Some will say it was the ransom of excess : an event growing bigger by the year (up to 1 million people in 2010, as the organizers and the local authorities, among which the mayor, had told the press), a large proportion of participants making use of hard psychotropic substances, turning some weak minds into worse than animals, and the symbol of unity and universality misused by some greedy businessmen. Whatsoever, this year’s edition of the Love Parade, in Duisburg (Germany) will undoubtedly leave a sour taste, not only to those who took part in the event, but also to all those (“young” or not) whose ideal it is to unite people through music, through what should be positive vibes.

Indeed, after over 20 years of existence, the biggest techno music happening ever (gathering paraders from all over the world) will probably be remembered as a huge bloodbath, where 21 people (Germans, other Europeans, an Australian, an American) passed away, being literally crushed to death and trampled upon by a crowd in panic.

As we all witnessed on TV, the festival area was indeed foreseen for round and about 250 thousand people. Yet, it is close to a million people that were expected in Duisburg on July, 24. The result was  total chaos : police and emergency services unable to reach the place of the drama, thousands of people stuck in the middle of nowhere, on their way to the city’s old freight station, where the DJ’s were playing. Among them, a few hundred pressed as sardines at a tunnel entrance with no possible exit, trying to fight their way out as hunted wild animals.

(For more information, please check out : http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,709763,00.html (in English).

For images and comments : www.youtube.com/user/dasloveparadedrama (in German).

It will be the local Court’s task to determine whether the organizers of the Love Parade are guilty of criminal negligence.

On a political level, though, it would have honored some people to take the right conclusion. Yet, despite all documents and analyses pointing to Mr. Adolf Sauerland, Duisburg’s mayor (“Oberbürgemeister”), despite the numerous complaints of German citizens against him, the latter doesn’t seem to find the necessary human dignity to resign.

Can this debacle somehow be compared to the Belgian Heysel drama, in 1985, where many lost their lives during an overheated football competition ?  If so, only in worse : mismanagement, ill communication between the various entities in charge, disinformation of the public and total anarchy on the field : at the very moment the stampede was occurring at the entrance of the tunnel, Herr Sauerland managed to explain to the camera’s the restlessness was only due to a few agitated youngsters, which proves he not only hadn’t taken the necessary measures to prevent such a drama from happening, but he also wrongly assessed the gravity of the situation while the tragedy was happening.

Mrs. Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, who belongs to the same party as said mayor (the Civil Disturbance Unit, aka the party of Christian conscience), though very swift to show her empathy with the victims’ friends and relatives, doesn’t seem to consider it her duty to demand Sauerland’s immediate resignation. A token of solidarity between former Ossies ?

Power is a hard drug, too : with his refusal to resign and his hiring a bunch of marketing and communication spin doctors, in charge of presenting him as a collateral victim of the whole affair, Mr. Sauerland proved he is addicted ! Nonetheless, his name will forever be associated with Sorrowland…

As a youth organization, it is our task – FYEG’s task –, I believe,  to take the measure of what happened in Duisburg : the impact of such a drama on youth culture, on the way youth is perceived, the diversion of love by big business (That’s what we’re fighting against on a global scale, isn’t it ?), etc.

Therefore, FYEG should, in my view, join the lamenting choir of all those demanding Herr Sauerland’s resignation. ASAP !

Yannick Baele (Belgium), 08/23/10

The World Student Community for Sustainable Development is a multi-disciplinary network of motivated students with the ability to think and act both locally and globally, and who share the vision to make a difference. The purpose is to be a leading international student organization that carries out meaningful projects which result in positive and enduring changes that improve lives and communities around the world. Currently, the WSC-SD LAUTECH Chapter, Nigeria is comprised of 10 member students.

The fundamental purpose of the World Student Community for Sustainable Development is to give motivated students, who are passionate about sustainability, opportunities to learn from each other and to collaborate. Our strength lies in the fact that we are both multi-disciplinary and international, thus by first understanding each other and then by working together, we can make a difference. The WSC-SD hopes to offer students opportunities to get involved and to take action.

The scope and the nature of the student communities differ just as the personal efforts of the individual members vary. When we realize that in order to provide innovative solutions as well as innovative approaches to some of the world’s great problems we need a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural approach, the potential for the WSC-SD can be understood. The WSC-SD is making a difference in the world because of the projects being implemented by the members. Such projects occur at different levels. Currently, countless projects are being implemented by student communities around the world. This year we have welcomed many new individual members who seem to be very motivated with large projects. Thus, the WSC-SD hopes to support multidisciplinary, international collaboration through the various existing projects.

