UNYAP participated in the National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation + 2

Mr. Angelito Francis B. Veloso, Ms. Katherine Santos and Ma. Kristel Georgia Mendoza of PNU-UNESCO Club and UNYAP participated in the National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation +2 last October 26 to 28, 2009 in Diamond Hotel in Metro Manila. The three youth leaders attended the conference in order to promote the newly formed group in Bangkok, Thailand – The Asia Pacific Youth Network on Climate Change (AYCC). AYCC – Philippine Chapter were able to meet with various delegates from the conference in Diamond Hotel.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivered the keynote speech at the opening of the three-day conference on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) with Environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr.; Heherson Alvarez, Presidential Adviser on Climate Change; Senator Loren Legarda, Chairperson, Standing Committee on Climate Change; and German Ambassador Christian Ludwig Weber Lortsch as resource persons.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, the lead convenor of the conference, said the discussions focused on the gains of the first convention after two years of concerted efforts and how national and local policies have been translated into action in the light of international developments.

Participants from national agencies and local governments, the academe, non-government organizations and other interest groups were informed of the developments in domestic and international policy discussions on climate change, particularly adaptation as it relates to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and mitigation.

Salceda said the conference with the theme “Moving Forward on Albay Declaration 2007” aims to identify the Philippine Strategic Framework on Climate Change Adaptation.

The conference also provided a venue for knowledge sharing on CCA and disaster risk management and give a thematic platform of Regional Development Council (RDC) cooperation towards a common agencda in moving forward CCA and DRR and management initiatives.

It also looked into the progress of international policy discussions on CCA and DRR and management and the country's action agenda on CCA on technology transfer, financing, capacity building and research and development.

The second conference was organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the provincial government of Albay, National Economic and Development Authority and the Republic of Germany, which is the funding institution.
Manuel Rangaza, Executive Director of the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Change Adaptation (CIRCA) said it is expected that the NCCA +2 would list the various CCA best practices and science-based information.

A consensus also drawn with national, regional and local governance framework strategies for the Philippine Strategic Framework on Climate Change Adaptation.
Rangaza said the framework was consistent with the international commitment for sustainable development, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the CCA framework in the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC) and the implementation of the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA).

Some 300 representatives from local government units, key support institutions and international development partners joined the NCCA conference.

Salceda said Albay spearheaded the First National Conference of Climate Change Adaptation in October 2007, which brought the concern on CCA, exploring concrete adaptation options to address the potential impacts of climate change and discuss the policy implications for local government units.

He said “it is now widely recognized that climate change is real and a major threat to social, environmental, economic and human development.”

The Asia Pacific region suffers the most from extreme weather events and these will likely increase with climate change, the melting of the glaciers in the Himalayas will increase flooding and rock avalanches, affecting water resources within the next two to three decades.

Study also indicates that coastal areas will be at greatest risk due to increased flooding from the sea and flooding from the rivers.

The Philippines, being an archipelagic country composed of more than 7,000 small islands, is highly vulnerable to climate related hazards. People have to cope with an average of 20 tropical cyclones a year, the study said. (PNA)

UNYAP Calendar of Activities (As of October 28, 2009)

October 29, 2009

Event: A Round Table Discussion on Educating Asian Leaders for Tomorrow
with a panel of Asian Leaders and Educators
Sponsor: UN University for Peace based in Costa Rica and Ateneo De Manila
Time: 1:30 PM
Venue: Leong Hall Auditorium, Ateneo de Manila University
Registration: Closed
Participant: REX F. YBANEZ, President, The Caraga Leaders Network
Deputy Coordinator - United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines – Caraga Chapter

November 8, 2009

Event: Youth MDG Summit - Bukidnon
Sponsor: SK Federation of Bukidnon and UNYAP Region 10 Chapter
Venue: Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
Contact Persons:
Mr. Kristopper Rivera, UNYAP Regional Coordinator, Region 10
Mr. Lexter Taganas, UNYAP Cagayan De oro Chapter President

November 12, 13, 14, 2009

Event: 14th FSCL General Assembly and MDG Youth Summit
Sponsor: Federation of Student Councils and Leaders, Inc. (FSCL) and UNYAP Region VII Chapter
Venue: Cebu State College of Science and Technology (CSCST) Argao Campus, Lamacan, Argao, Cebu.
Registration Fee: Php 1,000.00
Contact Information:
(SGD) GELLIBEH F. OBERES
President, FSCL Inc. / Member, Board of Trustees/Student Trustee, CSCST System/Regional Director, UNYAP Region VII
National Participants: Mr. Dean Klayford Bongat, Ms. Anna Lou Carreon, Prof. Serafin A. Arviola Jr. Judge Aurora Navarrete-Recina, FEU UNYAP Chapter (Registration is still open)

