Resolution of UNESCO Chair European Forum 2011

2011-07-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

This Resolution of the Global Intergenerational Forum: Empowering Young Leaders to be Agents of Positive Change (European Region) was adopted on the 7th of May 2011 in San Marcello Pistoiese, Italy.

The Resolution

A Litte Inspiration Goes A Long Way

2011-04-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

Below you will find inspirational quotes written by participants of the upcoming UNESCO Chair International Leadership Training Programme: European Regional Intergenerational Forum, which will take place in Italy at the end of April 2011. We are incredibly impressed with the insightfulness and promise shown by those who will be participating in the Forum, and wish to share these exhilirating excerpts with you in order to inspire and motivate you!

“...Youth, who compose a majority of the population of the world, if empowered can change a mindset, a perspective and even a culture.” -Rommel Abitria

“The objectives of the Forum resonate strongly with my personal goals and philosophies. I value the fact that there is a regional forum being held that recognizes the potential of young human rights leaders as agents of positive change; I aspire to contribute to the ripple effect that supports this vision.” -Claire Achmad

“The eight days I spent at the 5th International Leadership Training Programme, August 2009 were a privilege and a highlight of my life. This is no overstatement: the chance to be among a gifted and giving group of young human rights leaders from around the world, alongside experienced human rights advocates whose wealth of experience was shared so generously was unlike any prior experiences.” -Claire Achmad

"I look forward to joining this training program and becoming a part of your family, and to serving my community during the hard situation that Gaza is passing through." -Muath Mustafa Al-Hawi

“This year, I heard the line ‘you think like that because you are young; wait till you grow up to be old and bitter like us.’ I could easily be disheartened, but having attended the 2008 IGLF at the University of Connecticut, I know that this should be taken more as a challenge. Peers and mentors alike taught me that we all have constructive roles to play be it on the local or global level.” -Rhea Alba

“As an IGLF alumna, I have experienced firsthand how the Forum provides an outstanding opportunity to empower young people, like myself, to find solutions to present and emerging human rights problems.” -Rhea Alba

“My aim for attending this forum is to gain the maximum training and knowledge I need to be an effectively contributing member in the community at large and thus be able to contribute to the development of disabled women’s rights in my society. Moreover by learning these skills I will be able to help and empower disabled women who need to know how to obtain their rights.” -Majida Albalushi

“Today youth have the opportunities and tools to make a change more than ever. There are more tools, grants and awards given to young people so they may start community projects than there was a decade ago. In addition, young people can provide help to each other, whether by contributing themselves to what others are doing or by connecting people with each other. Despite the obstacles young people still face, we have a social responsibility to seize the opportunities provided to us and contribute to making a change.” –Lubna Alzaroo

“After attending the Intergenerational Human Rights and Leadership Training Program in 2008, I have never been inspired and motivated by a group of young people like the ones I met at the forum, a group of people who are committed to the cause of social justice in different and similar ways.” -Juliana Amal

“I aspire to build a world of expanding freedom, opportunity and citizen responsibility, a world of growth in diversity and in the bonds of community.”-Hina Anwar Ali

“I do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good...”-Hina Anwar Ali

“I believe this European Regional Forum will attract a pool of diverse...participants who will provide insights and alternative views that will enrich my work as a human rights practitioner.” -Jennifer Tracy Arach

“The European Regional Forum will help me with carrying out such a strategy through interactions with experts and fellow youth working in human rights. Over two-thirds of India’s population today is under the age of 35. It just requires a small spark to ensure that the youth channel their energies to bring about large-scale improvements in human rights for an overall benefit to India.” -Neeti Babu

“By attending this year's European Regional Forum, I hope to share...[my own]...experiences with other young leaders in order to enrich both my own and other participants' understanding of how human rights issues are addressed in a global context.” -Jade Bailey

“It has been said well that young people constitute over 50% percent of current global population and 100% percent of future population...” -Abella Paul Bateyunga

“The world of today should be as much the concern of young people as the world of tomorrow. To deny the young people of today the opportunity to participate in the governance of society is to deny them the right to affect what happens around them and impact on their future destiny.” -Abella Paul Bateyunga

