Call for Papers: Youth and Educator's Summit for the Millennium Development Goals (YES4MDGs!)

Youth leaders, academics and researchers are invited to join the 12th International Youth Day (12IYD) Celebration and Youth and Educators Summit for the Millennium Development Goals (YES4MDGs!) which is scheduled on August 3-7, 2011 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City, Philippines. The 12th IYD celebration is spearheaded by the United Nations Association of the Philippines and United Nations Youth Associations of the Philippines with endorsement from Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), National Youth Commission (NYC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines. It will be filled with informative presentations, the latest in educational research, exciting displays at the IYD Marketplace and Expo and lots of networking opportunities for members and guests to reconnect with educators, researchers, youth leaders and industry colleagues.

Submission Guidelines

All submission for the 12th IYD and YES 4 MDG are required to be submitted electronically. A paper may only be submitted once, with no retractions or modifications once submitted. Once submitted, the order and names of authors listed on the original submission may not be altered including indication of the lead author’s name.

The 12th IYD and YES 4 MDG will be composed of several types of contributions:

• Full Papers (for academics) – these include mainly accomplished research results and have 8 pages at the maximum (5000 words).

• Short Papers (for academics and youth leaders) – These include fresh concepts, preliminary research results but may also contain work-in progress reports. These have 4 pages at maximum (2500 words).

• Reflection Papers (for academics, youth leaders, media practitioners and Government, NGO, International Organization heads)– These might review recent research literature pertaining to a particular problem or approach, indicate what the findings suggest, and/or provide a suggestion - with rationale and justification - for a different approach or perspective on that problem. Reflection papers might also analyze best practices in youth led projects for MDGs with specific focus on volunteerism. These have two pages at maximum (1500 words).

The Secretariat will correspond with the Lead (primary) author only. Co-presenters should not contact the 12th IYD. It is the primary author's responsibility to notify all co-presenters regarding the status of the proposal as well as to notify the 12th IYD of any change in the Lead Author’s contact information. The secretariat will use the contact information provided on the original submission and it is the Lead Author's responsibility to notify the 10th IYD of any change in contact information.

All presenters are required to register for the full conference registration. All travel and additional expenses, including the conference registration fee, are the responsibility of the presenter(s). Limited subsidies for registration fee are available upon request in writing to the 12th IYD Conference Director.

Youth and Educators Summit Topics for paper submission:

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to the following areas:
• Education for Sustainable Development: Delivery, Directions & Development
• Are we on track? National and Global Reports on MDGs
• Accelerating the Achievements of MDGs through Policy Advocacies
• Best Voluntary Program Practices in the Achievement of MDG Goal 1:
Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
• Best Voluntary Program Practices in the Achievement of MDG Goal 2:
Achieve Universal Primary Education
• Best Voluntary Program Practices in the Achievement of MDG Goal 3:
Promote Gender Equality
• Best Voluntary Program Practices in the Achievement of MDG Goal 4:
Reduce Child Mortality
• Best Voluntary Program Practices in the Achievement of MDG Goal 5:
Improve Maternal Health
• Best Voluntary Program Practices in the Achievement of MDG Goal 6:
Combat HIV / AIDS, Malaria and other Diseases
• Best Voluntary Program Practices in the Achievement of MDG Goal 7:
Ensure Environmental Sustainability
• Education for International Understanding
• Education for All: Eradicating Illiteracy
• Participation and Development for MDGs
• The Role of Language in Achieving the MDGs
• Non-Formal Education and MDGs
• Model United Nations and its Impact to Youth Development
• Reflections of a Youth Leaders towards National and International Development
• Climate Change: What the Youth Can do?
• Heroes for the Mother Earth: Best Practices for Sustainable Development
• Integrating the MDG in the Curriculum
• Networking and Linkages for Sustainable Development
• Community-Based Projects as a Tool of Empowerment in MDG Achievement

Paper Review Process

Submissions are judged on their overall quality (design of the study, development of the concept, etc.), their significance and contribution to the discipline, and their interest to conference delegates. All submitted manuscripts must be original (i.e. not been published elsewhere), follow academic writing, structure and methodology. Papers judged to have outstanding merit by the Conference Paper Review Committees will receive a Best Paper designation in the conference program and will be recognized at a general session for all attendees.

