Mekong Nations' Young People Help Shape Policy Dialogue

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Putting a collective 3,500 kilometers behind them, young people from across the Mekong region arrived in Vientiane Friday in three caravans to attend the first ever Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Youth Forum.

The Forum begins Sunday as part of activities associated with the Third GMS Summit, and brings together 37 young people representing the six countries sharing the Mekong River to deliver a regional youth message to the prime ministers and other high-ranking officials attending the Summit.

The youth will ask their leaders for greater focus on educational opportunities and skills development, more support for health programs and access to health care, and better protection for the environment.

“The GMS youth message highlights issues that are important to young people in this dynamic region,” said Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President C. Lawrence Greenwood, Jr.

“Young people are the region’s next generation of leaders, decision makers, teachers, thinkers and workers. Getting them involved now will pave the way for a closer Mekong community, leading to greater regional cooperation in the future,” he added.

On 22 March, the youth delegates set off on the three caravan trips along the region’s North-South, East-West, and Southern economic corridors, experiencing firsthand “the 3 Cs” of connectivity, competitiveness, and community.

“I will never forget the caravan experience or the friends I’ve made,” said Ms. Bounphady Insisienmay of Vientiane, Chairperson of the GMS Youth Forum.

The five-day road journeys began in Kunming, People’s Republic of China, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, following the major transport corridors that now link these countries. The road to Vientiane has been long, both literally and figuratively. In the second half of 2007, more than 250 young people aged 18–30 participated in national youth consultations in each GMS country. Six national youth messages were the result.

Smaller youth delegations from each country convened in Bangkok in January 2008. They exchanged views and shared experiences, finding they had much in common. The national youth messages were consolidated into a regional youth message.

“It is both an honor and a unique opportunity to be able to present our collective message to the prime ministers of six countries,” Ms. Insisienmay added.

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