This picture is of the participants of the 18th International Youth Leadership Conference held in Prague, Czech Republic from 19-24th July, 2009. I had the opportunity to be part of this conference as well which is hosted and organised by the Civic Concepts International.
The conference is a week-long youth forum on world politics, international relations and justice for an open-minded exchange of diverse perspectives on contemporary global challenges. The IYLC blends social interaction with cultural and academic components to create a cohesive experience that promotes cross-cultural youth participation and socially responsible leadership. The theme of the conference is a "cross-cultural exchange of young ideas concerning the future of world leadership."
With participants from all six continents the IYLC was a truly international experience for me. The formalised events included the simulations of the United Nations Security Council, International Criminal Court and the European Union Parliament along with visit to the Czech Senate, foreign embassies (Switzerland)and The American Cultural Centre in Prague. The were panel discussions, regional presentations and the infamous Culture Night.
I see it as a great initiative with the greater aim of empowering youth to bring positive change in their communities. Young people around the world have the willingness to bring change but their efforts are seen as insignificant and characterised by lack of resources. It is initiatives like the IYLC which allow us to realise our potential and at the same time promote peace, tolerance and celebrate diversity to make the world a better place. It will be an memorable event of not just my first visit to Europe which is beautiful continent and to attend a truly international conference.
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