ICYO – Youth Information Update 

                                                  September 2006 - V

                      (E-Newsletter from network of youth organizations in India)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

ICYO - Platform of 356 Youth Organizations in India.       

ICYO - India’s largest network of urban and rural youth.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Urges World Bank to Create ‘YOUTH INVESTMENT FUND’

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Florence Mugasha has urged the World Bank to consider setting up a Global Youth Investment Fund that is specifically geared to alleviating poverty and its consequences. She made the call during a pre-launch of the World Bank's 2007 World Development Report (WDR), titled 'Development and the Next Generation', held at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, on 11 September 2006.

During her address to representatives of high commissions, non-governmental organisations and the media, Mrs Mugasha also called on governments and development partners to move away from a welfare approach and adopt a youth development focus.

"Youth development is an investment," said Mrs Mugasha. "We would like to see governments invest more resources in young people. This is essential to enhance the quality and sustainability of their role in national development."

Mrs Mugasha noted that the Secretariat's advocacy work was a significant catalyst for the World Bank's decision to dedicate its 2007 Report to the issues and challenges facing young people.

Mobafa Baker, chairperson of the Pan-Commonwealth Youth Caucus, expressed hope that the report would spur nations into action. "It's time to walk the talk and move rhetoric into action. There is a lot of young human capital around the world that needs to be tapped. Hence, the
need of the hour is 'ready, set, go' programmes."

Lauding the partnership between the World Bank and the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the Bank's lead economist Mamta Murthi said such feedback from young people was heartwarming.

"Young people seem to be ready to take on the challenges of the future. One can gauge their energy and the sense of impatience. They want to see the swift introduction of programmes and policies that will improve the quality of their lives," stated Ms Murthi.

----------
WDR 2007 will be launched on 17 September 2006 in Singapore in special launch function in Civil Society Function, ‘ICYO-Youth Information’ continues covering the information related to Civil Society Forum and WDR 2007 and keeps informed to its readers. (ICYO-Youth Information)

Youth Information is published by

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)

194-A, Arjun Nagar, Safdarjang Enclave

New Delhi 110029, India

Phone: 91 9811729093  / 91 11 26183978 Fax 91 11 26198423

Email: icyoindia@... / icyo@...

Web:  www.icyo.in

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) is a registered non-profit, non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth welfare in India. 

ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs in India. It's family consists of
over 356 organizations spread in 122 districts of 22 states from different corners of India.

Our goal:
To improve and extend the youth work and services through Youth Organizations;
To enhance and demonstrate youth work in the society;
To promote effective youth programmmes;
To organize network of civil society organizations working towards the development of youth work;
To organize seminars, conferences, workshops, trainings;
To maintain international relation with organizations promoting young people in their programmes and activities

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;
Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;
Full Member of World Assembly of Youth (WAY); Asian Youth Council (AYC);
Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN); CRIN, South Asia Youth
Environment Network (SAYEN), Affiliate group of ECPAT International, Thailand;
ATSECE-DELHI, Indian Partner of AIDS Care Watch Campaign;
Steering Committee member of World Bank's YDP Network;
Working relation with Indian Association of Parliamentarians (IAPPD);
International Medical Parliamentarians Organizations (IMPO);
Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD);
World Youth Foundation, Malaysia.