In a world mired in injustice, violence, hate speech, and inequality, young men and women from different countries have embarked on a journey of harmony and fraternity to Yogyakarta, Indonesia. They aim to affirm with one voice and united hearts the urgent need to work together in solidarity to promote the values of love, peace, and justice—the human values that our world urgently needs today!
Their mission in Yogyakarta is embodied in their participation in the ACT Alliance Youth Pre Assembly and, consequently, in the Fourth General Assembly of this international organization, held under the theme “Hope in Action, Together for Justice,” from October 28 to November 1, 2024.
These young people cling to their hope and determination to build a better and brighter future.
Therefore, the introductory sessions of the General Assembly on youth were devoted to building young leaders to be present in the work of ACT Alliance and effective in their communities in word and deed.
The sessions included various segments that focused on the most important life, social, economic, and environmental issues that hinder their usual activity, such as forced migration, gender inequality, mental health problems, shrinking urban spaces, climate change, and other issues.
This is in addition to workshops where participants representing different organizations and institutions discussed their challenges, concerns, and future aspirations in order to enhance their role in ACT Alliance. They stressed the need to develop their capacities and skills to empower and train them to participate in decision-making.
In exclusive interviews with the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) which was present with them, the youth expressed their joy at meeting together, exchanging experiences, and looking forward to similar meetings in the future.
Perla Shehfeh, from the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development in Syria of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East (GOPA-DERD), expressed her happiness to participate in this event, noting that “As young people, we were able to make our voice heard to the whole world. We discussed the challenges we face in different regions and were also able to explain the circumstances in the Middle East. Together, we discussed solutions that contribute to alleviating the problems we are witnessing, in addition to preparing a statement with all our recommendations to the General Assembly.”
Jake Kamerman from World Renew in Canada said: “During the sessions, we were able to meet and talk to other young people about the issues we face such as climate change, forced migration, mental health problems, and shrinking civic spaces. I spent a productive time learning a lot of concepts and was able, with other participants, to amplify the voice of young people and emphasize the need to give them the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process in our organizations.”
Mariz Ossama, from the Archdiocese of Public, Ecumenical and Social Services (BLESS) in Egypt, said: “It was a happy opportunity to participate in the Pre Youth Pre Assembly, and therefore in its events, where we met with youth from all countries of the world, including young people from the Middle East. We got to know different cultures and realized that we face the same challenges such as climate change and other issues. We have also tried to make our voice heard across many platforms and stressed the importance of our participation in development work more effectively.”
Robyn Sulko of The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) in Canada said: “We talked about the issues that negatively affect us, acknowledging that climate change, gender inequality, and other problems disproportionately affect young people. We also talked about the need to meaningfully integrate youth voices into the decision-making tables at ACT Alliance, as well as the need to adequately secure resources and empower youth.”
With great hope, the youth discussed their recommendations to be submitted to the General Assembly, in which they actively participate with the ACT Alliance family and representatives of ACT members from organizations and institutions around the world.
In this context, young people are calling on political leaders, governments, and various institutions to recognize and support their role, especially as they are important agents in the development of societies, by creating new opportunities that allow them to work for change. This is in addition to encouraging collaborative initiatives between youth and stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, and civil society, and seeking solutions to global challenges.
They also asked the religious leaders, Churches, and various institutions to contribute to ending injustice and providing them with sustainable opportunities, as well as building their capacities and recognizing the importance of youth-led initiatives and decisions.
Therefore, it is necessary to reaffirm that youth are the backbone of societies and a fundamental pillar for working for justice through their energies and creativity that benefit their communities and societies. Together, we seek to support and empower them!
By: mecc