November 17-21, 2009

Event: Taiwan Film Festival and Photo Exhibit (UNAP Membership Assembly)
Sponsor: UNAP, PNU UNYAP CHAPTER and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Manila
Contact Persons: Prof. Serafin A. Arviola Jr and Ms. Rossette Balisi UNYAP PNU Vice President
Registration : Free but needs connfirmation

November 30, 2009

Event: Youth MDG Summit - Laguna
Sponsor: Provincial Youth Coordinating Council of Laguna and UNYAP Region 4-A Chapter
Venue: Laguna Univesrity
Contact Persons:
Daniel S. Vertucio
President, Central Student Council Laguna University
Provincial Coordinator, Laguna - UNYAP – Region 4A
ERYL DONATO ESTOPACE
Treasurer, Central Student Council
Assistant Regional Coordinator, UNYAP - Region 4A

9th – 10th of December 2009

Event: ONE ASIA FORUM 2009: “YOUTH AND NEW MEDIA:
ONLINE COLLABORATION & THE FUTURE OF ASIA.”
Sponsor: Asian Youth Council (AYC)
Place : Swiss Garden Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Participants: young people (40 years old and below) in Asia and a maximum of five (5) participants will be selected from each country.
Registration: Free (Hotel and Food)
Deadline of Registration: 20th November 2009.
Contact Information: http://www.oneasiaforum.blogspot.com.

SUTA in Muntinlupa City - UNYAP PLMun Chapter

United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP): SUTA in Cagayan De Oro City - UNYAP Region 10

United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP): SUTA in Cagayan De Oro City - UNYAP Region 10

SUTA in Cagayan De Oro City - UNYAP Region 10

SUTA in Legaspi City - UNYAP Bicol Region

SUTA in Butuan City - UNYAP CARAGA Region

SUTA in Tuguegarao City - UNYAP Region 2 - Walk for MDG

The United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP- Region II) organized the Stand Up and Take Action Campaign (SUTA) with the activity entitled “Walk and Run for MDGs” in partnership with St. Paul University Philippines last October 16-18, 2009 held at Cagayan Sports Complex, Tuguegararo City.

“Stand United Fight Poverty” was the theme of the activity which aims to increase the participation of the youth and the civil society to build relationships among their colleagues and co-citizens. It also aims to raise the awareness of people in observance of the International Week on Extreme Poverty Eradication. The focused of the campaign were the Millenium Development Goals of the United Nations.

The event was participated by the different agencies namely; Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Natural Resources, Philippine National Police (PNP), Provincial and Municipal government offices and the Philippine National Red Cross. Non – Government Organizations like; Rotary International, Every Nation Youth, Rotaract. The different colleges and universities also joined in the event; St. Paul University Philippines, University of St. Louis, Cagayan State University, and Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines and the Cagayan Colleges Tuguegarao

Hon. Rosauro Resuello, Councilor of Tuguegarao City facilitated the Stand up Pledge. He gave an inspirational talk about empowering the youth to be involve, responsive and be focused of what they can contribute in the attainment of the MDG’s by stressing that youth are the instruments of change in our government He further assured the audience that he will certainly include the MDG’s in his platform of governance.

Meanwhile, Mr. Randy Tumacder, President Rotary International Region II Chapter gave his speech on the roles of the youth as a nation builder. “Let us all listen to the voices of the youth, and act as their partners to protect their rights. They are the resources of our nations that can be our future leaders for tomorrow” he added.

Moreover, Hon. Boyet Ortiz, City Councilor of Tuguegarao challenged the youth on their roles and responsibilities. He discussed it by using his wisdom on the word “LAPIS”. According to him we need “lapis” (pencil) which symbolizes acceptance, conversion and reconciliation. He also defined every word of”LAPIS”.

L- ove and concern for others

A- cceptance of the responsibility

P- rayers

I- nteraction or network

S- ervice

Part of the activity was the floating of the “I vote Survey”. SPUP - UNYAP organizers and volunteers distributed the “I Vote 4 MDG survey forms to the students of the schools and universities of Tuguegarao City, after which the form was retrieved and tallied.

