The British Council Pakistan hosted a Regional Symposium on “Youth in Action for Global Change,” in Islamabad in January 2011. The Regional Symposium brought together leading experts and young leaders from diverse ethnicities, cultures, religious backgrounds and professions on one platform to celebrate the civic engagement of youth globally. Participants included speakers and young activists from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Myanmar, Afghanistan, U.S.A and UK.

The symposium, a two day event, highlighted the role of young people as “community players” and “influencers” who work for the welfare and well being of their individual communities. The symposium included discussions, presentations and dialogues which will work towards shaping a consensus for establishing stronger networks and linkages across countries between the young people, organizations, institutions and civil society.

The symposium specifically focussed on the aspect of Global Citizenship. The local and international participants initiated discussions on establishing a global framework that aims to strengthen the global partnerships, facilitate knowledge sharing across boundaries, enhance the learning experiences and above all, celebrate and embrace diversity.

The objectives of the symposium were:

• Bringing together the expertise of practitioners, partners, corporations and young people in exploring how new social partnerships might provide opportunities for global citizenship.
• Bringing together the youth from diverse backgrounds and promoting the social action projects that they have initiated in the region.
• Exploring the links between the choices that young people make and the opportunities for civic engagement.
• Engaging the key decision makers, government representatives and sector specialists with the young leaders and promoting an environment of mutual learning and participation.

The “Youth in Action for Global Change” symposium focused on three thematic areas, “Youth making choices – Transforming lives”, “Youth making choices – Towards Radicalization” and “Global Citizenship”.

Read the details of Regional Symposium: Youth in Action for Global Change here

View the Regional Symposium’s documentary