Asian Youth Peace Conference ends on high note

 Asian Youth Peace Conference and Festival, the most awaited event of the year, kicked off on Wednesday. The day started with The Network Game, in which everyone was asked to go up to someone in the audience and introduce themselves and ask their one major goal in life. Glimpses from National Youth Peace Festival 2010 were also shown to the participants.
Channan Development Association Executive Director Shahzad Khan opened the ceremony and spoke about the aims and objectives behind the conference. He summed up the agenda of the conference in four simple words: “we are the solution!” UNFPA Youth Officer Sadia Ata Mahmood said youth was the most desirable segment of the society to bring about a real change in economic, social and academic conditions of the society. She encouraged the participants to enthusiastically play a role to bring about a change in the world.
Punjab Youth Department Additional Secretary Tahir Raza Hamdani talked about his efforts against dengue virus and its effects on the country from the governmental point of view. IA Rehman said, “The way to the future lies within the youth.” He commented on the problems of Pakistan, discussing peace, illiteracy, riches and poverty. He ended his speech by saying, “Success begins by rejection”.

Asian Youth Demography, Challenges and Opportunities was moderated by UNFPA youth officer. Colonel Aizaz for NAB, Saqib Shahid from Islamic International University and Taranjeet Singh from PTV shared their experiences with the youth. The panellists discussed about individual and team efforts to facilitate the youth and make them realise what they could do for their better personality. Ali Moeen Nawazish, the highest scorer in A-levels, said education was the most important tool to achieve success. Junaid from Call music band said the youth had to be in the forefront to better the society. In the closing session, Punjab Minorities Minister Kamran Michael appreciated the organisers for moving forward with such events, which could bring about a positive change in the depressed society.


The Asian Youth Peace Conference and festival ended on Friday, leaving behind an almost tangible sense of inspiration and enthusiasm for learning by doing. The theme of the first panel discussion of the day was “Extremism, an alarming phenomenon for Asian youth”, in which the panelists discussed the roots of extremism in the modern era. Colonel Aizaz, Ajmal Jami and the khateeb of Badshahi Mosque spoke on the issue with a very special regard for what the youth thought about the origins of and the media hype around extremism, and what role the religious leaders had been playing in promoting or curbing extremism among the youth of the nation. Singer Abrar-ul-Haq, the chief guest of the closing ceremony, spoke about the importance of the youth’s role in a time of such instability in the country. He shared his experiences in youth development efforts by the youth parliament. He has asked youngsters to try for an assembled and revolutionised society and urged the youth delegates to take away a practical message with them to build a new human being within themselves and to realise their tremendous potential to move on in life. Omair Jalianwala took a short session on a recap of the learning process which delegates had been observing during the three days of the conference and festival. At the end, he arranged a few activities to take up a commitment from the delegates that they would make themselves capable.


For details visit http://www.aycpf2011.org/ or contact Muhammad Shahzad Khan at shahzad@youthpeer.org.pk 

Definitions of Youth Development and Youth Leadership

Courtesy:  Prateek Suman Awasti, UNFPA
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/topic/youth-development


DEFINITIONS OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT typically characterize it as a process or approach in which young people become competent or develop competencies necessary to be successful and meet challenges (Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, 1996; National Collaboration for Youth, 2003; Pittman, 1991; Youth Development Institute, n.d.; Youth Development Block Grant, 1995). Most definitions also identify either specific desired outcomes that young people need to achieve or critical tasks they must accomplish in order to achieve these positive outcomes (Astroth, Brown, Poore, & Timm, 2002; US Department of Heath and Human Services, 1996; Center for Youth Development and Policy Research, 1996; Youth Development Institute, n.d.; Youth Development Block Grant, 1995; Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, 1989). The Search Institute’s definition differs slightly in its focus on assets, defined as factors – both internal and external – that promote positive development; however, its explanation of youth development covers similar developmental needs and challenges as other definitions (Search Institute, 1996). Most sources identify similar and overlapping competencies and outcomes that young people need to develop or achieve. In each instance, these competencies or outcomes encompass a wide range of areas such as cognitive, social, civic, cultural, spiritual, vocational, physical, emotional, mental, personal, moral, or intellectual development. Based on its research of existing definitions, NCWD/Youth has adopted the following working definition of youth development adapted from NYEC and National Collaboration for Youth: youth development is a process which prepares young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a coordinated, progressiveseries of activities and experiences which help them to become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively competent. Positive youth development addresses the broader developmental needs of youth, in contrast to deficit-based models that focus solely on youth problems.

