National Rural Youth Fest to be held in Mumbai January 15-19, 2011

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences, School of Rural Development is presenting the third annual Rural Youth Fest in Mumbai January 15-19. The theme of the event is "Youth for Progress," and organizers seek to promote recognition among policymakers and leaders of the important role rural youth can play in development. The festival will include a youth parliamentary debate, poster sessions, athletic competition, theater, folk dancing presentations and "Cultural Kalaidoscopes," including a “Darpan" mime competition on the role of youth in governance.

International Youth Day

On the occasion of International Youth Day a number of politicians from around the world made statements about the importance of young people's participation in community leadership, politics and development. Stating one's support and actually providing that support are, of course two different things. Still, it's nice to hear (or read) politicians talking about youth participation.

Below is a sampling of news articles describing political leaders' statements on International Youth Day.

Gambia
VP Reiterates Gov't Commitment to Youth Empowerment

India
'More youth participation needed in India's decision-making'

Pakistan
Youth key partner for sustainable development of world: NA Speaker
Nourishing of youth imperative to put country on path of progress: Chairman Senate
'Unutilised' youth hope for participation in decision-making

The United Nations
SUSTAINABILITY: Our Challenge. Our future.

And last but not least, testimony from an actual young person to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Joint Committee on Election Laws:

Ethiopia/United States
Honoring International Youth Day - An Ethiopian Youth Activist's Perspective