“I am eager to meet and learn from other future leaders who are working to alleviate social injustices. These young leaders are the hope of the world.” -Anya Cherneff

“My vision is of a vision of a world of thriving and sustainable communities, each empowered to preserve and enrich its own way of life.” -Anya Cherneff

“Human Rights, as stated in its Declaration, involve the idea that every single person in this world is equal and deserves the same degree of dignity no matter where he or she is located.” -Rogelio Cortes

“Participating in the regional forum will...strengthen my feeling of belonging to a community of beautiful people that care and are dedicated to making a difference.”-Csilla Czimbalmos

“The European Regional Forum 2011 will be a unique opportunity for a selected group of young people from Europe and other regions of the world to gather, and play an important role in shaping the world of tomorrow.” -Fabio Di Nunno

“As globalization continues and with the vast influence of technology on youth today, there are numerous ways youth can participate… Once the youth has been equipped with what they need to become agents of change, in their own simple way, youth can…[pass on]…what they have learned in the activities that they have attended.” –April Joy Dopeño

“Meeting young people from various parts of the world is a priceless opportunity to discuss its virtues and spread the word. Besides, networking with one another will be a driving force for us to update our knowledge of the political situation of the countries represented in the forum, stick together throughout time, so as not, at the end of the day, kneel down in front of the first difficulty. Thus we will bring change.” -Lucie Dos Santos

“The significance of this forum is difficult to overestimate. Such programs develop high-potential youth into globally minded responsible leaders.” -Yana Drygina

“We, the [younger] generation, are the future of our countries, the future of the world. And what tomorrow will be like depends only on us. I truly believe that the young leaders could be the agents of positive change. Let’s make our world better!” -Yana Drygina

“It will be interesting to discuss…[human smuggling] with the young people form other European States, which are the countries of transit, origin or destination for illegal migrants who use the services of human smugglers; we can develop a common strategy in order to make no human being be illegal in the world.” -Yuliia Fediv

“Young people maintain an optimism that the big changes that are required are still possible; we have a drive fuelled by passion and compassion; and we have an eagerness to learn from the experts” -Rhonda Ferguson.

“At the 2008 UNESCO Human Rights Forum in Connecticut....besides meeting and sharing my experience with 70 young leaders of the world, I was moved and inspired by their work and commitment towards human rights and social justice issues.” -Tahira Firdous

“My experience at the intergenerational forum last August was both a sobering and enlightening one. I was exposed to so many inspirational human rights leaders and their work, which helped to confirm my ambitions to work in the Human Rights field. Working again with these humble yet inspiring men and women will expose me to an atmosphere that leaves me motivated once again.” -Trisha Gangadeen

“While focusing on the protection and promotion of Human Rights in any part of the world, the non-state actors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs)...[and] young advocates like me are extremely important, as we carry the responsibility of helping the international community understand the sorts of human rights abuses taking place in the different corners of the world. Empowering me to become a future leader will...[prepare] me to become an agent of positive change in Nepal.” -Amit Gautam

“UNESCO's emphasis on collaboration between human rights leaders from around the globe fosters a...sense of responsibility within the human rights community to maintain active communication.” -Sarah Gold

“Participating in the UNESCO Human Rights leaders in 2010 was a breakthrough in my life that changed my way of thinking and acting. Those days in Connecticut have been extremely intense, inspiring and even tiring in a very rewarding way. Although the Forum lasted more than a week, since last August I feel that a new path has started and I intend to carry on growing with.” –Nuria Gonzalez

“I strongly consider the European Regional Forum 2011 in Italy as a valuable experience that would provide me with incredible insight into field of human rights education and advocacy, through exposure to other young human rights leaders dedicated to making change and developing human rights within their own communities and throughout the world.” -Marissa Gutiérrez-Vicario

“...I believe this forum could be a great learning opportunity to share stories, learn from other young activists from other parts of the world and find common grounds for future cooperation. The dynamics of such gatherings offer a setting in which like-minded people can share ideas, discuss the current challenges and opportunities, inspire and get inspired and eventually return to their home institutions and organizations fresh and more ready to use what they acquired constructively in their efforts for the betterment of the world.” -Ayda Hagh Talab