THE CONCEPT OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP was also examined with the goal of identifying a working definition. Some definitions of youth leadership describe it as the ability to lead others or get others to work together toward a common goal or vision (Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 2003; US Department of Health and Human Services, 1996; National Order of the Arrow, 1992; Wing

Span Youth Empowerment Services, n.d.). More often than not, definitions of youth leadership focused on the ability to lead oneself and work with others, while not necessarily influencing others to act (ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, 1990; Youth Leadership Support Network, n.d.; Urban Think Tank Institute, 2002;.Karnes & Bean, 1997). Definitions frequently characterize youth leadership as the ability to envision a goal or needed change, to take initiative or action to achieve the goal, to take responsibility for outcomes, and to work well with, relate to, and communicate effectively with others. In the review of definitions, it has become apparent that youth leadership can be defined as both an internal and external capability. Therefore, NCWD/Youth has chosen to adopt a two-part working definition of youth leadership, as follows: youth leadership is (1) “The ability to guide or direct others on a course of action, influence the opinion and behavior of other people, and show the way by going in advance” (Wehmeyer, Agran, & Hughes, 1998); and (2) “the ability to analyze one's own strengths and weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and have the self-esteem to carry them out. It includes the ability to identify community resources and use them, not only to live independently, but also to establish support networks to participate in community life and to effect positive social change” (Adolescent Employment Readiness Center, Children’s Hospital, n.d.).

Round III - Youth & the MDG's E-Cource -Free Online Grant-giving Short Course

Free Online Grant-giving Short Course on “Youth and the MDGs” ROUND 3
Brought to you by Youth Action for Change, UNFPA & Youth Dividend

Register Now (SEE BELOW)!

Course Dates: 
1st Session: 2nd May, 2011 to 31st May, 2011
2nd Session: August 2011
(Please choose one session to participate when applying)

Course Description:

This course is designed for young people aged 18-30 who are actively involved in making a difference in their communities. The course aims to help its participants learn about the UN’s 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), their specific targets, and their importance as a framework for global development. The course will then focus on how young people can work towards contributing to the MDGs, what can be done locally, and the potential for young people to make a difference. The course will be led by young professionals from UNDP and UNFPA and will also draw on local experts from UNDP and other UN organizations and will combine theoretical and practical knowledge. The course will be restricted to 40 participants chosen by application – preference is given to participants who are active in their communities and who intend to use the course material to help them make a difference in their communities. Participants must be able to attend all sessions of thecourse and complete homework tasks in order to obtain a certificate of completion. Participants must also have regular internet access (at least 5 hours per week) to join course sessions. Students who may also be disadvantaged are also encouraged to apply.

About the course sponsors:

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and youth to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.

Youth Action for Change is a global, youth-led organization inspiring and empowering young people worldwide to become active agents of change in their own communities, so as to be able to tackle the issues affecting them and the world at large.

Youth Dividend is a dynamic youth led organization in Pakistan working to develop, inform, inspire and mobilize young people through leadership training, peer education, awareness raising, skill building, policy and  advocacy.

Application (HOW TO APPLY):

Register your interest in participating in this online course by reading the YAC student guide attached and completing the online application form at [ http://kwiksurveys.com?u=MDGCOURSE ]  by the 24th April 2011. Successful participants will be notified by the30th April, 2011.

Our student guide can also be downloaded here [ http://tinyurl.com/2brn6dm ]

Call for Nominations: Orientation workshop on PRSPs, UNFPA Pakistan

UNFPA Pakistan is pleased to announce an orientation workshop on Pakistan Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) . The workshop is being organized to familiarize relevant stakeholders with the PRSP of Pakistan and draw attention of policy makers towards poverty issues faced by young people, given that youth development a priority in the national development plans and goals. Youth Dividend & UNFPA will be launching an e-course for young people in Pakistan on PRSPs Deadline 10th April, 2011

Nominations are invited from
·         Young people (age 18-25) from youth organizations/networks across Pakistan
·         Officials from Govt. departments and ministries (Grade17-19)
·         Members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and INGOs personnel working at  
          managerial   level on policy advocacy.

A copy of CV along with a short letter of intent explaining interest in the workshop is required along with the nominations by 10th April, 2011. Kindly send your application to Ms. Sadia Atta Mehmood, National Programme Officer at mehmood@unfpa.org. For details regarding the workshop please contact Ms. Hira Hafeez ur Rehman, Coordinator, Youth Advisory Panel, UNFPA at hirahur@gmail.com.

Workshop details can be found in the announcement below, please circulate widely.


http://youthdividend.weebly.com/announcements.html

As Population Hits 7 Billion, UNFPA Focuses on Youth

By: Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund

This year, world population will hit 7 billion. With this major milestone occurring in my first year as Executive Director of UNFPA, I have an interesting and unique opportunity in leading the organization’s priorities.

One major focus will be today’s large generation of young people. There are an estimated 1.8 billion adolescents and youth aged 10 to 24, accounting for nearly a quarter of the planet's population. Just below 90 per cent of them live in developing countries and that proportion will increase during the next 20 years. They want freedom, participation and dignity and their decisions will define the future.