Panjab Cooperation Society (PCS) is a non-government; non-profitable public Youths organization. Given the social problems and challenges, a group of youths joined their hands to constitute an association named as “Panjab Cooperation Society – PCS” in Kabul, 2007. The organization’s establishment dates back to the mid-2007 by a group of youths withstanding totalitarianism, dictatorship in educational institutions, i.e. university and schools and corruption in the governmental organizations. In the period of two years during which the initial activities were completed successfully, this organization acceded to most of its goals and objectives and in the same period, it entailed noteworthy changes in the educational system either of school or university nature. Basically, the founders of this organization launched their activities voluntarily and at their own expenses. Achievements’ resulting from this organization prompted the key founders to register the organization with the Ministry of Justice by the end of 2007.

The main objective of PCS is to contribute to the rehabilitation and reconstruction process of the country, to provide relief to the marginalized individuals and communities. PCS is implementing different projects including Rights Awareness, Peace Mediation, Education and Capacity Building, Access to Justice, Business Development Services, Income Generation and Campaign for Clean and Green Environment

PCS is an effective organization in raising awareness surrounding violence against women, anti corruption, child rights, campaigning for green and clean environment and anti-narcotic measures. It will remain committed in implementing projects to create awareness about human rights/child rights and to eliminate violence against women in the society.

PCS OPERATION AND FOCUS TARGET GROUPS

Why and how we started

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) GTZ’s cooperation with Sierra Leone focuses on Private Sector Development (PSD) and employment promotion to develop sustainable employment opportunities, in particular for the young and the poor.

This is expected to mitigate extreme poverty and prevent social or political crises. Thus, a

contribution is made to the consolidation of peace. Building on and relating to the activities in the

resettlement and food security area, as well as technical vocational training provided by the

German Technical Academy (THW), EPP started in 2006 with a first phase of four years and the

option to be extended. GTZ works in partnership with the Ministry of Employment, Social Security and Industrial Relations, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

What we do and how

The main challenge for social and economic development in Sierra Leone is the reduction of mass unemployment, especially among young people. EPP addresses both the dramatically low skills’ level of the Sierra Leonean workforce and the lack of employment opportunities. The sector focuses of the Sierra Leonean‐German Technical Cooperation are agriculture and rural development. Interventions target five selected districts, namely the Western Rural Area, Kono, Kailahun, Koinadugu

and Pujehun. Areas of intervention are:

♦ Promotion of agricultural value chains and out‐grower schemes

♦ Promotion of Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises

♦ Skills development

♦ Resettlement and reintegration of displaced youths

♦ Regional development and mainstreaming of cross‐cutting issues such as HIV/Aids, gender, and peace    and reconciliation.

The programme promotes employment on different levels with a particular focus on

capacity development and competence building as well as on conflict prevention. It

aims to develop model sustainable employment for subsequent up‐scaling and

Employment Promotion Programme — EPP

replication in other parts of the country. The GTZ integrated employment promotion approach includes the following three components:

The Private Sector Development component aims to develop employment opportunities including demand‐oriented training for young people, the improvement of framework conditions and the restoration of production and marketing capacities. The overall objective is the initiation income‐generating activities.

The GTZ approach corresponds to the five main pillars of the Private Sector Development Strategy for Sierra Leone: (1) promotion and support for entrepreneurship, (2) reduction of

business costs, (3) increase in access to affordable finance, (4) make markets work better, and (5) provide adequate infrastructure.

Sierra Leonean‐German cooperation consists of the following measures to address the build up

of private sector capacity and to create sustainable jobs.

♦ Meso level: indirect assistance to private sector actors

♦ Macro level: support networking of economic actors and the formation of viable private sector and civil society organisations

♦ Help stakeholders to develop and implement business plans and link them to private partners (e.g. traders or exporters). Resettlement and reintegration of young people displaced during the war into their villages of origin can stimulate comprehensive socioeconomic development in rural areas and

the resumption of agricultural activities in the respective locations.

The resettlement component also aims to facilitate the transition from subsistence agriculture to a commercially oriented small holder agricultural sector. Emphasis is on specialised agricultural production and value addition (processing and marketing of agricultural products). Successful economic

reintegration of displaced persons promotes social reconciliation and stability as well as sustainable peace within the community.

Youth resettlement and reintegration initiatives in Kailahun and Kono Districts have been scaled

up to generate sustainable agricultural activities for over 3,000 households (some 15,000 people)

in about 90 villages in the two districts. Promotion of Capacity Development of Youth and Young Adults is another programme component offering a range of non‐formal education activities based on their needs in rural areas. Participants of the programme acquire real‐life skills and market‐oriented competencies.

