International Youth conference & Festival 2011
Islamabad, Pakistan from October 19th –22nd, 2011
Actually I involved in this conference because I am youth activist and trainer and I am interested in such like activities which will help me in my future plans and work .
These two opportunities and others inspired me to want to develop an new ideas that would actively involve the youth in taking control of their own actions to create a positive change in some aspect of their lives. I wanted something that would incorporate a shared experience, as well as have a positive impact on the world, In addition to see if knowledge could be the leverage needed to create a positive change. That’s when the idea came to me.
How amazing it was to meet and see many young people gathered
together in one place. Having enjoyed learning from the professionals , speakers and participations at the conference.
On September 2010 I apply to attend IYCF 2010 which organized for a first in Pakistan's history and within days I received an email containing information about the conference and they said : " Congratulations, you have been accepted to attend the 2010 International Youth Conference & Festival (IYCF) in Islamabad, Pakistan from 5th - 9th December 2010 “.
I started preparing for the conference, getting permission from my university to attend it.
I went to Islamabad with a lot of ideas and stories to tell it and share it and It was an interesting opportunity to meet colleagues from other countries to discuss professional issues and various issues related to professional development and share with them my ideas , opinions & thoughts .
The conference was under the theme of “ Building Bridges across the World”
And during the 4 days conference we got a chance to discussed several topics related to cross culture issues, success stories from different countries, and how the youth can make change in their communities .
In the evening of the first day we go for a welcome dinner after that we spent a great time full of enjoyment .
after that during the 3 days we start our conference program which we learned a lot of new things with the professional speakers from US , UK and Pakistan as well as 5 workshops about new media , music , social change, and filmmakers .
The final day of the Conference was with a presentation and a culture event which all the delegates from 12 countries represent and performance their cultures , traditional dress and traditional dance as well.
And finally with a Farewell Dinner was arranged by the government of Pakistan.
The delicious Pakistani food, was enjoyed by all the delegates .
After enjoying the four days interactive conference in Islamabad, I decided to bring such like this conference to Yemen, to bring together participants from across the world to create a network of young people who can learn from each other. I did something in the Planning and budget but because the revolution in Yemen I stopped and I still have a plan to do it as soon as the condition in Yemen be fine.
It was excellent and I learned a lot during my visit to Islamabad. We were 6 Yemenis whom we did a Yemeni dance with our traditional dress and show them a short video about Yemen.
In addition I want to say that the conference has completely lived up to my expectations.
Like all other years, when 2011 begun, I made resolutions. I came up with personal goals and targets to meet before the end of this December and during this year I have participated in Asian Youth Conference & Peace Festival which organized under the theme of : “ Together we are the solution “ it was in Lahore , Pakistan during the Period from 28-30 September 2011.
It was a great experience that was for a short period of time but loaded me with lots of wisdom and knowledge.
After that I got an opportunity for the second year to join IYCF 2011 , which organized for the second time in Islamabad from 19-22 October 2011 with the same them as it was in the last year .
I am grateful to all the people who stood by me throughout the process. Having gone through this piece, you will agree with me that I appreciate all IYCF team for having nominated me to participate in this conference and for having provided all the facilities to make this event memorable.
Given the large number of young people attending the conference, many of us did not have the chance to be speakers in the sessions. This fact, which could have disappointed me at first, by the way many chances I had to put forward my ideas during the conference and also during lunch, coffee breaks and dinners.
Throughout the conference, we also had the opportunity of expressing our disagreement with certain aspects of the current situation in Arab Countries.
I was able to exchange opinions with some young people working on similar areas. But most important of all is that I had the chance to spread my working experience in the civil society; besides, I got a very interesting input of ideas to develop that.
It means a lot for Yemen , for many reasons such as let all the delegates from across the world know what is Yemen and the youth of Yemen , and to correct their views about Yemen which most of it was in the negative sides which created by media as well as to show them our culture and tell them about such great and successful stories of Yemeni Youth and Initiatives. In addition because the condition in Arab region we have discussed in one of panel discussions about Arab Spring and we got a chance to tell them about our revolution and the youth of Yemen how they involved in it .
I was attending that with Hashem Alghili from Yemen as well and it was one of the most amazing events that gathered youth from across the world and several disciplines.
Finally, I profoundly hope that the future brings more conferences like this in deferent countries and give the Yemeni youth an opportunity to attend it and change the negative view and picture which created by the media, and get a chance to meet and share their ideas as well .
The IYCF was an event that shattered stereotypes, opened communication channels and connected activists and youth leaders with one another in order to find workable solutions to global problems, from disaster management to civic engagement, human rights and terrorism.
The youth conference in Pakistan was an eye-opener for me. It allowed me to see a Pakistan I did not know about
