euro african
youth parliament
Welcome Booklet First Euro African Youth Parliament
about this booklet a quick overview
The First Euro African Youth Parliament (EAYP) will take place in Berlin, Germany between March 27th and April 4th 2014. At the first conference of its kind, over 60 alumni of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) will come together in Berlin and meet 60 participants from Africa. The EAYP is a project mutually organised by the German Schwarzkopf Foundation based in Berlin together with the Youth Bridge Foundation from Accra, Ghana.
contact details
in case of any questions Please contact the Session Hotline: +49 157 84227288 Schwarzkopf-Stiftung Junges Europa European Youth Parliament SophienstraĂ&#x;e 28-29 D - 10178 Berlin Tel: +49 30 28 09 51 46 Fax: +49 30 28 09 51 50 E-Mail: eayp@eyp.org
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Debates during the 5th African Youth and Governance Conference
table of contents
all you need to know
words of welcome
3
essentials
4
session elements
5
the who is who
9
topics and preparation 10 venues of the session
15
packing list
17
programme 18
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words of welcome
Session President James Benge (UK) It is the greatest honour in my time in the European Youth Parliament to preside the first ever Euro African Youth Parliament and I cannot express my excitement that I am feeling about the session finally starting. The opportunity to explore common ground shared by young people separated by thousands of miles should excite everyone in both the European Youth
Parliament and the African Forum on Youth and Governance. I truly believe that for both organisations and for every participant this represents a unique opportunity and a life-changing event. If you are lucky enough to be taking part then I can assure you that what you are in for is an experience you‘ll never forget.
words of welcome
Executive Director of the Youth Bridge Foundation Seth Oteng (GH) On behalf of the Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF) and the African Youth and Governance Conference Community, I welcome all delegates and participants from Africa and Europe to this historic event. For us at YBF, we deem it a great privilege to have seen this event come to pass barely a year after participating in the last conference. We join the delegates in saying we excited about the opportunity the EuroAfrica Youth Parliament offers youth to share knowledge, experiences, learn and network. YBF see this event as a positive move towards deepening Euro- Africa relations beyond governments and policy makers because it provides young people from the two continents a unique and independent platform to debate and deliberate on critical issues on education, employ-
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ment, human rights and youth development across the two continents. We trust that dedication and commitment to the conference activities will reward each and every one with exciting and lasting experiences. More importantly we believe that this event will lead to the growth of great leaders who will advance the frontiers of development and cooperation between the two continents and the world at large, now and in the future. Finally we would like to express our highest gratitude to the BMZ through GIZ for making this event a reality and to the European Youth Parliament for their enthusiasm and also for all their efforts to host the YBF Team and the African delegation in order to make the First Ever Euro Africa Youth Parliament a very special one.
words of welcome
Executive Director of the European Youth Parliament Krista Simberg (FI) On behalf of the European Youth Parliament, I want to welcome all participants from Africa and Europe to the 1st EuroAfrican Youth Parliament session. EYP as an organisation is, and I personally am, happy and thrilled to have you in Berlin for this unique and exciting event. Since 1987, EYP is committed to involve young people in politics, in the debate over European issues, and to encourage them to be active European citizens. Our aims also include fostering intercultural dialogue and the diversity of ideas and cultural expression. While our focus has always been on Europe, the EuroAfrican session is a way to widen our view further, and bring in an interesting new perspective. We are more than eager to hear from all of you, Europeans and Africans alike, on some of the most important political issues of our days. Further, we look forward to the intercul-
tural element of this event. For all participants, the session is an amazing opportunity to network and interact with participants from many backgrounds, to learn from each other and to work together. Besides all the debates, I hope you will enjoy the food, the singing and dancing, simply being together and spending an exciting week in Berlin. I would like to thank everybody who made this event possible: The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the German Society for International Cooperation GIZ, and our Ghanaian partner, the Youthbridge Foundation. I know that our European delegation felt very much at home during the African Youth and Governance Conference in Accra last year, and I hope you will have an amazing time in Berlin in return.
Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African R public Chad Democratic Republic of Congo Republic of Congo Cote d‘Ivoire Djibouti Egypt Equ rial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea Bissau Kenya Lesotho Liberia Li Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Reu ion Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa Sout Sudan Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Democra Republic of Congo Republic of Congo Cote d‘Ivoire Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Et pia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea Bissau Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Ma Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Reunion Rwanda Sao Tome a Principe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Swaziland zania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Bur Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Democratic Republic of Congo Republic o
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essentials
some organisational duties Until we will all come together at the Session in only a couple of days, some organisational duties remain open and must be accomplished. We have put together a list of essentials and kindly ask you in your own interest to complete each of the following steps as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate contact the Head-Organisers via eayp@eyp.org or calling the session hotline via +4915784227288. 1. Committee Topic Preference Please choose your committee topic preferences until Saturday, 22nd of March. You will be informed about the committee you have been allocated to on Sunday 23rd. Delegates are asked to do so by filling in the this form. 2. Preparations for Euro African Village We are celebrating the cultural and culinary diversity of both continents at the Euro African Village. You are kindly asked and invited to bring culinary delights and beverages from your home country, if possible. Please be aware of custom regulations and export restrictions when it comes to food products and alcoholic beverages. A comprehensive overview of the regulations can be found here. 3. Concert Night of the First Euro African Youth Parliament We invite all participants of the First Euro African Youth Parliament to take part in the Concert Night of the First Euro African Youth Parliament with a performance. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your musical or artistic talent. On the following pages you will find more information on the event itself and the venue. In order to perform, please bring your instrument or anything you need along. If you already know that you will not be able to bring your instrument but you would nevertheless like to perform, please contact us and we will try arrange the needed instrument for you. 4. Travel Details & Passport and Insurance In order to arrange everybody‘s arrival we kindly ask you to submit your travel details. European participants are asked to do so by filling out the travel form whilst the Youth Bridge Foundation will take care of the relevant travel details for all African participants. European participants are asked to find their way to the Office of the European Youth Parliament themselves, while we make sure to pick up African Participants at the airport. For any help or advice, please read through the Travel Guide carefully and be aware of the fact that it contains a section about individual routing from each potential place of arrival as well as a link on tickets and fares. 5. Legal Issues This paragraph only serves as a reminder but please keep in mind that it is compulsory to agree to our Code of Conduct in order to take part in the event. You are going to be asked to sign our respective Code of Conduct when arriving. We kindly remind all participants that a valid id-card/passport and insurance is compulsory to be able to attend the event.
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delegates during a Teambuilding at an EYP event
Teambuilding
dresscode: sportswear, comfortable At the beginning of the Session, Delegates will be split up in their committees and experience one and a half days of Teambuilding. Mutual trust, motivating one another and recognising each other’s strengths and weaknesses are the foundation for a successful team. Therefore, on the first two days of the session, the participants will get
to know each other through a series of group dynamic exercises and problem-solving tasks. This Teambuilding helps them to form an effective team, set up their own rules and lay the foundation for a successful Committee Work. All committees will be guided through the entire session by a transcontinental tandem of two chairpersons.
Committee Work dresscode: smart casual
Well prepared to take the next step, the eight committees, which consist of four Delegates from Africa and four Delegates from Europe each, will enter Committee Work, facing the challenge of writing a resolution. The delegates are challenged to find new and innovative solutions, trying to best employ their different cultural backgrounds and experiences made. Participants’ own experiences and visions are equally important as
expert analyses and will become visible in their motion for a resolution. It is the chairpersons’ responsibility to facilitate the discussions of the committee and provide guidance throughout the entire committee work. In order to prepare for Committee Work you may already research yourself once you have been informed about your committee allocation and create your own research and preparation materials on the topic.
General Assembly
dresscode: formal / traditional costumes The academic and impressing highlight of the session is the General Assembly, where all participants come together to consider the results of committee work. During the open debates each committee will present and defend their motion for a resolution. Inquiry-answer rounds during open debates will allow for a direct and frank exchange between ideas, within the appropriate framework of a parliamentary debate that invol-
ves a number of speeches to defend and attack the motion for a resolution. The procedure of the General Assembly of the First Euro African Youth Parliament is derived from the one in the European Parliament. The resolutions that pass will be submitted to political decision makers around Africa and Europe. The General Assembly will take place in the Berlin Chamber of Deputies in a authentic parliamentarian building.
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Euro African Village
taste culinary delights from all over Africa and Europe The Euro African Village is the culinary highlight of the session. Participants present their cultures and national cuisines. We ask every participant to bring a variety of culinary delights and national beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that are common for your home country. During this open and festive evening programme you may dress up in your national costume and bring along your flags, music giveaways or other nati-
onal trinkets. Please bear the relevant customs regulations in mind when packing food products and beverages. In case you already know that you will not be allowed to bring certain products, please send an e-mail to eayp@eyp.org. We are doing our best to find a local importeur in order to provide some of your national delights for this unforgettable evening.