With improved skills, they become valuable members of their communal economy and can actively participate in the social and political life of their communities. Four different sub‐areas are distinguished:

♦ Skills training in Community Education Centres (CECs) offering courses in metal work, auto/motorbike mechanics, masonry, tailoring, electrical installations and agricultural skills

♦ Community‐based functional literacy courses combined with relevant employment or income‐generating activities in Functional Literacy Centres

♦ Socio‐pedagogical support and counseling as well as conflict mitigation for young people

♦ Capacity development at all levels (ministries, district governments, school committees, NGOs, youth social workers

Youth Watch is a youth led organization registered by National Board of Non Governmental

Organization under registration no: S5914/6596, giving it the mandate to operate in Kampala district in the following division; Rubaga, Central, Kawempe, Makindye & Nakawa.

Mission Statement
Youth watch is a youth-led organization where the youth have come up to watch aspects of life that have deterred their development.

Vision
Youth free from HIV/AIDS epidemic and empowered sustainable to conserve their environment.

Goal
Is to equip the youth with sustainable knowledge to address HIV/AIDS, poverty and environment.

Objectives

Model and document successful youth involvement in the HIV/AIDS awareness, poverty eradication and environmental conservation.

Strengthen Youth Watch as a viable and strong partnership with other organizations that have similar objectives.

Institutionalize Uganda youth participation in sustainable development related advocacy through strategic and solidarity campaigns.

Activities

Enhances youth involvement in HIV/AIDS awareness, poverty eradication and environmental conservation through sensitization.

Partners with other organization with similar objectives, to have a collective voice.

Trains youths in income generating activities through its training center and demonstration farm.

Ensures the highest-level participation of youth watch in policy formulation and strategic international advocacy.

Gives information to youths through its information centers.

Carries out career guidance and skill sharing.

Carries out clean up campaigns in areas that face environmental degradation.

Participates in Uganda’s civil society in lobbying and advocacy.

Carries out tree planting campaigns as a means of involving schools and institutions in environmental conservation.

Deepen youths understanding of democracy and how it can enhance their development.

Carries out cultural galas with themes on HIV/AIDS, poverty and environment to increase awareness.

PLOT 580, SEKABAKA KINTU, ROAD

LUNGUJJA, RUBAGA

P.O.BOX 9182, KAMPALA, UGANDA

EMAIL: youthwatch@gmail.com

Green with Youth in Sri Lanka

Federation of Ceylonese Young Greens formed in December, 2006 and operating as the Sri Lankan young group for the network of Global Young Greens. FCYG consider its values as  sharing knowledge, education and networking with the goal of which is to be a youth platform to develop a Green Party in Sri Lanka within next 5 years. FCYG leads with its sister organization which is Sri Lanka Green Alliance (SLGA) and it is the network of all green groups in Sri Lanka.

FCYG works on following Green principles:

Sustainability – We respect to sustainable use of renewable resources and responsible use of non renewable resources attributable to limited expansion of those resources in human society. Also we encourage maintaining the biodiversity to meet human needs in every minute, in every, in every year.

Environment – In Sri Lanka we consider maintaining and protecting the natural environment as a main principle to obtain a sustainable healthy planet due to regional and international issues occur every day.

Social justice – We agreed there is no social justice without environmental justice, and no environmental justice without social justice. Hence the equitable distribution of social and natural resources, both locally and globally to meet basic human needs unconditionally and to ensure that all Sri Lankans have full opportunities for personal and social development.

Grassroots democracy – We support to the power and responsibility are concentrated in local and regional communities and devolved only where essential to higher level of governance. All Sri Lankans must have the right to express their views and are able to directly participate in the environmental, economic, social and political decisions which affect their lives.

Peace – We are against with war, terrorism, organized crimes and deliberate large scale abuses of human rights and arms trade within the country. Especially in Sri Lanka peace as a green principle has a major role to play in strengthening the links between communities which represent all nations including majority Sinhalese after having 30 years old war with a terrorists group. The peoples imagination worked separately during the war time due to they were living unconnectedly from North to South and South to North. Now it is the time we thinks as one nation with establishing the peace everywhere.

FCYG mainly works on above principles and willing to support any other country or an organization on above areas at any time.

When we look at back to 2006, the FCYG has achieved a high status in domestically and internationally. Basically our 1^st stage campaigns worked on Act against Climate Change, Protect Sri Lanka heritage – Elephants, Don’t kill tusk elephants, Protect Bengali tigers, Protect Whales, Don’t eat Canadian Sea foods and save Seal babies, Against LTTE terrorist and killing civilians. Local privet companies, government, NGOs and some privet Medias supported to implement these campaigns at an appropriate level. Also we have basically done large scale online campaigns twice a week. We continue to placing paper articles on some local publications as well as online.

