ICYM Holds Consultation On ‘Environment, Peace And Development’

NEW DELHI, APR. 02, 2008, 09.30 Hrs (CBCI News):

On the 1st April 2008 when people are celebrating ‘fool day’, the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) held an international consultation on “Youth Responsibility for Environment, Peace and Sustainable Development” at CBCI Centre, New Delhi.

35 professionals, chiefs of NGOs and executive secretaries of CBCI Commissions participated in the day-long consultation.

The programme was organized under the aegis of Youth Active8 Foundation (Regd.) of which ICYM is the subsidiary unit.

Fr. Thomas A. Sequeira, Deputy Secretary General of CBCI and Governing board member of Youth Activ8 Foundation gave the welcome note.

Dr. K.S. Manoj, Member of Parliament in his presentation stated that Development, environment and peace are interconnected and people need to be responsible for the future generation. He emphasized on the need of “fostering a culture of peace” though young people.

Mrs. Edith Sizoo, coordinator for International Committee for Charter of Human Responsibility from France spoke about on “young people response to environment”. She urged students and youth to think about the future of the world and participate actively in the movement for the protection of environment.

Dr. Hari Das from CARITAS India, dealt with the topic, “Youth, Environment and sustainable Development”. He took all the participants through the hard facts of environment issues and concern for asustainable development. He also emphasized the need to bring awareness among young people for the future of the coming generation and the country.

The participants in during the open discussions after every presentation felt the need to give young people a platform and encourage them to participate in taking responsibility for the problems and issues of today.

In conclusion to this entire consultation, the participants suggested to have working groups for continuity, networking and to reach more people. Two working groups were formed:

1. Strategic planning and frame work for future action plan
2. Alternative policy intervention and dissemination

Earlier, Fr. Alwyn M. J. D’Souza, the Executive Secretary of CBCI commission for Youth and Secretary of Youth Acitv8 Foundation gave a bird’s eye view presentation on the Youth Activ8 Foundation.

Sent by Rakesh Singh