They need increased support. Under my leadership, UNFPA will strengthen efforts to give young people, especially adolescent girls, the attention they deserve. Along with our partners in many countries, we will push for greater investments in young people across many sectors—in education, including sexual health education, in reproductive health, employment and participation. UNFPA will continue providing technical assistance to implement sexual and reproductive health-care initiatives.

Our efforts help young people, particularly girls, to stay in school, stay healthy and free from unwanted pregnancies and HIV, postpone family formation and eventually enter the labour market with skills to earn an income and contribute to economic growth.

Investing in today’s youth will bring positive returns for current and future generations. This is especially important for the least developed countries that have the highest rates of poverty and mortality, a population growth rate that is nearly double that of developing countries as a whole, and 6 in 10 people below the age of 25.

The large youthful populations are a potential asset if young people enjoy productive employment. This calls for the development of human capital and much higher investment in adolescents and young people and their education, skills and health. Investing in young people, their reproductive health and gender equality, can help put countries on a path to accelerated economic growth and development. This is a message we should all stress whenever we get a chance or an audience.

If we want to shape not only the population of the planet, but also the development of the world, we have to embrace youth as leaders and partners. Young people are energetic and open to the possibilities afforded by new technologies in an interconnected world. Already, they are leading the way on HIV prevention and having a powerful impact on politics and culture. They can make major contributions to solutions to common problems, such as conflict, inequity and climate change. And they will be the parents and teachers of the next generation.

UNFPA remains committed to the core principles of the Programme of Action of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), that every person has the right to sexual and reproductive health, every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person has the education and services to grow up healthy, every girl is treated with dignity and respect, and violence against women can and should end. We also rally behind the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health to save 16 million lives by 2015.

As the world prepares to support a 7 billion-strong population, UNFPA is committed to helping young people build a better future for themselves, their families and their nations.

Youth & the MDG's Ecourse - Creating a pool of MDGs Advocates

Our E-course 'Youth & the MDGs 'aims to create a pool of Millennium Development Goals Advocates from all around the world

Check out details on Youth Dividend's Website

http://youthdividend.weebly.com/

Pakistani Youth Project Making History

To motivate the youth, develop a gender-sensitive media and highlight issues of violence against women, a handbook was launched on Friday.

Uks Research, Resource and Publication Centre on Women and Media in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) unveiled ‘Through the Gender Lens’ to mark the Human Rights Day.

The launching ceremony was attended by human rights’ activists, senior journalists and students from various educational institutions. Sherry Rehman, former federal minister for Information and Broadcasting, Tasneem Ahmar, director UKs Research Center and IA Rehman, human rights’ activist were present at the occasion.

The handbook is the conclusion of a one-year-long project on ‘Gender Advocacy’ through media and involvement of the Pakistani youth, which started in January 2010.

Under this project, a total of 39 youth members including from across the country were selected.

Later these individuals were trained on media monitoring, reviewing media content on Gender Based Violence, and constructing and deconstructing messages pertaining to such cases.

The handbook mentions that those who could be the real harbinger of change, the youth, are bombarded with images of women as objects of pleasure or pity, powerless and dependent. These persuasive images can lead the youth into negative behaviours, but there are no solutions being offered on how to improve upon them.

According to the handbook, in Pakistan men make personal and economic decisions, while women are merely treated as property to be traded, ‘as vessels of family, as an object of sexual desire instead of human beings with free will.’

It is further explained that due to such a societal setup, this gender-based violence is often misunderstood or underestimated, resulting in under-reporting.

According to World Population Foundation’s Gender-Based Violence and Reproductive Health facts, every second Pakistani woman becomes a victim of violence. The situation is deteriorating further in the country, with recent estimates showing that the same rate has gone up to 70-90 per cent. As a consequence, this violence is responsible for 0.9 per cent of deaths in women aged 20-49 years in Pakistan.

Dissatisfied of the coverage accorded to the issue by the media, Tasneem Ahmar said that ‘effort’ would highlight the gravity of the issue.

“The handbook showcases the passion of our talented youth to counter the negative impact of existing media content,” she said.

Ahmar said that they aimed to continue to motivate and inspire youth through a transformative learning process, so that they can get broad understanding of gender issues.

Addressing the participants, IA Rehman said, “In Pakistan it is the psyche of our people to do violence against women. However, during Zia’s regime the situation worsened when every man considered it as his prime right to beat up women.”

“However, considering the current situation of the country it seems that there would be an increase in the cases of violence against women,” he added.

Rehman further said even our youth is involved in various types of violence against women but they are not aware of it.Urging the women to stand up for their rights, he said, “Most of the women do not consider violence as violence and accept it as routine. They should unite and raise their voice to get the position in the society.”

Furthermore, Sherry Rehman said, “Pakistan has the largest youth bulge but these ‘change-agents’ are being neglected and ignored.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2010.