Lastly, Mr. Randymax Bulaquit, Regional Coordinator and Ms. Teresita Lasam, Regional Adviser of UNYAP expressed their message of thanks and gratitude to all the participants and sponsors of the event. The same appreciation was given to the youth volunteers who gave their invaluable time and effort in the success of the event. The event also became a venue for new and willing youth volunteers to join the organization.

The hard work and sacrifices of the organizers and volunteers yielded successful results as they were able to involved Four thousand one hundred fifty seven (4157) participants with the following breakdown. There were two hundred ninety seven (297) graduates who took part in the pledge last October 17, graduation. There were also Two Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety Five (2895) students from the different schools, colleges and universities in the city who voted for MDG. Moreover, there were one hundred sixty five (165) participants in different schools, organizations and agencies and Five hundred (500) tricycle drivers who joined in the “Walk and Run 4 MDG” activity and TESDA with three hundred (300).

TESDA made a very unique activity to the technical students of the different vocational schools in responding to the poverty alleviation. There were three hundred (300) technical students from region 2 who attended the seminar on Poverty Alleviation.

Based on the results of the survey on I Vote for MDG, creating more jobs, providing equal opportunities to both male and females, killed and unskilled got the highest percentage of 76.43%. The second concern of the region is to strictly implement and strengthen the laws and regulations concerning on environment with a percentage of 73.25 %. HIV/AID is the least concern which gathered 42.8% only.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD SHATTERED BY CITIZENS ACROSS GLOBE DEMANDING THAT THEIR LEADERS END POVERTY

More than 173 Million People Gather at “Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now!” events, setting new world record for largest mobilization in history

A Guinness World Record shattered this weekend when 173,045,325 citizens gathered at over 3,000 events in more than 120 countries, demanding that their governments eradicate extreme poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). “Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now!”, now in its fourth year, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the largest mobilization of human beings in recorded history, an increase of about 57 million people over last year.

“The more than 173 million people who mobilized this weekend sent a clear message to world leaders that there is massive, universal, global demand for eradicating poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals,” said Salil Shetty, Director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign. “In particular, we have seen citizens determined to show their governments that they will hold them accountable for keeping their promises to end hunger, improve maternal health and abolish trade-distorting agricultural subsidies. They will not accept excuses for breaking promises to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, who have already been hardest hit by the global food, economic and climate crises they had no role in causing.”

In Asia more than 100 million people participated (101,106,845); in Africa more than 37 million people participated (37,848,412); in the Arab region more than 31 million people participated (31,394,459); in Europe more than 2 million people participated (2,102,121); in Latin America more than 200,000 people participated (229,371); in North America nearly 200,000 people participated (191,535); and in Oceania more than 170,000 people participated (172,582).

"Stand Up is proven to be a growing global mobilization, as well as an ongoing grass roots movement from remote areas and cities in so many countries, both rich and poor,” said Sylvia Borren, Co-chair of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), who attended several “Stand Up” events across The Netherlands last weekend. “These are the voices of young people, women and men demanding the eradication of poverty, and new answers to the food, economic and climate crises. We will carry this overwhelming message forward in the weeks and months ahead to influence both the Copenhagen climate discussions and next year's MDG review.”

Currently 1 billion people around the world are hungry and 500,000 women continue to die annually as the result of pregnancy and childbirth. The vast majority of these deaths are preventable.

The mobilization was organized globally by the United Nations Millennium Campaign, in partnership with a range of organizations including the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).

The 3,000 events across every inhabited continent this weekend included:

In New York, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon lead schoolchildren in Standing Up on Friday.

In Bangladesh, civil society campaigners raised the call “National Unity Can Eradicate Poverty,” urging that a “Poverty and Hunger Free Bangladesh is Possible Now.” The Prime Minister led the nation in pledging to remain united to develop the country by 2020. At a rally in Dhaka, she called upon all political parties to jointly fight corruption and stabilize democracy.

Despite the typhoons that hit the Philippines just before “Stand Up,” 35.5 million people in the country Stood Up and the “I Vote for MDGs” campaign, a survey on the issues voters believe should be prioritized by the 2010 Presidential candidates, was launched.

In Nepal the President read a Stand Up Pledge with members of the Constituent assembly at an event broadcast live on national television, followed by a concert in a large open-air theatre in the heart of Kathmandu.

In the United States, the Irish band U2 brought 50,000 concertgoers to their feet for a "Stand Up” moment during their October 18 concert in Norman, Oklahoma.

From Cape Town to Cairo and from Accra to Kampala, millions of Africans stood up in churches, mosques, schools, markets, streets and work places to call on their leaders to end poverty and inequality. In Uganda, the Local Government Association joined “Stand Up” by launching a historic award to honor the best-performing local government. The inaugural award was presented to the Kasese District.

