Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit - South Asia Youth for Democracy, Peace and Open Borders

Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit - South Asia Youth for Democracy, Peace and Open Borders [Druckversion]

South Asia Youth for Democracy, Peace and Open Borders

A candle-lit demontsration against terrorism at India Gate on the occassion of the SAYS

The aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai displays how fragile the relationship between Pakistan and India still is. Terrorism remains one of the biggest export hits in the little integrated region of South Asia. With a candle-lit demonstration more than 80 participants of the “South Asia Youth Summit 2008” united at India Gate in New Delhi against terrorism.

Delegates discussing at SAYS

Before this the delegates from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bhutan discussed for two days how democracy, open borders and peace can be encouraged in South Asia. “We believe that we can set an example for our political leaders about cooperation and the benefits of joining hands in overcoming barriers” reads the declaration at the end of the youth summit, which was organized by Liberal Youth South Asia (LYSA), Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) and the Friedrich-Naumann-Siftung für die Freiheit.

The delegates identified that lack of appropriate governance is particularly the central problem in South Asia. “If we as young people want to make an impact then we need to start analyzing and constructively advising governance for a better performance” emphasized the moderator Arpita Nepal.

Region politically unstable and riven

A majority of the South Asian states experienced democratization this year. For the first time in history fair and free elections took place in the Maldives and Bhutan, Pakistan shook of a military dictatorship once again, Nepal is on its way from a authoritarian monarchy to a parliamentarian democracy and in few weeks time elections would be taking place in Bangladesh, which shall end the state of emergency rule there.

Dr. M.S. Gill, Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports opened the South Asia Youth Summit

At the opening of the summit, Dr. M. S. Gill, Indian Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, stressed, that in the current situation when newly elected governments were being formed, the youth have an integral role to play. Dr. Gill also emphasized the need to setup democratic institutions in the South Asian countries to ensure the accommodation of diverse opinions in the decision making process. By citing the Indian example he tried to highlight the benefits of a democratic set up.

In spite of all the positive developments, the region is politically unstable and riven. In civil society, however, empathy and the willingness to cooperate transnational dominate. “The turbulent past of South Asia in the last 60 years has cost the region dearly. It is high time new solutions and rights directions are sought specially with the youth of the region”, said D. Dhanuraj, General Secretary, LYSA.

The South Asian Youth has a great potential

Mr. Manish Tiwari, a speaker of the Congress Party spoke about the role of Youth during the SAYS

One fifth of the population in South Asia is between the age of 15 and 24. This is the largest number of young people ever to transition into adulthood in the world as a whole. If politicians take the right decision and give these young people opportunities in education, profession and politics, they are a great potential. On the other hand, it is quite dangerous, if this youth grows up in a climate of intolerance, economic frustration and exclusion from political decision making.

Hence, the delegates discussed changes in central areas of governance. Themes were: democracy and human rights, economic integration, improvement of educational opportunities and the role of youth in politics. The results will be summarized in a publication.

Mr. Naveen Jindal and Dr. M.S.Gill, minister of youth affairs & sports launching the Book "Our Common Future: South Asia" by LYSA at the SAYS (24.11.08).

Further, the reading on “Our Common Future: South Asia” from young authors from across South Asia published by LYSA is already available now. Mr. Naveen Jindal, young member of the Indian Parliament launched this book on the occasion of the South Asia Youth Summit 2008.

Downloads:

Declaration of the South Asia Youth Summit 2008
LYSA Publication “Our Common Future : South Asia”

Link to LYSA Webpage