UNESCO: Christchurch’s youngest leaders rebuilding the future

May 26, 2011 - Youth Week 2011 will wrap up this weekend with an opportunity for some of Christchurch’s youngest leaders to discuss their vision for the future at the UNESCO Youth Voices Forum.

Some of the city’s adult leaders , including MPs and local body representatives, will participate in a round table discussion with the youth leaders says Vicki Soanes, from the NZ National Commission for UNESCO.

“The focus will be on how the earthquake has affected young people in Christchurch and how young people can help to rebuild their future,” said Ms Soanes.

“Not only do young people have the right to have a say after these kinds of events, they have a lot of energy and innovative ideas that will ensure a strong and resilient future. Over the recent challenging months, the young people of Christchurch have proven the value of seeking out youth voices, particularly relevant during the United Nations International Year of Youth.”

The Youth Voices Challenge is being held in conjunction with the WE SPEAK 2011, which is being run by the White Elephant Trust and Otautahi Youth Council.

“We have found young people are articulate and environmentally savvy with visions for the future that includes all generations, all types of people and ethnicities,” says forum coordinator Tania Kurbatoff from Porcelain Ltd.

“This weekend we are opening the conversation between policy makers and young people.”

Ms Kurbatoff says young Christchurch people have a voice and they are prepared to use it.

“We saw that with the Student Volunteer Army, we are capable of having an opinion and putting that into action, getting our hands dirty and making positive changes in our community, we are thinking long term, for a sustainable future.”

“Young Christchurch people are looking beyond their own future to consider how disaster response and rebuild processes may act as a mode for communities suffering similar tragedies around the world.”

ENDS

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