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Youth Takeover Quebec City!
About this event: 4th World Youth Congress - Quebec City 2008

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Hundreds of youth took to the streets of Québec City on the evening of 12 August 2008 to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Youth.

Delegates of the 4th World Youth Congress (WYC), ReGénération 2008, participated in the World Youth Walk, which led them from the congress venue at Laval University to the heart of Old Québec, the city within walls. Starting from six in the evening, participants marched down Boulevard René Lévesque in high spirits, chanting, dancing, and singing throughout the entire two-hour trek.

From start to finish, the atmosphere was electric. Amidst the sea of youth, colourful banners and signs boldly declaring such phrases as “Help us heal the world” and “Stop the violence” were clearly displayed. Delegates also proudly waved the national flags of their home countries—over 120 of which were represented at the Congress.

The energy and enthusiasm proved to be contagious, as members of the public joined in on the Walk. Even those who watched from the balconies and patios of their homes clapped and cheered on this celebration of youth.

Such a show of spirit proved to be a departure from the first days of the Congress when many of the 600 delegates were just arriving in Québec City, and had yet to recover from their long journeys and the jet lag that followed.

But fatigue did not hinder the Congress’ opening festivities, which kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring a keynote speech by Governor General of Canada Michaëlle Jean, and a cabaret celebrating the 25th anniversary of Peace Child International, a UK-based developmental charity sponsoring the Congress.

Over the next two weeks, delegates will participate in skills workshops, debates and discussions with development professionals and a full cultural program, as well as have the opportunity to participate in local action projects within 250 kilometres of Québec City.

The Congress has brought together 600 of the world’s most dynamic young activists in the field of sustainable development, which is the major theme of ReGénération 2008. As a “Young Journalist” and one of the 600 youth attending this year’s Congress, I had the opportunity to ask David Woollcombe, President and founder of Peace Child International, his thoughts on youth-led development.

“[With the World Youth Congress, we hope to kick the butts of governments] hard enough to make them recognize what a fantastic asset the young people of the world really are,” he declared.

With the work that has already been accomplished at ReGénération 2008, it is clear that the Congress’ youth delegates have already lived up to Woollcombe’s statement.

- ANITA LI

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August 14, 2008 | 9:21 AM Comments  0 comments

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