5th World Youth Congress

Turkiye will welcome 1000 young people from around the world to meet during Ýstanbul’s year as the European Capital of Culture. You will have the chance learn a lot about Turkish culture, about Turkish people, and the history of one of the oldest civilizations of the world – which is now the 2nd fastest growing modern economy in the world after China.




Also, just as in Hawaii, you learned about the word ‘Aloha’ – and here in Canada – you learned the meaning of ‘Regeneration,’ in Turkiye, we hope you will discover the meaning of the word: "imece" - a turkish word which doesn’t have exact definition in English. It refers to an ancient tradition of solidarity - working collectively for the common good. But it carries with it – not the connotation of effort or duty – but the fun of collaboration: like its always a festival of enjoying yourself when you work and achieve things together.



We hope that this is how young people around the world will see youth-led development: the effort to make poverty history in our lifetimes – and create peace, human rights, democracy, Trust, Volunteerism and a prosperous green economy that will bring sustainable happiness to every race and nation on the earth – this is imece! And it will be the greatest source of joy and fun for us all to take part in this effort.



Istanbul is at the crossroads of civilisations – a meeting point of two great continents. Join us in Istanbul, and help us write another chapter in this history of this fascinating city: one in which the young people of the world and their governments learn to work together in ‘imece’ to eliminate the scourge of poverty from our world

KEEPING UP

The way life goes at times is very difficult to keep track. leadership forces alot of responsibilities and takes away one's rights. i usually say this alot until i found out that as a youth leader I could not do the things i usually do normally for example..., it use to be ok for me to protest to things from my perspective before i became a regional Youth caucus member, now its very difficult to have an opinion of my own as i am required to look at everyone's perspective and options before taking a stand on any issue...in fact am expected to talk last....and i can tell you its so difficult

I have found out that the best i can do for myself is seek advice from my inner circle of trusted friends who do not feel threathened by my progress and are willing to look at me in the face and correct me in the best manner possible. i had to rely on such advice recently when my intentions were not considered in a decision i took, only my mistakes were beamed upon.

My  advice to my collegues is simply  'Leadership requires one to be meticulous and selfless' , if you can't do that, don't bother aspiring for leadership as your failure will become headline news too.

Ciao