| Mr. Wolfensohn and 40 other senior officials met with more than 170 youth representatives from 83 countries in Sarajevo for the second Youth, Development and Peace (YDP) conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, September 7, 2004. The meeting summarized progress achieved over the past year since the first YDP conference in Paris, and agreed on steps toward expanded engagement. President Wolfensohn and youth organizations agreed to: - Establish a loose and informal network of dialogue and regular interaction for the purpose of disseminating information and sharing knowledge, and to facilitate joint work on such issues as conflict prevention and resolution, education, HIV/AIDS and risky behaviors, and Youth employment. The process will also empower and strengthen youth organizations, and ensure inclusiveness
- Agree on a process to establish the proper institutional. arrangements for such a network
- Find ways to engage other institutional partners
- Be sensitive to local and global tensions
- Set up a system to monitor progress on the Sarajevo commitments
- Invest in education and take into consideration the holistic approach of education
- Find solutions to operate at national and local levels
Youth representatives at the conference requested the World Bank to prioritize and invest more in youth by acting directly with youth organizations and not only through national governments. “The World Bank is starting to build a better understanding of the power of youth,” said Wolfensohn. “We cannot ignore the fact that half of today’s world population is under 24. It is essential that the World Bank and youth organizations work together.” Giacomo Filibeck, president of the European Youth Forum, added that, “Investing in youth and in youth organizations is an obligation if we want to create a better society and a sustainable future.” He concluded that, “The World Bank cannot allow itself any longer to choose other alternatives.” “These young people are the future, and if work on development issues is to be effective and sustained, it is essential to have financial investment and human commitment for the education of young people. Youth Organizations are great stakeholders for reaching this goal”, said Lidija Pozaic Frketic, chairman of the European Region of World Scouting. Related Links: Conference Web site Youth Share Visions of Development -- a Bank-sponsored photo contest for young people. |
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