Mr. Chernoh Bah
I had an exclusive interview with Mr. Chernoh Bah,a Youth Activist at the just concluded 2010 World Youth Conference in Mexico.Here is what he has to say.
1.What was your expectation before attending the 2010 World Youth Conference in Mexico ?
C.B: well, having attended many conferences before, I go into these with a mixed feeling of excitement and suspicion. Excitement because it is a thrilling opportunity again to put issues of youth on the global agenda, especially after the UN declared this year starting Augsut 12 as the year of the youth. Suspicion because I know first hand that issues of youth have been consistently paid lip service and forums of this nature can easily fall prey to tokenism. So while I was thrilled to interact with, form new allegiances and learn from amazing people committed to youth, I was a bit wary that this could just be another one of those talk shops.
2.How would you describe the atmosphere in Mexico during the 2010 WYC ?
C.B: Well the atmosphere was definitely very colorful and filled with excitement and hope. You may know that Mexico is celebrating its 200th independence anniversary and this conference was being hosted at one of the historic cities. There was a sense of pride in the Mexicans, the usual optimism and dynamism among the youth, a sense of purpose among the NGOs and I have to say some admirable commitment from the government. It was a celebration and a beautiful atmosphere in all.
3. What were the issues discussed during the 2010 WYC in Mexico and kindly give a little insight into each?
C.B:At a meeting as big and diverse as this was, many issues were being discussed. But in general there were I think 12 thematic areas poverty, employment, education, reproductive health, HIV/AIDs, technology, human rights, climate change, migration, participation and business. The aim was to situate the impact and role of young people in shaping the world and attaining the MDGs. As you know, these conferences always end with some words scribbled on a paper that is known as a declaration. This one had what was referred as the Guanajuato declaration which sought to marry the NGO, youth and Government declarations in to one main document. The central point is reaffirming the importance of investment in and partnership with youth as a primary ingredient for peace, development and prosperity.
6.From your observation and experience working on youth-related issues,do you think the 2010 WYC in Mexico was a success? and how do you anticipate the various world gov’ts will received and implement the message of the 2010 WYC in mexico?
C.B: Overall I think it was. A platform was created for the discussion of these pertinent issues, it was well attended by government delegates, NGOs and young activist from around the world, it was diverse enough and I think it put the spotlight on the issues facing youth in this era while calling for governments to invest in youth and promote greater and more effective youth participation. Having said that, the ultimate judgement on the success or failure of the conference depends not on all these issues but on whether the partnerships that are formed here, bear the fruits and more importantly on the actions that are taken afterward. So, let’s wait and see on that.
7.whats your message to our reading public and the young people around the world based on the outcomes of the 2010 WYC?
C.B: Well, I can only say let’s stand up and make use of the opportunities in this age. We can no longer afford to be yelling from out of the arena. Let’s get in, take our seat at the table and work with these governments to make this world, our future one that we can be proud of. Thank you.
