Asia-Pacific Youth Network on Climate Change (AYCC) launched in Bangkok Thailand: UNYAP as one of the Founders

The United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) represented the country in the Youth Training Workshop on Climate Change last September 28-30, 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness, inspire and increase youth participation in the movements in protecting environment and climate for sustainable development and peace. After the training, all participants took part in the Interfaith Consultation on Climate Change last October 1-2, 2009. The Philippine delegates were Prof. Serafin A. Arviola Jr., Director for Youth Affairs of UNAP, Mr. Randymax Bulaquit, UNYAP Region 2 Coordinator and Mr. Angelito Francis B. Veloso, Ms. Katherine Santos and Ma. Kristel Georgia Mendoza of PNU-UNESCO Club. The Asian Resource Foundation (ARF) is one of the main organizer of this project. It is a registered non-profit making foundation that promotes the spirit of caring and sharing in the light of cultural and spiritual values. ARF supports holistic development, empowerment of marginalized groups and promotion of a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

The output of the two international events in Bangkok was the establishment of the Asia Pacific Youth Network on Climate Change (AYCC). The International Coordinator and Secretariat is based in Katmandu, Nepal. Prof. Serafin Arviola was requested to become a member of International Advisory Board.

With the aim of taking concrete actions on climate change issues in the region, this newly-formed network is an initiative of the youths from Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The founders of the Asia-Pacific Youth Network on Climate Change are as follows:

Ms. Chakma Chanchana
Bangladesh
Hill Women Federation

Mr. Shariful Islam
Bangladesh
Green Voice( An associate organization of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon(BAPA)

Mr. Zaw Minn Htwe
Burma
Myanmar Resource Foundation

Mr. Man Lavy
Cambodia
Cambodia Islamic Youth Association

Mr. Chhaeng Sophea
Cambodia
Khmer Youth and Social Development

Ms. Amina Khatoon
India
AMAN

Ms. Gusti Ayu Fransiska Sri Rahajeng Kusuma Dewi
Indonesia
Bali Collaboration On Climate Change

Mr. Husnul Khitam
Indonesia
Initiative of Change Indonesia

Mr. Fachrul Razi
Indonesia
Center for Strengthening of Peace, University of Indonesia

Ms. Emmi Okada
Japan
School of Humanities and Sociology, University of Tokyo

Ms. Baek Su-min
Korea
Asian Muslim Action Network

Mr. Abdul Ghaffar Brohi
Pakistan
NGOs Development Society Shahdadkot [NDS]

Ms. Kaikashan Newton
Pakistan
Caritas Asia

Ms. Nayyab Peter
Pakistan
Caritas Asia

Ms. Naomi Samuel
Pakistan
Caritas Asia

Mr. Angelito Francis B. Veloso
Philippines
PNU-UNESCO Club

Ms. Katherine Santos
Philippines
PNU-UNESCO Club

Ms. Kristel Georgia Mendoza
Philippines
PNU-UNESCO Club

Mr. Randymax Bulaguit
Philippines
United Nation Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP)

Prof. Serafin A. Arviola Jr.
Philippines
United Nation Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP)

Mr. Muthu Muhideen
M.M. Ilmudeen
Sri Lanka
Periyamadu Development Organization

Mr. Kuldeep Niraula
Nepal
ARF Nepal

Mr. Ghanshyam Kandel
Nepal
ARF Nepal

Mr. Ujjwal Meghi Gurung
Nepal
JCYCN


The Charter of AYCC was signed last October 1, 2009, in Bangkok; at the conclusion of the Youth Training on climate change organized by Asian Resource Foundation (ARF) and came into force on 2nd October 2009. The objective of the network is:

 To establish and expand this youth network to regional and local levels in our home countries;
 To evolve our behaviors, morality, and lifestyle to promote low-carbon practices;
 To conduct programs to increase mitigation, resilience and adaptational capacity among the people most vulnerable to the consequences of climate change; and
 To lobby and advocate to the national governments to institute regulations that ensure socially responsible practices by polluting industries and to develop policies to promote green technology and renewable energy”

AYCC-Philippine Chapter shall be participating in the National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation scheduled on October 26-28, 2009 at the Diamond Hotel, Manila with Philippine President, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Guest of Honor. It will also conduct series of activities nationwide to coincide with the Climate Change Adaptation Week this November. For inquiries on membership, please contact Mr. Randymax Bulaquit, International Membership Coordinator, randymax_bulaquit@yahoo.com.ph, regarding projects, activities and programs of AYCC in the Philippines please contact Mr. Angelito Francis B. Veloso, AYCC Country Director – Philippine Chapter at sheartrigger@yahoo.com.