How important is the 6th UNESCO Youth Forum? According to Anne Lemieux and Xing Chiu, Canada’s two delegates for this year, there have been two* common complaints about the forum: youth recommendations are not always implemented by UNESCO National Commissions in their own countries and influencing the General Conference through the Youth Forum has been difficult as the conference continues to see the Youth Forum as an ‘infant’ of their ‘more important’ event.
In an attempt to remedy these problems, Canada has implemented new mechanisms to try and ensure a successful – and useful – Youth Forum.
This year, to ensure cross-country representation and participation, Canada brought in provincial coordinators to represent all regions within their multicultural borders. As Marie-Christine Lecompte, the Canadian Commission’s Youth Program Officer, explains, this was an attempt to “take the pulse of Canada’s youth” and ensure an inclusive process. These coordinators organized deliberations with youth within their region and brought forth a summary of their recommendations to the main drafting committee, of which Lemieux and Xing, who are both engaged in youth organizations in Canada, were key participants.
Both Lemieux and Xing, although new to the process, noticed that previous Youth Forum recommendations were not always well-implemented in Canada. To change this, the Canadian Commission has decided to bring together an action plan team soon after the Youth Forum. that would come up with practical solutions to youth’s concerns.
Lastly, both delegates and organizers are concerned that the General Conference does not take the Youth Forum seriously. Canadian delegates are suggesting a mentorship program between attendees of the General Conference and youth delegates. Both parties would have the chance to learn from each other and open a more personal mutual dialogue.
It remains to be seen how the 6th UNESCO Youth Forum will affect national youth policies as well as the General Conference. While some are doubtful of the Forum’s actual impact, the above shows an attempt at rapprochement. With youth as the ‘leaders of tomorrow’, a closer dialogue between youth and their current leaders will be necessary – in the long run – in addressing all aspects of the current global crisis.
*This version contains a correction from the printed version distributed during the UNESCO Youth Forum.
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