Manuscripts are submitted to the Chair of the Paper Committee, Prof. Serafin A. Arviola Jr., at sarviola2002@gmail.com. This is the only acceptable format available for the submission of paper manuscripts. Once accepted paper presenters are REQUIRED to submit the Final draft, abstract (150 words), picture of the author and short biography (100 words)

Important Dates

• Paper Submission Deadline: Midnight of June 5, 2011
• Evaluation of Papers & Communication with Authors: June 10, 2011
• Submission of Final Paper with Abstract, Short Biography of the Author and Picture June 15, 2011

No to SK Abolition! Yes to SK Reformation! POSITION PAPER SUPPORTING SK REFORM BILL United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines

We always say that the young people are the hope of this country. The idea receives both local and international recognition. In fact, our Constitution recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building, promotes and protects their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. Specifically, it stressed that our Government shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs. This is precisely why we have SK (Sangguning Kabataan), to introduce to the young people to government service in local, provincial, and national levels.

Now it seems that our youth had gone astray.   Massive calls for SK abolition flocks both in Congress and the Senate. Reasons for these calls, among others are due to SK’s failure to meet the demands expected from them. Proponents claimed that SK is becoming more dangerous than useful. To emphasize, SK has been breeding grounds for corruption. Our young leaders are mostly non-performing, or had contributed but piecemeal to our community. Their contributions if at all, do not commensurate to the heavy budget allocated to them by our national government. So it must be abolished?

The UNYAP do not withstand all observations of these proponents for abolition but we disagree in strongest terms that it is the proper way to address this issue. If the solution to a corrupt system is indeed to abolish it, then all the agencies and public offices of this country had long been gone. Instead, let us give concrete solutions to this predicament by identifying problems and giving concrete solutions. If it is claimed that SK is a breeding ground for corruption, it means that corruption is not inherent among them, rather are mere influence by a more corrupt system.  Then let us move to clean this dust that triggers corruption. Who are corrupting them anyway? The old politicians who surprisingly are the same people moving for its abolition. If indeed SK officials are under performing their duties, then the problem lies in the implementation of its rules and regulations. Teach them. The solution therefore is a reform on our laws, a more effective mechanism that will fit in the demands of times.  Reforms that are embodied in the SK reform bills by our youth advocate legislators.

Verily, despite the many challenges, the SK, an embodiment youth participation, is an institution worth continuously developing. Active participation in nation building is a right, rather than a mere privilege vested upon them by our most Supreme Constitution. It cannot lie on the mercy of selfish and sweeping generalizations. In legal contemplation, such a bold move is even unconstitutional. Abolishing the SK will defeat the very right of our youth guaranteed not just by our Constitution, but by the International Human Rights Law as well. The foundation of every state is the education of its youth, and education can only be achieved when it goes out beyond theories. Our youth needs support and understanding, rather than condemnation. For a child is spanked by his parents when he commits a mistake, and is never killed. 

Prepared by Ms. Pearl Evardone – UNYAP Young Professional Network

UNYAP joins UNESCO Seminar in Baler, Aurora February 17-19, 2011

UNYAP hosts World Speaking Tour of Ms. Monique Coleman, UN Youth Champion for the International Year of the Youth with UNIC and PNU

            In celebration of the International Year of the Youth (IYY), the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines in partnership with the Philippine Normal University,  United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), and United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) hosted the World Speaking Tour of Ms. Monique Coleman, UN Youth Champion for the International Year of the Youth (IYY) last February 26, 2011 at the Philippine Normal University Gymnasium, Manila, Philippines.

She was joined by PNU President Dr. Ester B. Ogena, UNAP President Judge Aurora Navarette Recina, UNYAP President Mr. Marlon Jhef P. Pineda and Mr. Leon G. Flores, In-coming Chairperson, National Youth Commission. She also interacted with youth leaders on relevant issues affecting the Filipino youth. These include youth in nation-building, pre-marital sex, child labor, youth employment, smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction and youth political participation.

Youth leaders from the different regions represented by the following: Mr. Kristopher Rivera, UNYAP Commissioner for Mindanao, Cagayan De Oro City; Ms. Debbie M. Kalaw, UNYAP Regional Coordinator for CAR - Kalinga, Ifugao; Mr. Roy B. Calo, Secretary General, UNYAP Caraga, Butuan City; Ms. Kristine Lacbayo, UNYAP NCR Regional Coordinator for NCR, DLSU-Manila; Mr. Jonathan Jaime Guerero, UNYAP President of Legaspi  City Chapter, Albay Bicol; Mr. Ronald Padoginog, UNYAP National Vice President External, North Cotabato ; Mr. AJ Andrade, UNYAP Young Professional Network and Mr. Ben Aldric Cruz, Committee Chair of PNU UNYAP Chapter gave a presentation on issues affecting the Filipino youth during the forum.

Regional Assembly of Young Legislators for MDG - November 17-18, 2010 - Clark Field Pampanga