International Youth Parliament 2004 by Oxfam International 8:05pm 6th Jul, 2004   5 July, 2004    "Youth are the Leaders of Today and not Tomorrow. We are Assets Not Liabilities. We are Solutions and Not a Problem to be Solved." Soraya Mentoor, South Africa    Over 300 young activists, leaders and world change makers from 113 nations filled the Sydney Town Hall yesterday as part of this year’s Oxfam International Youth Parliament (OIYP) official welcome ceremony.    The Oxfam International Youth Parliament (Oxfam IYP) is an initiative of Oxfam International. Oxfam IYP mobilises a global network of young leaders and activists to bring about positive and sustainable change. It does this through supporting youth led initiatives, facilitating skills and capacity building programs and supporting young people to advocate for their rights and freedoms and those of their communities.    The Honorary Bob Carr, Premier of New South Wales, was among those invited to address the ceremony chaired by Mark Yettica-Paulson, CEO of the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre.    Mr. Carr said environmental degradation is the most important issue facing the world today, one which unites humanity and overrides current religious and racial conflicts. “The most important issue for our generation is global warming. It reminds us that the religious divisions and the divisions of the nation states and ideologies are unimportant. All the differences are overridden by our common humanity and that common humanity is to occupy the planet we own,” he said.    First chairperson of the Council for Reconciliation, Patrick Dodson, who also addressed the ceremony, agreed that environmental issues are of great importance, but said it is the human beings that live in those environments who matter the most.    “Changing things is not easy. Accepting change is not easy. But pursuing it for the good of other human beings and to create a good society in which other human beings can live in is absolutely one of the most worthy causes that you an dedicate your life to,” said Mr. Dodson.    06/07/2004    "International Youth Parliament opens", Reporter: Andrew Geoghegan. ( ABC TV: 7.30 Report.Transcript)    MAXINE McKEW: Imagine a Parliament where everyone works towards a common goal and the debate is civilised and constructive. Such a forum is being convened in Sydney, Australia this week and it should come as no surprise that no politicians are involved. Three hundred young leaders from around the world are meeting at the second Oxfam International Youth Parliament - an opportunity for a younger generation to exchange ideas and work towards positive and sustainable change. Andrew Geoghegan reports.    TINASHE CHIMEDZA, ZIMBABWE DELEGATE: For about 10 to 15 minutes they were beating me up with broomsticks, baton sticks to the extent that I was bleeding for about 10 to 15 minutes on the floor and losing consciousness. And, actually, that's how I lost one of my tooth - broke.    NOUR MOSAWY, IRAQI DELEGATE: We can't live safely. If I'm late five minutes my father will come out, looking after me, "Where have you gone, I thought you were kidnapped!"    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: Two young leaders from very different cultures who share a common mindset, one shaped by fear and oppression.    NOUR MOSAWY: He can't open his mouth, because if he opens his mouth all his family will be killed. It's not like you. It's more fear, more terror, more like people can never open their - never even dare to think.    TINASHE CHIMEDZA: To say anything.    NOUR MOSAWY: Yes, to think.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: Student activists Nour Mosawy from Iraq and Tinashe Chimedza from Zimbabwe want to motivate their generation to bring about change so they can determine their own future.    TINASHE CHIMEDZA: The Government is not putting money. They are putting money in the police force, putting money in the army, putting money in the intelligence and training young people to harass and to torture.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: Tinashe Chimedza and Nour Mosawy joined delegates from more than 120 countries in Sydney for International Youth Parliament. Sponsored by the relief organisation Oxfam International, the forum encourages the exchange of ideas and solutions to universal problems, such as human rights, unemployment, health and education.    BOB CARR, NSW PREMIER: Let's try peaceful resolution of the differences that exist on our planet. We've tried enough war, let's try peace.You're the leaders, thank you.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: The most heartfelt welcome was for Nour Mosawy, who made the dangerous journey from her home in Baghdad across the Iraqi border and on to Australia. The 20-year-old medical student had considered fleeing Iraq in the last few years of Saddam Hussein's tumultuous rule. But now she sees change is possible and hopes the next few days will help her realise that dream.    NOUR MOSAWY: Only last year we've learned, or we knew change, real change. And before we were not even - we don't even think much about change.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN (TO NOUR MOSAWY): And what are you telling the delegates here about your country?    NOUR MOSAWY: I'm telling them that Iraq is not only the damaged country, it's not only a country that they see - is all violence in it and kidnapping. I know people who have ideas like me, who have intentions to change world.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: Each delegate here has an action plan which Oxfam will help fund.    NOUR MOSAWY: I can achieve my plans in health no matter what happens in the political situation. Unless I'm dead. (Laughs) Or forced to leave.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: Nour Mosawy wants to help provide the basic amenities Australians take for granted, such as safe drinking water.    NOUR MOSAWY: So, in health I'm interested in water, and sanitation. It's a small project, but it is - every project starts small and I'm interested to provide access to clean water in schools, universities.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: These young leaders will spend the next week working out how to turn their ideas into reality. Some will build on the activism they've already set in motion.    TINASHE CHIMEDZA: Our generation is young people. We have said that we will not tolerate a Government that is repressive, that doesn't want people to participate in political processes, that doesn't want young people, particularly, to be part of the development process in their country.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: Tinashe Chimedza has been an outspoken critic of the Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe and he's paid for it dearly. Seen here in the background at a media conference condemning the government, Tinashe Chimedza led the country's National Students Union, protecting students rights to a free and open education, but has been assaulted and banned for life from university.    TINASHE CHIMEDZA: One of the challenges that I face in Zimbabwe, is to be able to put together groups or a group of key young people who are dedicated to peace and development, who are dedicated to human rights promotion and protection.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: But the catalyst for change is not just limited to talk. These delegates are also being encouraged to use their artistic talents to engage disaffected young people.    JOHAN SYDNEY DAVIS, SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATE: One important function that art serves, because it's a creative process, it gives people the opportunity to dream. Then you can start looking at issues of, "How can I change world?" You know, because sometimes we are so trapped in our situations that it feels like nothing can change, but the moment your imagination is released and your dream state is released then you can start looking for solutions.    ANDREW GEOGHEGAN: But effecting change will not be without its risks for many of these leaders when they return home.    TINASHE CHIMEDZA: I believe in taking the risk to speak out, then more and more young people and more people will provide support and solidarity and the situation will one day be a better situation.    MOURNER MOSAWY: Humans cannot lose hope. We have the right to live and we never lose hope. Visit the related web page
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