APEC '97 and Canada's Year of Asia PacificYouth Report Common Themes Highlight: Despite the differences in programs and delegates, all of the events engaged youth in producing concrete reports and recommendations.
In general, youth recommendations focused on networking, education and inclusion in the decision-making process. These themes were presented by youth to the Ministers at each of the APEC Ministerial meetings hosted in Canada, the two Working Group meetings and Asia Connects. Having discovered common goals throughout the year, these youth made great strides in having their voices heard. Change is happening.
Without exception, the youth events of 1997 allowed young people to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds as business contacts, friends and mentors. For young entrepreneurs, the Small and Medium Enterprise youth program provided avenues for exchange of information and advice from important future contacts.
"We recommend the creation of an informal Canada Asia-Pacific Youth Council. Modelled after the electronic conference organized by TG Magazine under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, this Council would provide a forum through which young Canadians could discuss their potential involvement in APEC."
Youth delegates' recommendationat the APEC Trade Ministerial meeting, Montreal, Quebec,May 1997
"The participants reaffirmed the importance and the power of networking and their interest in acquiring all the necessary tools to succeed internationally."
Pierre-Eric Langlois, Youth Coordination Team member, speaking about the recommendations from Youth at the SME Ministerial meeting, Ottawa, Ontario, September 1997
"I feel that my opinions on transportation issues in the Asia Pacific region were heeded by the other youth delegates and industry/government representatives. However, perhaps what was more important was the opportunity to form friendships and business contacts with representatives of other economies. As many of the youth that were present will be the future leaders in the transportation industry, such friendships will greatly facilitate the continued breaking down of cultural and trade barriers."
Andrew Zollinger, youth delegate at the Transport Ministerial meeting, Victoria, British Columbia, June 1997
Transportation youth delegates voice their recommendations.
Once youth had a chance to participate, there was a common recommendation for continued involvement. We have seen the impact that youth programs have had on both youth and other delegates involved in APEC / CYAP events. Youth have worked diligently to have their voices heard. Throughout the year, we have been constantly reminded that youth do not want to be just a token of this year's events. For example, Canadian youth were incorporated into the APEC Energy Week program. At the Transport Ministerial meeting, Canadian and International youth participated as members of their respective delegations. During the Environment Ministerial meeting, youth delegates engaged in a Question and Answer period with the Ministers.
"The endorsement of the youth report by the Chilean, American, Canadian and Malaysian delegations is proof that their efforts have broken new ground for the inclusion of youth voices on energy and business issues."
Gaylene Kennedy, youth delegate
at the APEC Energy Week,
Edmonton, Alberta, August 1997
Support international networking and active
promotion and presentation of new ideas about sustainability through
structured organization, workshops and conferences."
Youth delegates' recommendation presented to the
Environment Ministers
at the Environment Ministerial meeting, Toronto, Ontario, June
1997
"We have identified concrete recommendations...We challenge APEC member economies to authentically integrate the voice of youth into the APEC process."
Youth delegates, Transport Ministerial meeting, Victoria, British Columbia, June 1997
Youth delegates, government officials and business members alike generally agree that education is the key to developing a prosperous future. Cultural training is an important issue for youth who gain new respect and understanding through communicating with people from other APEC economies. The forums and events facilitated this learning, both on a formal and an informal level. Young people have learned not only about business and trade, but also the differences in daily life.
Every youth report mentioned exchanges as a recommended educational tool. Exchanges within schools, communities and the business world were all proposed.
The Youth team at the Trade Ministerial meeting came up with many educational project ideas including the creation of an APEC Youth Governmental Exchange Program. This program would seek to place one or two graduate students (not presently employed by their governments) from each member economy in the APEC office (or equivalent) of another APEC partner. Other youth recommendations proposed exchange programs within academia, business and government to facilitate educational opportunities for young people in the Asia Pacific region.
"...participants in the conference recognized the need to expand the geographical and cultual focus of primary and secondary education curricula. This would stimulate interest in the Asia-Pacific region and ensure that young Canadians acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for successful participation in the life of the region."
Youth delegates, Trade Ministerial meeting, Montreal, Quebec, May 1997
"We, after consideration, propose to increase understanding and trade between culturally diverse APEC member states, by creating a "Cultural Educational Program" that helps entrepreneurs of all ages understand more about the business and cultural practices of each other's country."
Young entrepreneurs' recommendation, SME Ministerial meeting, Ottawa, Ontario, September 1997
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© 1997 - TG Magazine / The Students Commission
© 1997 le magazine TG / la Commission des Ètudiants
