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Junior 8 Speak Loud and Clear |
by Martha Hammond
"We want to live in a clean planet. We want to live in a peaceful world, free from drugs, disease and discrimination." This was the message from the Junior 8 delegates when they spoke to the G8 leaders in St. Petersburg this July.
For the first time in history, the G8 leaders, as part of this year's G8 Summit, listened directly to the opinions of young people from their countries. It is hoped that all the issues and recommendations raised by the young representatives will resound with the ministers and that they will act on their advice.
This historic meeting between leaders and youth representatives came at the end of a week-long Junior 8 summit, hosted by the Russian Government in partnership with UNICEF – The United Nations Children's Fund. During this week, 8 delegates from each of the G8 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the UK and the US – discussed the issues that most affect them and their peers. The result of the Junior 8 summit was the creation of a communique which called for ministers to put their ideas 'into action and be an excellent example for children and young people from around the world.' This message was delivered to the leaders by one Junior 8 represent-ative from each of the G8 countries.
The Junior 8 debates focused on issues of education, the impact of infectious diseases, tolerance and energy security. These are issues that impact the lives of young people worldwide. In order to get a global perspective, the delegates in Russia communicated with their peers around the world via video link. It was also concluded that young people from other nations, particularly from 'developing countries, must take part in future summits. If we are trying to find solutions for global issues, then we need global views.'
The Junior 8 spoke out for their peers the world over. They urged ministers for change and their statement showed that young people, as a group, are passionate about issues that affect them. Although listening to young people may not cause the G8 leaders to change their actions, their willingness to talk with the Junior 8 can be viewed as a very positive step and demonstrates political recognition of their power and influence.
Contact: www.unicef.org.uk/youthvoice
Anna Martin, UNICEF: 020 7430 0162
Email: media@unicef.org.uk
"We want to live in a clean planet. We want to live in a peaceful world, free from drugs, disease and discrimination." This was the message from the Junior 8 delegates when they spoke to the G8 leaders in St. Petersburg this July.
For the first time in history, the G8 leaders, as part of this year's G8 Summit, listened directly to the opinions of young people from their countries. It is hoped that all the issues and recommendations raised by the young representatives will resound with the ministers and that they will act on their advice.
This historic meeting between leaders and youth representatives came at the end of a week-long Junior 8 summit, hosted by the Russian Government in partnership with UNICEF – The United Nations Children's Fund. During this week, 8 delegates from each of the G8 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the UK and the US – discussed the issues that most affect them and their peers. The result of the Junior 8 summit was the creation of a communique which called for ministers to put their ideas 'into action and be an excellent example for children and young people from around the world.' This message was delivered to the leaders by one Junior 8 represent-ative from each of the G8 countries.
The Junior 8 debates focused on issues of education, the impact of infectious diseases, tolerance and energy security. These are issues that impact the lives of young people worldwide. In order to get a global perspective, the delegates in Russia communicated with their peers around the world via video link. It was also concluded that young people from other nations, particularly from 'developing countries, must take part in future summits. If we are trying to find solutions for global issues, then we need global views.'
The Junior 8 spoke out for their peers the world over. They urged ministers for change and their statement showed that young people, as a group, are passionate about issues that affect them. Although listening to young people may not cause the G8 leaders to change their actions, their willingness to talk with the Junior 8 can be viewed as a very positive step and demonstrates political recognition of their power and influence.
Contact: www.unicef.org.uk/youthvoice
Anna Martin, UNICEF: 020 7430 0162
Email: media@unicef.org.uk
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