APEC '97 and Canada's Year of Asia PacificYouth Report

Legacy and Official Recognition

Highlight: Youth were mentioned in five out of five Joint Ministerial Statements (JMS) produced in Canada and the Human Resources Development JMS in Seoul, Korea.

This year, youth have been exposed to the APEC fora. These events have been a great accomplishment for both the Canadian Government and the Youth Coordination Team. Just as important, the leaders and policy makers within APEC have been exposed to the valuable contributions that youth can make, both now and in the future. Policymakers have been able to see first-hand the value of youth participation in APEC events. During the 1997 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the Youth Communication Centre is highlighting the year's projects, including the HRD Electronic Source Book that has been created for youth by youth through joint efforts from around the APEC region. A similar project, developed by the Youth Coordination Team, has just been endorsed by the Tourism Working Group and will be under way shortly.

"From young people, we have heard a call for empowerment, inclusion and a recognized role in APEC. We have also heard their willingness and enthusiasm to help us develop and implement solutions for sustainable development. We are committed to drawing on the creativity and energy of the future leaders of our region."

APEC Environment Ministerial meeting on Sustainable Development, Joint Statement, Toronto, Ontario, June 1997

Through discussions, speeches, report presentations and even videoconferencing, we, as the youth of the region, were able to work together to have our voices heard by the leaders of today. Youth have officially contributed to the APEC process in Canada and have set the stage for future youth initiatives within APEC.

"Mr. Chairman it would be remiss of me if I did not commend your government for organizing...youth meetings to run parallel with the government meetings. We support these initiatives which will no doubt enrich our discussions and promote the objectives of APEC."

Papua New Guinea Statement by the Hon. Castan Maibawa MP, Minister for Petroleum and Energy. APEC Energy Ministerial meeting, Edmonton, Alberta, August 1997

---

"The electronic source book is a virtual and interactive resource for young people wishing to work and study in APEC economies, showing a clear linkage between work and study."

Youth participants explaining the concept of their Source Book, Human Resources Development Working Group meeting, Montreal, Quebec, May 1997

© 1997 - TG Magazine / The Students Commission
© 1997 le magazine TG / la Commission des Ètudiants