Concert Night
experience a musical and artistic journey The Concert Night of the First Euro African Youth Parliament is an opportunity for talented participants to present their musical talents and national folklore and to be part of an unique programme. At the event we celebrate African and European traditions and will be entertained by the session participants. All participants are highly encouraged to take part in the concert. The Concert Night of the First Euro African Youth Parliament is an open, yet somewhat formal event and performers are expected to prepare. However we will give everybody time and the opportunity to rehearsal during the Session
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and we warmly welcome everybody to be present. Musicians should bring their own instruments if possible, but you might contact the organisers via eayp@eyp.org prior to the Session if you are not able to bring your own instrument. In order to get an impression of the potential programme for this unique evening, a rehearsal is going to take place before the Concert Night. Towards the end of the evening we will change over from concert to a party with the best tones from Africa and Europe. A reception and an open buffet will mark the starting point of the evening.
Participants during a concert performence
dress code so your outfit fits perfectly With a great variety of different elements and activities to take place during the session, we understand that you might be uncertain as to what exactly you are expected to wear. In any case, the dress code is not meant to restrict you or exclude you from any point
in the programme. Take the dress code hints, which you find under each explanation above as an orientation when packing your suitcase. To clarify on potential questions regarding the dress code, we briefly elaborate on the different categories.
dress code: comfortable This dress code applies to Teambuilding, where you will be doing various activities throughout the whole day.You are free to wear any type of clothing you feel comfortable in, as long as you are able to run around, jump or risk that your clothes perhaps get a little dirty!
dress code: formal During the General Assembly you are required to dress formally. This implies suits with (bow-) ties for gentlemen and suits, dresses, trouser suits or long skirts for the ladies. Traditional costumes that are considered as formal are highly appreciated as well.
dress code: smart casual It is difficult to define smart casual. You definitely do not have to wear a suit. However, sweatpants, jeans with huge holes and dirty sneakers are not really appropriate. In general, Smart Casual means to dress up somewhat professionally, whilst still looking relaxed but yet neat and pulled together. For example, a collared shirt and normal trousers will suit Committee Work perfectly!
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who is who
a simple and quick overview President The President has many functions during the session. Throughout the session, he coordinates the interaction and the collaboration of different groups of participants: the Delegates, the Journalists and the Media Team as well as the Chairs Team and the Organising Team. As the public face of the session, the President and the Board (consisting of two Vice-Presidents) of the Session preside the debates during the General Assembly and ensure that the official procedures are being followed.
Media Team Events such as the First Euro African Youth Parliament have the tendency to rush by in a blur of intense experiences, in particular for Delegates. The Session’s Media Team, made up of Journalists and the Editors, serve to crystallise the event in various different media, most importantly the session newspapers. The Journalists understand the wishes and needs of the Delegates well and with their session presence provide a counterweight to the more serious debates of Committee Work and General Assembly. In addition to the Chairs, one Journalist is assigned to each Committee.
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Board and Chairpersons The Chairpersons (“Chairs”) of each Committee are the delegates’ caregivers throughout the Session as well as the moderators of the Committees at a time. As experienced former Delegates or activists in the field of youth education from all over Europe and Africa, they plan and lead Teambuilding, facilitate discussions in Committee Work and encourage their delegates throughout General Assembly. The Board in addition is there to coordinate the debates during the General Assembly, lead by the President of the Session.
Delegates The Delegates are the heart of the Session. With the majority of Session participants being delegates, the officials (Chairs, Journalists and Organisers) are there to guide Delegates through the simulation. At the beginning of the Session Delegates are allocated to their preferred Committees and are able to get to know each other during Teambuilding. Guided by their Chairpersons, Delegates are given the platform for debates and frank exchange during Committee Work and will present and debate the results, which have been put into a motion for a resolution, during General Assembly.
a staff member of the Youth Bridge Foundation
who is who
a simple and quick overview Organisers The Organising Team consists of 12 highly motivated alumni of the European Youth Parliament from all over Europe as well as of employees of the Youth Bridge Foundation from Ghana and Zambia. The work and tasks in the process of organising the event has been split between the Youth Bridge Foundation from Accra, Ghana and the Schwarzkopf Stiftung in Berlin, Germany from the beginning on. The partnership between both foundations has started with the first visit of the Youth Bridge Foundation to the 72nd International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Munich in April 2013. In return, a delegation of ten experienced alumni as well as two Project Managers of the Schwarzkopf Foundation attended the Fifth Youth and Governance Conference in Accra in August 2013.