In South Africa, housemates on the hit television show “Big Brother” made passionate appeals to world leaders to end poverty and led the continent in reading the ”Stand Up” pledge, collected food for disadvantaged children and wrote a song on poverty. They called on African leaders to stop maternal death, end hunger and address climate change.

In Nigeria, legendary African artist Femi Kuti led over 60,000 people attending the annual event commemorating the life of his late father Fela Kuti, in pledging their commitment to campaigning fervently against poverty and injustice. Femi urged participants at the festival to be bold when holding their governments accountable, noting that Africa has enough resources to end poverty. Accusing African leaders of mismanaging public resources through corruption and poor governance, he called on them to focus more attention on programs leading to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

At Federation Square, Melbourne, a concert organized by Make Poverty History Australia and AusAID included a flash mob stunt and performances by entertainers including Diafrix, a musical group of African refugees.

Citizens of Papua New Guinea Stood Up for the first time this year, in churches and government buildings, with support from the government Department of Community Development.

In Halifax, Canada, citizens marched against poverty in a rally organized by Make Poverty History.

In Italy, more than 400,000 people participated in 200 sports events across the country. The people of L’Aquila, which was hit by a devastating earthquake in April, ran a marathon to show their support.

In Paris, the streets were invaded by 4,000 roller-bladers on Sunday proudly sporting ‘Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now!’ t-shirts.

In Spain, coordinated marches nationwide included a rally in Madrid on October 16 which was followed by an outdoor concert featuring Spanish rock bands.

Peru was one of several countries which used “Stand Up” to start a process of climate justice hearings aimed at gathering the testimonies of people whose lives and livelihoods are being destroyed by global warming.

“Stand Up” was also supported by the entire United Nations system, with events organized by United Nations Information Centers (UNICs) across the globe. In Egypt, for example, 25 million worshippers Stood Up in mosques, more than 2 million worshippers Stood Up in Coptic Orthodox churches and thousands more Stood

Up in schools across the country, in a mobilization organized by the UNIC in Egypt.

Hundreds of people gathered on October 16 at the International Labor Organisation (ILO) headquarters in Geneva to Stand Up Against Poverty in a joint action with UNDP and UN agencies, led by ILO Director-General Juan Somavia.

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.

Regional Youth Coalition 2015 launched in Cagayan De Oro City

The Regional Youth Coalition 2015 was launched last August 29-30, 2009 during the MDG Youth Summit in held at Capitol University in Cagayan De Oro City. With the theme “Go for 8 MDGs!”, six hundred (600) youth leaders attended the summit and community tree planting activity in Brgy. Carmen hosted by Safer River Life Saver Foundation. The two-day event aimed to generate greater awareness of the need to achieved the 8 Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations. This project was an offshoot of the 10th International Youth Day celebration held at the University of Makati last August 5-7, 2009 sponsored by the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) and the UN Millennium Campaign (UNMC).

According to Mr. Kristoffer Rivera, UNYAP Regional Coordinator for Northern Mindanao, this project was initiated in light of the on-going conflict in Mindanao. He further reiterated that “the achievement of the 8 MDGs shall be an integral part in the pursuit of lasting peace in Mindanao and the youth leaders attending this summit believed that they could be an active peacemaker in the region by actively engaging politician in pursuit of the goals set to eradicate poverty by 2015”.

This project was organized by the Mindanao Peace Initiative and United Nation Youth Association of the Philippines-CDO Chapter with youth leaders of the various colleges, universities, civic organizations and SK of Brgy. Gusa from Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro and exchange students from Belgium, Thailand and Germany. They made strategic plans on how to engage other young people to work for MDGs, They planned for the MX Version Concert in line with the Stand Up take Action Campaign this coming October 16-18, 2009. The speakers were Dr. Nereus Acosta of Council for Asian Liberals, Prof. Serafin Arviola of United Nations Association of the Philippines and Director of Extension Services of Philippine Normal University, Ms. Aracelli Aves of Ako Mismo, Dr. Estrella Babano of the Department of Education Region 10.

For inquiries on how to take part in the Stand Up, Take Action Campaign in Region 10, please feel free to contact Mr. Lexter Taganas, UNYAP CDO Chapter President at 09162712666 or at lexterbigboy@gmail.com.

What change do you want to see in your personal life? #followseachange

What change do you want to see in your personal life? #followseachange

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