Initiatives of Change Indonesia Blog: Asia Pacific Youth Conference 2008 (APYC) Korea, 9th to 16 August 2008

Background

The Asia Pacific Youth Conference (APYC) began as an initiative of Moral Re-Armament, now known as Initiatives of Change. The first APYC was held in 1990 in Taiwan, inspired by the vision of a Chinese from Taiwan, to bring together youth from around the region to learn from the experiences of those who had successfully taken action to overcome conflict and confront corruption. The concept was developed in order to offer practical ideas and encouragement to these youth who want to use their lives as change-makers addressing social issues in their countries and the region.

In subsequent years, APYCs were held in countries including Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Japan, Philippines, and Cambodia hosted by Initiatives of Change together with representatives of other organizations.

People participating in APYCs have had an involvement in different practical initiatives on a humanitarian, non-political and interfaith platform. These are a few examples:

In Taiwan, local youths took part in a national "clean election" campaign to offer an alternative to the usual forms of corruption such as vote-buying.

In Indonesia, conference delegates decided to develop a centre in order to meet and work together more effectively. They have undertaken to help develop constructive communication and relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Indonesians. They have organized a number of meetings between different ethnic and faith communities in Jakarta and intend to continue these activities in the long term.

In Cambodia, youth delegates from Battambang decided to rent a house as a hub for their activities. These have included initiatives to tackle environmental problems, offering tuition to poor children, and relationship-building between the city and the villages around it.

Objectives

The APYCs offer young people aged 18-35 from the Asia Pacific region the opportunity to dialogue with those from neighbouring countries, build friendships and create networks for peace.

To build relationships of trust and mutual understanding through dialogue based on an appreciation of each other's faiths, heritage and cultural diversity;
To learn from the life experiences of those who are addressing issues including corruption, communal conflict and poverty;
To address the root causes of social issues through personal change that deals with conflict in the individuals own lives;
To develop projects for peace-building within the region

Finance

Participation in an Asia Pacific Youth Conference for many will not be possible without financial assistance from outside sources. The cost for one participant varies according to their airfares. Since South Korea is hosting this year, participants from other countries will need to come by air. The return airfare from south-east Asian countries is about US$800. A contribution of US$400 can cover the full conference fee of one person.

The APYC international organizing committee in different part of Asia (and the world) is trying to raise needed funds. This year the organisers would also like to see more people joining APYC from other parts of Asia and the Pacific.

The conference budget (apart from travel arrangements) is approximately US$34,000. Any assistance we can receive from either individuals or organisations will be greatly appreciated.

Secretariat

APYC 2008 - Korea

Address: #B02, 1-62 Bookahyun-dong, Seodaemoon-gu, Seoul, 120-865 South Korea

Phone: +82 2 6403-8878

Fax: +82 2 392-8878

Contact persons (mobile phone):