SAYS '08

South Asia Youth Summit ‘08

Towards Democracy, Peace and Open Borders

Dates: 24 & 25 November 2008

Venue: Constitution Club, New Delhi

Liberal Youth South Asia is organizing the South Asia Youth Summit (SAYS) to provide a platform for youth in the age group of 18-30 to interact, debate and understand various issues confronting the region from a liberal perspective. SAYS ‘08 being an annual event, hosted by Centre for Public Policy Research, envisions a democratic and peaceful South Asia with open borders emphasizing the role of youth in restructuring the society.

Over the two-day schedule, the delegates would be exposed to a variety of simulations, discussions and debates leading to the Summit Declaration and Plan of Action for the next year. Highlights of the conference include:

• Panel discussions and plenary sessions with South Asian experts from diverse fields.
• Presentations by the young leaders and interactive discussions amongst participants facilitated by experienced moderators.
• “Youth Chain” and lighting the lamp against terrorism near India Gate, New Delhi
• Musical Concerts and cultural presentations by youth performers across South Asia.

Latest on SAYS!!!

The final date for submission of the nomination forms for the South Asia Youth Summit '08 has been extended to 15th October, 2008.

Hurry up and send across your forms soon!!!

South Asia

South Asia is home to 1.5 billion people, who together comprise 1/5 of all humanity. One fifth of the population in South Asia is between the ages of 15 and 24. This is the largest number of young people ever to transition into adulthood, both in South Asia and in the world as a whole.

South Asia consists of:

1. Afghanistan.
2. Bangladesh
3. Bhutan
4. India
5. Maldives
6. Nepal
7. Pakistan
8. Sri Lanka

The nations of South Asia are more alike than they are different.” Cultures and languages spill across national borders, most of which were created in the colonial era. As in many other parts of the world, the creation of new and "artificial" national identities has been the source of much conflict and violent upheaval. This complex struggle continues to shape South Asia’s political and economic landscape.

Together, the eight countries of South Asia—India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan are members of SAARC—the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Through SAARC, its member countries are working together to identify solutions for their common problems. South Asian economies are a mixture of poverty and plenty, with advanced and productive economies coupled with persistent poverty.

• Most populous region — 1.3 billion people, one-fifth of humanity.
• Densely populated, and growing fast — India will be world's most populous country by 2025.
• Rural lifestyle — nearly 3/4 of people live in rural areas.
• India and Bangladesh — 85 percent of the region's people live in these two countries.
• Ancient history — 5000 years of tradition and cultural continuity.
• Cultural advances — have enriched the whole world.
• Seven distinct nations — with common cultural, political, and economic characteristics.
• National conflicts — territorial, ethnic and religious.
• Highly stratified societies — women are lowest on the social scale.
• Commitment to democracy — India is the world's largest.
• Dual economy — industrial growth, world's largest middle class, and persistent poverty.

Youth in South Asia

The prevailing conditions of political and economic insecurity, and the need to address them in a collective manner, are compelling reasons to forge a strong South Asian community capable of acting locally and regionally.

But there is another reason as well. Recent events in the South Asian subcontinent, particularly the disturbing escalation in everyday violence, make it doubly urgent to have a conclave of South Asians who can work past their partisan viewpoints - in search of strategies that may diminish the antagonisms, suspicions and fears. Not addressing the issues young people face today can result in adverse economic, social and political consequences. Governments and policy makers across the region are looking at youth issues, mainly education and employment, and their impact on the countries’ development.

The turbulent past 60 years of South Asia have cost the region dearly. The prospects of a region, which could have been a leading geopolitical entity in a multipolar world, were dampened. Therefore, it is high time new solutions and right directions are sought, especially with the help of the youth of the region. It is they who can effectively make an impact with their contributions, thus leading to the formation of a peaceful democratic South Asia.

Politically, the young generation’s opinion is of crucial importance due to these reasons:

• The youth are the main victims of unrest in South Asia.
• They are at the receiving end due to the economic crisis and burgeoning unemployment.
• Unwelcome religious fundamentalism, terrorism and violent protests in the region are mainly carried out by young soldiers and activists who are deprived of the socio-economic resources of a decent life.
• Nonetheless, South Asia’s youth is open to cultural and economic exchange. The thinking of this new generation is radically different and seeks to heal history’s wounds. They are also aware of having to cross traditional impediments for a wider co-operation between peoples of all races. Thus, the youth of the region are the torchbearers of a globalised world.