Internationally FCYG works with different countries on different campaigns like Justice for Khojaly with Brazil& Azerbaijan and online and designing support to some different international campaigns.

The members of the organization have lots of international exposure on Green activities as an example the FCYG founder Sanka Chandima Abayawardane has elected as a member of APGN coordination committee at APGN 2010.

In January 2010, The Sri Lanka Green Alliance established to network all green groups in Sri Lanka which heads by FCYG. Both organizations worked for the last presidential and general election by introducing Green political principles to the candidates. We initiated the youth and green platform in to Sri Lankan political structure in a way like members were participating to the press conferences, TV programs, some paper articles and different level localized political events island wide.

Now we are working on some green issues are made due to the development process and unlimited, unnecessary political authority with in the country. Online, media and some ground level campaigns is the arm of FCYG to create awareness and make public into action.

We continue encouraging the government to change the constitution in a suitable manner with an establishment for a fair election system to elect appropriate candidates who work on the democracy of all communities in Sri Lanka.

As the fresh concept we will be starting the Green consulting to the localized entrepreneur companies and encourage them for a green economy and fair trade.

At GYG 2010, I, the treasurer & head of campaigns of FCYG motivates broadly to discuss on Food rights of Youth (Food security) and Biodiversity of Asia Pacific region ( Human – Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka).

Kalpana. R. Ambepitiya

Treasurer & Head of Campaigns FCYG

Secretary – Sri Lanka Green Alliance

Campaign.fcyg@gmail.com

kalpana.ambepitiya@gmail.com

0094 777 612155

www.surakimusrilanka.net

During the discussions towards the end of the recent Climate Action Network side event, the European Union delegate stood up and delivered a speech, offering insight into the rather alarming and unambitious ‘commitments’ of the EU. During the speech, he mentioned the following:

“It’s not about the art of necessity but about the art of the possible”

At what stage are the negotiators going to pull their heads out of the sand and take a close look at the facts and consequences of climate change and the adequate policies to address them? I would say what is necessary MUST be possible. We have no other option. The laws of nature don’t care about what the EU thinks is possible. The challenge can be seen as an attempt to jump across the Grand Canyon but the EU is telling us it’s only possible to jump half way.

If you don’t have the ambition and the will, if you don’t believe you are capable of creating policies to achieve fundamentally important targets necessary to safeguard the future of humankind, then you are holding us all back, ruining our only opportunity to prevent this possible catastrophe.

This is the question the EU, US and other Annex 1 countries need to answer:

“In order to stop runaway climate change the art of the possible will need to meet the art of necessary very soon. When do you expect this happy meeting to occur exactly?”

Fortunately a Climate Action Network (CAN) speaker had the last word – “what is necessary NEEDS to be possible”. Yes we CAN!

P.S.

After the event had finished, I overheard the EU delegate say to his colleague “this is the real carbon footprint”, referring to two children running past. So he’s not willing to take the step forward necessary to safeguard these two children’s future, but is willing to refer to them not as human beings but as “carbon footprints” in a way which suggested there existence is simply an environmental compromise. I normally try to refrain from ad hominem attacks, so please excuse me, but what an absolute idiot. We really don’t need these idiots standing in the way of our future.

AWG-LCA = Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention

Question:

“During the open LCA meetings there seems to be a serious lack of cooperation and too much focus on structure instead of the substance of the negotiations which has lead to a worrying lack of progress. For example the lengthy expenditure of time discussing spin off groups to the AWG-LCA.

How can this situation be urgently improved and momentum gained?”

Answer:

“We need to spend this time on process to reach consensus. I hope in China we can focus on what can be achieved. Let’s work with the parties to see what is achievable. What is not, must be put aside for now. Let’s isolate what is achievable from what is not.”

Back to the art of necessity V art of possible (see previous post)? Unfortunately the EU seems to think what is necessary is not achievable, so basically they’ll continue to exclude necessary targets from their policy making. Good to know.

Regarding the question regarding the LCA meetings now being closed to civil society, the business rep seemed very happy with this. I wonder why?

Speech from the ceremony witnessed by members of the UNFCCC secretariat, delegates, observers and the press:

“Dearly Beloved,

We are gathered here in the presence of the UN to witness and bless the exchanging of vows that will bind Annex 1 and the Kyoto Protocol together in the covenant relationship of marriage. When this ceremony has ended, they will leave as wife and wife having been joined together by the UN in Bonn.

