GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS WITH YOUTH7 & YOUTH20
non G7- or G20-affiliated countries, opens new perspectives on how the advance collaboration in the field of youth. Beyond the political engagements undertaken, Youth7 and Youth20 also provide an extraordi- nary experience for each Delegate and contributor. Participation allows for opportunities for individual growth, for exploring one’s field of expertise in an international environment, to further develop negotiation and leadership capabilities as well as intercultural skills. Hopefully taking part, motivates each Delegate to further engage in youth associa- tions or as activists for a specific cause, to pursue an education or training to foster expertise and knowledge and to serve as ambassadors for inter- national youth cooperation. It has been a partic- ular pleasure to see, how many of the young people in leadership positions have been in fact alumni of youth delegate’s programmes, previous Youth7 and Youth20 processes and continue to serve the Youth7 / Youth20 community in their association. As of January 1, 2023, Japan holds the G7 Pres- idency and is inviting the G7 to convene for the Leaders’ Summit in Hiroshima on May 19-21. G7 / G20 Youth Japan, the coordinating organisa- tion, is inviting Delegates to Tokyo in early April for the Youth7 Summit. Priorities will cover (1) Global Economy, (2) Environment, (3) Digital Transformation, (4) Global Health as well as Peace Building, which is highlighted by a study visit to the historical site of Hiroshima. The close cooperation between the Co-Chairs and the Steering Committee has ensured the exchange of good practice and lessons learned as well as a smooth transition from one Presidency to another, contributing to the continued develop- ment and consolidation of policy fields addressed by Youth7. For Co-Chair Carolina Claus returning to Tokyo for the KickOff Event in late October has been an exceptional opportunity to meet with fellow Youth20 alumna and Vice-President in 2023, Wakana Asano.
Christina Arkenberg As the young civil society engagement processes to the G7 and G20, Youth7 and Youth20 provide exceptional fora of exchange for representatives of youth organisations, young activists, and young leaders on the most pressing global challenges and more specifically the G7 / G20 priorities. In keeping with the rotating Presidencies, formats differ from year to year and tend to reflect the host country’s young civil society. Cooperation throughout the year and handovers have proven to be valuable instruments, steering towards more continuity in advocacy efforts and working formats. Building upon the Youth7 Summit and Communiqué, Youth7 has given a platform to young leaders engage with the highest level of decision-making as well as the G7 / G20 Sherpa and key govern- ment representatives to advocate on behalf of the young generation. While it can be considered as an expression of the extraordinary commitment to support civic spaces and actors by the German G7 Presidency and the Federal Government, Youth7 representatives called for a strengthening youth participation in multilateral formats in general and continuing beyond its one-year term. Young people most definitely see their rightful place at the nego- tiation table and at the forefront of policy-making and international coordination. Not only do they strive for securing inclusive opportunities to partic- ipate, facing multiple crises, multilateral coop- eration itself is in need of public support, active engagements and change-makers who continue to work with global partners in the long term. Global partnership, in particular partnering with non G7- or G20-affiliated countries, opens new perspectives on how the advance collaboration in the field of youth.
Global partnership, in particular partnering with
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