Sunday, January 24, 2010

"No East, No West" International Conference on Inter-cultural Dialogue

Thanks to a message from Danial Fahmi from Malaysian Youth Movement and Entrepreneurs


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"NO EAST, NO WEST"
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE:
FOSTERING UNDERSTANDING AND BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS CULTURES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE OF ASIA AND EUROPE
26th - 30th April 2010, Holiday Inn Melaka, Malacca, Malaysia


"No East, No West" International Conference on Intercultural Dialogue: "Fostering Understand...ing and Building Bridges Across Cultures Among Young People of Asia and Europe" is organised by the World Youth Foundation ("NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations") in co-operation with World Youth Peace Summit, Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, the State Government of Melaka and various other agencies.

The International Conference is tentatively scheduled to be held from 26th to 30th April 2010 at Holiday Inn Melaka, Malacca, Malaysia.

"No East No West " is a follow-up to the 2006 Dialogue " We Are One" which seeks to provide a unique opportunity for young people to discuss and understand the different religious, cultural and social priorities and beliefs in their regions thus cultivating a culture of peace and dialogue.

During this 5-day event, young people, religious leaders, politicians and business communities will come together and exchange views and experiences based on their respective religion, spiritual and cultural traditions. The International Conference will also reflect on how religions can assist in facing critical issues that concern our societies, and will try to discover and create new pathways to peace through intercultural/inter-religious cooperation.

Leadership training session will also be conducted during the Dialogue. Among the topics that will be presented are the different leadership styles, how to lead change, how young people can make a difference and what change tools and approaches work. A young successful leader will be invited to share with the participants on why characteristics like integrity are important to make an effective leader.

The objectives of this International Conference are:

Ø To create awareness of cultural differences at local, national and international level, as well as to identify existing common ground.

Ø To increase intercultural and interfaith dialogue and build bridges between those of different faith and ethnicity especially between young people of Asia and Europe.

Ø To encourage initiatives aimed at promoting understanding of the diverse cultures and faith of countries in Asia and Europe particularly among the younger generation.

Ø To recognize that religious leaders, politicians, the business community and young people have a role in promoting a peaceful world.

Ø To promote the use of mass-media and ICTs for the promotion of peace, dialogue and non-violence.


Application Criteria:

Young people from Asia and Europe between the ages of 18 - 30 (however some flexibility will be exercised as the definition of youth varies from country to country)


Youth representatives from various national youth organisations, institutions of higher learning, civil society organisations, young representative of religious/faith groups, including those working in institutions promoting cultural and interfaith dialogue, think tanks or those in accomplishments like education, arts and media from Asia and Europe.
An official of the Ministry of Youth or a related government agency

Have a good understanding of the theme and the relevant policies in their respective countries

Proficient in English and able to do presentations in English, is a must

Possess good communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to solve problems through adaptability and flexibility.

Motivated to improve the lives of others through their actions and work.

Culturally aware and sensitive to the aspirations of the youth around the world.
Capable and willing to share experiences and resources with others in the community and contribute to the "No East, No West" follow-up process.

Willing and being able to participate actively for the whole duration of the project


Geographical and gender balance will be respected


Registration Fee:
Early Registration (on or before 15th February 2010)

Local Participant - RM 150
International Participant - USD 150


Late Registration (after 15th February 2010)

Local Participant - RM 200
International Participant - USD 200



Information on the conference including the Application Form, is available on WYF's website at http://www.wyf.org.my .

Issued by World Youth Foundation


For more information please contact:

Ms Varsha Ajmera
Chief Operations Officer
World Youth Foundation
Tel. No : +606 2320911
Fax No : +606 2323911
http://www.wyf.org.my/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wrld_youth_foundation/join

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