Supporters The First Euro African Youth Parliament is mutually organised by both foundations and as such the first transcontinental conference of its kind with full parity in among all groups of participants that is made possible by the restless commitment of both institutions. The Session and the cooperation is made possible by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Albania Algeria Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belgium Bénin Burundi Chad Côte d’Ivoire Croatia C Republic Egypt Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Hungary Irelan Italy Kenya Kosovo Latvia Liberia Luxembourg Nigeria Portugal Romania Russia Rwanda Serbia ra Leonea Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tanzania The Ga The Netherlands Tunisia Ukraine United Kingdom Zambia Albania Algeria Armenia Austria Azerb Belgium Bénin Burundi Chad Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Czech Republic Egypt Estonia Ethiopia Finlan France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Kenya Kosovo Latvia Liberia Luxe bourg Nigeria Portugal Romania Russia Rwanda Serbia Sierra Leonea Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tanzania The Gambia The Netherlands Tunisia Ukra United Kingdom Zambia Albania Algeria Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belgium Bénin Burundi Chad Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Czech Republic Egypt Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany G Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Kenya Kosovo Latvia Liberia Luxembourg Nigeria Portugal Roman Russia Rwanda Serbia Sierra Leonea Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Swaziland Sweden Sw
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topics and rationales the development of topics and rationales To come up with the committee topics for the First Euro African Youth Parliament was a complex and intense process. To identify eight interesting and yet concrete topic areas with global as well as Euro-African relevance demanded input and discussion from various stakeholders. Since the First Euro African Youth Parliament has the ambition to approach the topics and the challenges we are being confronted with on different levels of analysis and from a variety of perspectives, some of
the topics may seem very broad. However, the list of topics allows to choose a topic (by indicating topic preferences) according to the interest and potential expertise of each Delegate. Read through the topics and rationales carefully and make up your mind which topic you would be willing to discuss. The committee’s names are inspired by the designations for committees of the European Parliament.
„Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.“
Alexander Graham Bell
Action ability, repre-
preparation everything about your academic preperation Once you have decided upon your preferred topics we highly encourage to start your preparation straight away. As we cannot guarantee that everybody will be able to join their preferred committee, we encourage Delegates to start off with some broader research about political institutions, organisations and different levels of governance both on the African and European continent. Before debating the topics in detail, it is of utmost importance to be aware of the institutional framework this simulation is based on. Keeping in mind that we will welcome participants from all over both of the continents (51 nationalities in total), you might want to make yourself familiar with the different political systems, inter-
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governmental organisations such as the African Union and the European Union and other important stakeholders (Non-Governmental Organisations, Tansnational Corporations etc.). On Monday the 24th you will receive your topic allocation which allows you to prepare more specifically for your topic. In order to help you debating in Committee Work, chairpersons will write comprehensive overviews for you, which will summarise some key factors, important stakeholders and key actors as well as measures put in place. You are going to be able to read through these preparation material once you have arrived at the Session.
A delegate during a debate at an EYP event in Munich
Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO): Action ability, representativity and legitimacy: What must a UN-Security Council reform look like to ensure equality and involvement of all countries in decision-making and agenda-setting detached from their historic and current geopolitical influence? The United Nations (UN) Security Council is the only principal organ of the UN that can adopt binding resolutions for all 193 member states as it acts on their behalf. It is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Based on resolutions, it is in the Security Council’s power to establish peacekeeping operations, to implement international sanctions and to legitimise military action. Since the end of the Cold War and the intensified diplomatic and political relations among its permanent five members („P5“; USA, China, Russia, Great Britain and France), the Security Council has effectively become the most important decision-making body in the world. The numbers and complexity peacekeeping missions and cases of military intervention have dramatically increased whilst any decision in favour
or against heavily depends on the interests and intentions of the Security Council’s permanent members due to their right to veto. Hence, the Security Council, which consists of the abovementioned permanent members and ten nonpermanent members, which do not have veto power, ought to be reformed as stated already in the UN’s 2005 World Summit Outcomes. The main and bold reproach is a lack of representativity, transparency and most importantly legitimacy reflected by the unbalanced regional representation and decision rules, which supposedly mirror the geopolitical status of 1945. How could an efficiently working and globally representative Security Council look like and which measures must be taken by both the African and European Union to press for reform?
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Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): As China invests heavily around the world, how should the European and African Unions position themselves towards such engagement on both continents?
