We Are One

30 June- 4 July 2007
Melaka, Malaysia

Asia Europe Youth Dialogue "We Are One" is organized by World Youth Foundation (“NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations”) in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, the State Government of Melaka, and various other agencies. The Dialogue also has the support of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF) and is tentatively scheduled to be held on 30th June to 4th July 2007, Melaka, Malaysia.

This Dialogue will contribute to the forthcoming ASEM Meeting of Ministers on Cultures to be held in 16th – 17th July 2007 in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is the host of this important event and supporting this Dialogue seems an important step in cooperating cultural understanding among youth in the ASEM region.

The ASEM Youth Dialogues have been conceived to provide an opportunity for youth in Asia and Europe to exchange perspectives on themes identified as priorities by the Asia-Europe Meeting during the biennial ASEM Summits. They create and foster human networks among young people by encouraging a common vision. This Dialogue also increases initiatives in the field of Asia-Europe youth co-operation through the development of action-oriented youth initiatives as concrete and substantial contributions by youth to the ASEM process over the medium to long term.

This Dialogue will contribute to forge partnership between Asia and Europe that is based in equal partnership, mutual respect and mutual understanding – all part of the ASEM process. It will provide Malaysia and Malaysian’s to showcase and promote its success story in maintaining racial harmony.

“We are One" will also provide a unique opportunity for young people from Asia and Europe to discuss and understand the different cultural and social priorities and beliefs in their regions thus cultivating a culture of peace and dialogue. The objectives of this Dialogue are:

Ø To create awareness of cultural differences at local, national and international level, as well as to identify existing common ground.
Ø To increase inter-cultural dialogue and build bridges between those of different faith and ethnicity especially between young people of Asia and Europe.
Ø To encourage initiatives aimed at promoting understanding of the diverse cultures of countries in Asia and Europe particularly among the younger generation.



Proposed Outcome
Ø To recognize “Outstanding Cultural Youth Ambassadors” as a programme organized under the banner of UNESCO
Ø To develop local and national projects with the view of foster partnerships with youth organizations and international agencies.
Ø A cultural co-existance declaration by participants on how to promote cultural diversity among young people of Asia and Europe

Dialogue Venue
The venue of the Dialogue will be The Legacy Hotel, 146, Jalan Hang Tuah, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia (Tel : +606-2816868 / www.thelegacy.com.my)

Application Criteria :
· Be a national of an ASEM country
· 2 participants per country
· 18 – 30 years of age
· Youth representatives from various national youth coordination councils or a civil society organization, including those working in institutions promoting cultural dialogue, think tanks or those in accomplishments like education, arts, media from Asia and Europe.
· An official of the Ministry of Youth or a related government agency
· Have a good understanding of the theme and the relevant policies in their respective countries
· Willing and being able to participate actively for the whole duration of the project
· Ready to present a "Situational Report" from respective countries.
· Proficient in English and able to do presentations in English; is a must
· Geographical and gender balance will be respected

Air Travel Subsidy :
The Foundation regrets to inform you that at the moment there are no funds available for air travel subsidy. The Foundation has applied for air-travel subsidy to help defray some of the expenses incurred by participants. However, we are have yet to receive any positive reply and will keep you informed. Hence participants are strongly encouraged to fund the own air-travel. The Foundation will provide accommodation, meals and local hospitality for the duration of the Dialogue.

Application Procedure :
Please fill the attached application form and send by either email or fax to the Foundation latest by 30 May 2007. Please include in not more than 20 lines a brief biographical note of yourself on a separate sheet of paper.

Upon receiving of the application forms a Selection Committee will review all the applications and select the most deserving participant. A letter of confirmation will then be sent to successful participants with the necessary information. You can use this letter to apply your visa.

Forms more information please contact :
World Youth Foundation
Tel : 606-2815196/ 2320911
Fax : 606-2820411 / 2323911
Email : wyf@po.jaring.my

Pre-registration is A MUST.

http://www.wyf.org.my