“UNESCO Youth Forum has been my source of learning since I joined the Forum in 2008, and through the platforms, various issues of North east India particularly Manipur was shared and also I have learned many issue from around the world. I believe that Networking and shaping young mind is one of the strongest mechanisms to address some of the key issue of our planet.” -Shukhdeba Sharma Hanjabam

“Everybody knows that young people are a force to be reckoned with and the future belongs to them. Youth networks are always strong and full of energy. They always desire to rich higher and to be leaders everywhere and sure to change the world the way they want it to be.” -Ani Harutyunyan

“Youth...can change the future of the society with their...courageous behavior. Young people can play an imperative role...[in the development of their societies] and [in addressing] various social stigma like racial discrimination, violation of rights, HIV/AIDS and others social issues.” -Khalid Hussain

“Young people are imperative to any change process because they become future leaders, policy makers, and movers of society. Meeting and networking with young people from various parts of the world is important in contributing to the solution of gender based violence because it allow them to recognize and discuss the common themes of violence in their communities as well as foster stronger networks and tools to address the problem. Young people can become not only partners in the change process but also facilitators. Opportunities like the Intergenerational Forum provide young people with the opportunity to be included in the solution.” –Aminata Jalloh

“I believe that the insights of young leaders are able to create solutions that bridge the gap between theory and practice in a manner that translates successfully to cultural needs as well as human rights standards. Young leaders are able, due to the fading of borders, the growing global access to the Internet, and the help of the building blocks of predecessors, to understand and interpret differences and similarities in a manner that transforms cultural restraints and initiate positive change.” -Marieke Krikhaar

“In a highly globalized world we are living in now, problems we encounter are all alike; that’s why it is very significant that we build bond of unity among young human rights defenders and exchange our knowledge, perceptions and direct observations with each other.” -Mujge Kucukkeles

“I am sure that networking and working together will create a synergy effect – by sharing our knowledge and experience from different cultures and religions, we can not only learn from each other, but also teach.” -Ieva Kuneviciute

“...Young people...are the pillar of the next generation. They...have the ability to produce a ripple effect and impact society when properly equipped with the right skills and knowledge.” -Ukwo Joy Michael

“Since the future is in the hands of youth, the world will be shaped by their visions and capacities.” –Elena Mihajlova

“I am excited at the prospect of meeting with youths at the European Regional Forum. Not only will I be eager to share my experiences, but I am also curious to hear about the passions of other youths. I strongly believe we can help each other to improve our world.” -Sara Minkara

“... I am motivated to make new friendships on a personal level and establish new partnerships with potential partners on the organizational level & to initiate together some exchanges & activities; I am motivated to meet people from different backgrounds…so as to stress and promote the intercultural dimension [of the Forum]...”-Hassan Mosa

“Most leaders address youth as the leaders of tomorrow. Meeting/networking with young people from various parts of the world can be cross-inspiring... Young people can play the role of sensitizers/message carriers/flag bearers/evangelists/crusaders for positive change, and be empowered through exposure to bigger challenges/networking/practical and hands-on trainings.” -Edwin Ngimlefack Njonguo

“The main interest of my participation [in the Forum] is to...make a the network of solidarity, maintain a new framework of human rights leaders who can educate youth, [gain]...leadership skills to address the complex and multiple challenges of the new millennium, to promote the sharing of experiences and understanding in order to [empower]...young leaders, and [to learn how]...to play a crucial and constructive role in the development of human rights in my community and the world.” -Yannick Nkayilu Salomon

“...Young people [meeting] will be vital in ensuring that there is an exchange and sharing of the best practices from different regions; …[this] will eventually lead to replication of some of the best practices.” -Gregory Otieno

“The main reason why I choose to apply for the Regional Forum in Europe is that I have enormously benefited from the previous experience at the forum in United States, both on a personal as well as an intellectual level... The learning process at the forum in the US was primarily shaped by interaction with other participants, while the lectures and workshops provided a useful framework for this interaction. It is this experience, which I seek again by attending the Regional Forum.” -Thomas Pantoi

“I am young, energetic, hardworking, visionary and motivated person who believes that I can do something for the benefit of the community for whom I work.” -Gabriella Patriziano

