
Hence I make this passionate appeal to Governments and Aid Agencies to
wake up to the incredible potential of Youth-Led Development (YLD) and
contribute to its growth and sustainability.
Page | 18
 African governments including the government of Ghana must ratify,

implement and with young people, monitor the recommendations of the
African Youth Charter. This is because it ensures the constructive
involvement of Youth in the development agenda of Africa.
More information on the Congress can be found at www.wyc2008.qc.ca
This report has been compiled by:
Cyril Nii-Offei France

Youth Development Advocate Development Management Student
P.O. Box GP 18932 School of Community Development
Accra Central, Ghana Ghana Christian University College
Cell: +233 249 415 528 P.O. Box DD 48 Dodowa, Ghana
cyril.france@gmail.com Tell: +233 229 520 42,
cyril@savechildrennow.org 274 241 121, 289 511 199
Email: gcu@ghanacu.org
Web: www.ghanacu.org
Page | 19

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4 World Youth Congress (WYC)

7) Link to Other Resources.................................................................................17

8) Some Outcomes and Thoughts......................................................................18

Special mention must be made of The Canadian Government; The Governor

Cyril Nii-Offei France

Participants at the Opening Preliminary session witnessed empowering and

Her Excellency the Right

World Youth Walk

Delegates: during the World Youth Walk

David Woollcombe, President and Founder of Peace Child International, never

Presentation by: Cyril Nii Offei

Presentation by: Cyril Nii

Regional Roundtable Dialogue

Region: Asia and the Pacific Islands

2. To encourage the active participation of young people in all programmes of

3. To ensure that environmental policies are inclusive and integrated into

2. Providing more opportunities for informal education and supporting dialogue

3. Creating a comprehensive youth policy in each country – including, as much

Region: Latin America

2. To institutionalize youth participation by ensuring their inclusion in multiple

3. Ensure regional cooperation of Latin American counties in environmental

Region: Middle East & North Africa

2. To encourage youth to change public images and prejudices through:

3. To promote care for personal health and the environment by:

Region: North America

How to become a Youth delegate at the United Nations General

The workshop/debate gave young people, UN officials, and other participants an

How to become a Youth

Since 1945, the United Nations

The following is basically “how-to” become a UN youth delegate:

1. Prepare to talk to your government:

Making the case for Youth-led Development (YLD)

How can we engage our

Ouananiche” Venue: Jonquiere, Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean.

“Money should not be used as an excuse for not taking action”

Link to Other Useful Resources

Watch out for WYC 2010!

Peace Child International

Canadian International Development Agency

Startup and Change the World

TakingITGlobal’s Guide to Action

Nothing For Us, Without Us

Millennium Campaign Toolkit

Canadian Educational and Training Awards – Africa (CETAA)

Some Outcomes and Thoughts:

 The congress offered me an opportunity to share my experience in youth-led

 The high levels of development witnessed confirmed my impressions and

 In collaboration with the National Youth Council, other youth organizations

 African governments including the government of Ghana must ratify,

More information on the Congress can be found at www.wyc2008.qc.ca

This report has been compiled by:

Cyril Nii-Offei France

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