Projekte

Kurzbeschreibung:

Projektziel

Each year, Mine Action Canada brings together youth involved in mine action around the world to share experiences and build capacity at International Youth Symposia. These symposia ensure that the next generation of mine action advocates has the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure the full implementation and universalization of the Ottawa Convention. International Youth Symposia are held in conjunction with the annual Ottawa Convention Meetings of States Parties (MSPs), and facilitated by experienced members and partners of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). Youth gain skills and experience in areas such as lobbying, advocacy, fundraising, media, organizing public events, and volunteer management. The Symposia connect youth to the wider mine action movement, provide opportunities to witness international meetings of governments, build their own network, deepen their knowledge and build their skills. Participating youth bring the skills and knowledge gained at the symposia back to their local organizations, and mobilize other young mine action advocates, thereby contributing to institutional strengthening of key mine action players.

The first International Youth Symposium took place 25 November-3 December, 2004, alongside the landmark 2004 Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World in Kenya. "In Our Lifetime: The 2004 International Youth Symposium on Landmines" drew together 38 youth (ages 14-27) from 25 countries to participate in a range of capacity-building workshops, including involvement in PeaceJam.

The next International Youth Symposium will take place in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 28 November-2 December 2005, with a specific focus on universalization of the Ottawa Convention in regions where acceptance is generally low. The Austrian contribution will finance the participation of one youth delegate in this event.