“To be empowered, youth need to be able to participate in formal and informal decision-making, through access to education, employment, health and resources.” -Gabriella Patriziano

“Discrimination is indeed embedded in the minds of the people and often systematic. However, if we start now in deconstructing this kind of system and reconstructing a better one, we will be able to lessen discrimination due to lack of knowledge.” -Kate Alyzon Ramil

“My objectives to participate in the Forum are to have the opportunity to share and exchange opinions and experience on strategic and tactical planning, as well as to enhance my skills in the area of raising public awareness…in order to apply [such skills for the benefit of the public].” -Dilshod Ruzmetov

“Through this program, I will have the chance to meet present and future leaders in the field of human rights and help build that network.” -Ricky Sabornay

“A multicultural forum like this can expose its participants to their idiosyncrasies as well as their commonalities, …[which] can serve as a starting point for dialogue and future cooperation and collaboration towards resolving issue...” -Ricky Sabornay

“The most enriching part of the forum was getting to know an abundance of people from diverse backgrounds; we all had one platform in common at the beginning of the forum, viz., a commitment to human rights and we had another common platform added when we parted, viz. the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.” -Jhuma Sen

“ ‘A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality’ (J. Lennon). This statement describes well my reasons to attend the upcoming European Regional Forum “Empowering Young Leaders to be Agents of Positive Change” in Italy.” -Viktoriya Shaban

“This forum opens doors of debates about policies, programs, activities and processes necessary for human rights leadership through the cross-pollination of ideas and ideals, consultation and learning;...it will help me in gaining manifold skills and techniques and greater understanding of human rights issues of the world.” -Aalok Sharma

“It is...my wish to participate in the UNESCO Chair International Leadership Training Programme to build and enhance my knowledge and capacity in the human rights field and also afford me the networking and further mentoring opportunity to become a human rights educator and defender in Nigeria.” -Ondotimi Songi

“...Every day I do my best as a volunteer for more peaceful world.” -Diana Tashkova

“...We have choice. We can stay comfortable [sitting] in a chair, watching TV or reading the newspaper. We can close our eyes in front of the reality... I choose something different and propose it to all of you. Let us make society informed of their rights; let us make campaigns that include young and old people; let us make exhibitions about gender-based violence or the poverty in the world.; let us talk with our colleagues and friends; and [let us] publish more information in magazines and newspapers. There are so many ways to work toward a better life. All we need is ambitious but...[socially responsible people] and...[we] will succeed. Let us be some of these brave people!” -Diana Tashkova

“I have no hesitation [in stating] that meeting and networking with young people from various parts of the world can contribute to alleviating the environmental problem of the world as a whole.” -Dilyara Tektigulova

“Human rights are not free. It took more than 400 years to declare the Universal Deceleration of Human Rights. From generations to generations, we have struggled to obtain the values that accepted today but it is not the end. It is just the beginning. This is the duty of our generations, the youth of today, to implement the human rights values globally for the better community for all.” -Amara Thiha

“The objectives of this forum will allow participants to work together, learn from each other, and we will help each other become what we are capable of being.” -Rumeet Toor

“My point of view is that young people are tired of speeches and talks without actions. They are awake because they are the most vulnerable; the world destroys the future and the victims are youth. …[Young people have] started to prepare for their own future and they hold it in their hands.” -Pascaline Umulisa

"Human Rights are the engine that will generate not only the improvement of life quality but the consciousness of what every single person deserves." -Vanessa Uriarte

Call for Applications

2010-12-07T14:49:00.000-08:00

The UNESCO Chair will hold its second regional Intergenerational Forum next spring in Italy. A limited number of spaces have been reserved for Forum Alumni. Should you be interested in attending and for additional details, please link to http://www.unescochair.uconn.edu/upspecialevents_Europe.htm, or visit http://www.unescochair.uconn.edu/ to apply.

Empowering Young People to be Agents of Change

Resolution of UNESCO Chair European Forum 2011

Press Release: 2011 European Forum appears in 'La Nazione'

Press Release: 2011 European Forum appears in 'Vita Francesca'

A Litte Inspiration Goes A Long Way

Site updates!

Call for Applications