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PAN-AFRICAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
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| BKWSU participation at the PAN-AFRICAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Providing a Global Platform for Africa’s
Next Generation of Leaders in achieving the Millennium Development Goals
Jointly organized by the Government of Senegal, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global
Peace Initiative of Women
DAKAR, SENEGAL
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| Approximately 300 youth leaders from every country in Africa (minimum one woman, one man per country, aged 20 - 32) plus youth representatives of African origin living in other places in the world, as well as a variety of people of different backgrounds having special connections with Africa, came together in Dakar, Senegal, to participate in the Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit from 27 to 30 June. The youth leaders had been specially selected by UNDP in collaboration with governments and major NGOs on the basis of their humanitarian work and their potential as future leaders in their countries. The aim of the summit was to focus on how youth leaders can contribute to achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals:
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Muslim: youth leader Christian: Sister Mary Goretti Kisaakye Buddhism: Ven. Sister Mae-Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta Buddhism: Chang Zhi Fa Shi (Bhikshu) Indigenous African religion: Charles Caty Diouf Brahma Kumaris: Helen Sayers |
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BKWSU was invited to give a blessing as part of an interfaith service at the opening
and closing ceremonies; to lead a meditation at one of the plenary sessions; to be part of the group of international
participants whose aim was to explore ways of supporting the efforts of the African youth leaders; and to speak at a
panel discussion on the role of literature and journalism in promoting a positive image of Africa to the world.
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The Co-Chairs of the Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit were Ms Dena Merriam, Convener, Global Peace Initiative of Women, New York; and Mr Djibril Diallo, Director of the Communications Office, UNDP, Senegal |
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His Excellency Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal opened
the Summit and at a later occasion welcomed the youth leaders at the presidential palace. Madam Viviane Wade,
First Lady of Senegal, addressed the participants at a cultural evening and invited everyone to visit a small
rural village 80 km from Dakar where she has created a centre of excellence in health, education, and care for
the environment.
Present at most of the plenary sessions was the Minister of Youth, Hon. Mr Aliou Sow, himself only 29 years of
age. Throughout the summit importance was given to the spiritual dimension, largely due to the initiative of
Dena Merriam who also organized the Global Peace Initiative of Women Religious and Spiritual Leaders in Geneva
in 2002, at which Dadi Janki was given a high profile.
High level guests were invited to speak on several occasions, such as Ms. Nadine Gordimer from South Africa,
UNDP Goodwill Ambassador and Nobel Laureate for Literature, 1991
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Meeting the First Lady, Madame Viviane Wade (the Minister of Youth, Hon. M. Aliou Sow is behind) |
Young writers and media representatives participate in panel discussion:
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Prince Cedza Dlamini from Swaziland, grandson of Nelson Mandela
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Panel discussions on a variety of topics formed the basis of a rich exchange of ideas
and recommendations towards a final Youth Declaration to Governments of Africa, advising them on actions to take
in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. BKWSU was invited to contribute to a panel titled “Penning
our way to the future” which included a number of young writers, journalists and media representatives. A brief
interactive workshop on the use of reflection, visualization and creativity in effective writing was well-received.
,P.
The motivation, determination and sense of brotherhood of the youth was inspiring, as well as their open interest
in values and spirituality. Many good connections were made, including invitations to visit a number of countries!
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Meditation by the Brahma Kumaris
On August 29, At the closing ceremony representatives of different religions gave blessings,
prayers and reflections.
Brothers and sisters of Africa…
In the spirit of Terranga (Senegal = hospitality), Ubuntu (South and Central Africa = unity, compassion), Karibu (East Africa = Welcome), let us unite our hearts and minds in silence…
You are the stars of Africa, the lights of the World…
The true wealth, power and beauty of Africa lies in the soul of each one of us…
When we recognize our spiritual identity as eternal beings of light we can cross all boundaries, and when we connect with the Supreme Being, the Father of all souls, we can spread peace throughout the world, and together we can create a new chapter for the continent of Africa…
Inch’Allah, Om shanti…
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©2004 BKWSU |