Of the three institutions ordained by the UN, marriage is the only one which is legally binding. Since it has its origins in the UN, it is honourable and is to be held in esteem by all mankind.

The institution of marriage is not a casual one and should not be taken lightly.  Since we live in an age where so many people have no respect for it, we need to constantly reassert and reaffirm that UN ordained marriage is for our good and that it should be viewed as holy. So holy is the relationship of marriage that the apostle Secretariat has likened it to the relationship of business and government.

Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol, your love for each other should be an Eternal Triangle – the UN is at the apex and you, Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol, are at the base of the triangle. When both of you are joined together with the UN at the top, then you will never be separated from each other at the bottom.

Your marriage should be the union of two lives – two hearts that beat as one – so welded together that they walk together; they work together; they bear each other’s burdens and share each other’s joys. I want to remind you to be friendly, loving and tenderhearted, and forebearing of one another in love. Remember, the vows you are about to take are as binding in adversity as they are in prosperity and that these vows are to be broken only by death.

I want you both to remember the great responsibilities you have: love and commitment. These are serious, yet magnificent. Our saviour, the UN, has given us the perfect eaxample of them.

Vows and exchanging of rings

The union of Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol in heart, body and mind is intended by the UN for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is the UN’s will, for the procreation of policies and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the UN. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, delibertly and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by the UN.

Into this holy union Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now or else for ever hold your peace.

[Everyone is delighted to continue]

I require and charge you both, here in the presence of the UN, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with the UN’s word, you do now confess it.

[silence]

Annex 1, will you have this Kyoto Protocol to be you partner; to live together in the covenant of marriage?

“Yes, I will”

Will you love Kyoto Protocol, comfort Kyoto Protocol, honour and keep Kyoto Protocol, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to Kyoto Protocol as long as you both shall live?

“Yes, I will” [round of applause and happy cheers]

Kyoto Protocol, will you have this Annex 1 to be you partner; to live together in the covenant of marriage?

“Yes, I will”

Will you love Annex 1, comfort Annex 1, honour and keep Annex 1, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to Annex 1 as long as you both shall live?

“Yes, I will” [round of applause and happy cheers]

The wedding ring signifies to all the uniting of Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol in holy matrimony and symbolises the never ending nature of their love.

May I have the rings please?

Annex 1, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honour you.

Kyoto Protocol, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honour you.

[round of applause and happy cheers]

Now that Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and with the giving and receiving of a ring in the presence of this company, by the authority of the secretariat, and that of the all-mighty UN, I pronounce that they are partners for life. Those that the UN has joined together, let no one put asunder.

[to Annex 1]

You may kiss the bride.

[round of applause, happy cheers and some crude whistles probably from the business sector]

Ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to present Mrs and Mrs Annex 1 Kyoto Protocol.

[Huge applause and happy cheers, cries, stomping of feet, hanky waving, screams of “good luck”, “well done” and “congratulations”. Someone rudely shouted “finally”. Probably a young green.]

[P.S. Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol were last seen locking themselves in the gentlemen’s toilets. We are praying for the procreation of beautiful policies in the very near future]

A number of FYEG delegates attended the contact group meeting this afternoon on Annex I Parties’ emissions reductions. When we arrived at 15:00, the start of the session, no delegates were present, only the Chair of the meeting. Eventually the discussions started thirty minutes late with less than half the delegates present. I’m finding it difficult to comprehend the level of disinterest at these talks, it’s truly shocking. Currently the only criticism delegates can muster seems to be about the standard of sandwiches, the only urgency in the coffee queue.

We now have three days of the United Nations Bonn Climate Talks left and 10 days of negotiations before COP16. This afternoon’s session was completely wasted first by starting late, followed by the absence of more than half the delegates. Then the delegates discussed for the entire session yesterday’s workshop on reducing emissions for Annex I parties instead of discussing the substance of the meeting. This was despite countless reminders by the Chair to move on, get to the substance and to stop going back to previous discussions.

Saudi Arabia constantly referred to various unimportant and irrelevant issues about the summary of a previous workshop. Japan repeatedly stressed there must be no Kyoto Protocol post 2012 – so no legally binding agreement – which also was irrelevant in the context of the meeting. But they were not alone. The EU and many other groups and countries were happy to join the time wasting game. In short, yet again, no progress was made.

This all begs the question; are these negotiators in a state of denial about the issue they are trying to resolve? Do they not care? Have they subsided into this carelessness and lackadaisical attitude after too many meals with corporate lobbyists? Do they still need a few more decades to cash in on their oil reserves? What on earth is the problem?