Recent decades have seen huge amounts of Chinese foreign direct investment streaming into Africa (increasing by 700% in the 1990s), undertaking a number of significant projects, including road building, health care and huge investment in natural resources. Criticism has been levelled that this investment is neo-colonial in nature and there are reasons for similar concerns to exist in Europe, where Chinese investment is doubling per
annum. Of course this investment has had, and will continue to have, sizeable benefits for both Europe and Africa but the relationship between both parties and China has to be a mutually beneficial one, neither party can afford to rely on Chinese investment and assume it will be constant. Should political or economic circumstances change in the country, both Europe and Africa need to ensure they are not reliant on China.
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs (AGRI): Inequalities in food availability and affordability are reinforced by both European and African agriculture and trade policies: what political steps could be taken on both continents to offer fair trade conditions and tackle the disparities in food supply? The African Union has declared the year 2014 the “Year of Agriculture and Food Security”, marking a shift in its efforts away from security questions, whilst the Common Agricultural Policy remains a fundamental part of the European Union’s spending. Despite having sunk from 70% of the EU’s total budget in 1981 to around 40% today, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remains a keystone of the European Union’s political as well as financial integration. The heavy subsidisation of food production in most European countries causes significant overproduction of goods, while at the same time many African countries struggle to secure basic nutrition for a number of reasons. Poor agricultural policy and a focus on cash crops has been both environmentally devastating and exposed profits to environmental
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factors as well as price fluctuation. Additionally, food security in Africa is constantly undermined by security problems, with conflict destroying agriculture and disrupting supply chains. Though steady investment in recent years has bolstered food production, African crops and agricultural products struggle on the world market because of trade and agriculture policy as well as from import duties and protectionism. In the case of the EU, they are undermined by subsidised European products locally and blocked by trade barriers from competing on the European market.
a performance during the 25h anniversary of the EYP
Committee on Culture and Education (CULT): With technological literacy fast becoming a requirement in the modern labour market, how can Europe and Africa best promote this amongst their citizens?
To be effective contributors to the future global economy, an understanding of technology and a high-level of computer literacy will be vital attributes. Yet Internet penetration is at a mere 16% in Africa and in Europe the quality of access to broadband varies dramatically across the continent. Though access is somewhat higher through use of internet cafes or public facilities, there still must be concern as to how effectively young people in
both continents can learn the skills required for a modern workforce if they do not have access to consistent, quality internet. Similarly one must consider the role of schools within this matter and when and where children are taught technological basics, e.g. teaching children and youngsters using computers as well as software or a coding languages. Which measures must be taken in order to perceive computer literacy as an important target (in education) for both Africa and Europe?
Committee on Human Rights (DROI): How should the EU and African nations work in order to address the issues surrounding the humanitarian situation of African migrants to Europe?
As of 2012, 24.5% of non-member country citizens residing in Europe are from Africa. Poverty migration, forced migration, and migration caused by environmental reasons are some of the reasons behind the high rate of African emigration to Europe. Illegal immigration continues to be a problem as well. The policy of isolation against poverty-motivated refugee streams makes the humanitarian situation of migrants an important issue of debate.
With a lot of criticism directed at FRONTEX and the external borders policy of the EU, the need for a realistic immigration policy that recognizes the need for economic migration is apparent. How should the EU and African governments cooperate to encourage the skilled labour to stay at home – or to go back home after a period of work in Europe? What are the essential steps that need to be taken by both sides to improve the conditions of African migrants to Europe?
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Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI): “Inclusive and sustainable industrial development” in Africa: How can sustainable growth be achieved on the continent without conflicting its environmental legacy?
Though African development has improved sharply in recent years, there must be concerns that current global climate change legislation will serve to hamper Africa’s potential growth in a way that industrialised countries did not have to worry about. As the head of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO),
Li Yong, has warned, future development in Africa must be sustainable. This topic should look to focus on the environmental aspects of this economic development, looking to create a roadmap for African growth that will allow for a sustainable future for the continent and prevent Africa from repeating Europe’s mistakes.
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy I (ITRE I): In an increasingly globalised marketplace opportunities for young entrepreneurs are greater than they have ever been. How can European and African nations ensure future business leaders get the support they need? It is becoming harder and harder to establish a definitive competitive advantage for any nations and an effective business environment will have to be one in which entrepreneurs are able to flourish. Historically this has not been the case in either Europe or Africa, with both continents lagging behind traditional powers such as the USA.
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There are differences between both regions; traditionally Europe has been stymied by bureaucracy, Africa by insufficient development. However the answer to both might be the same, creating an environment, both legally and socially, that will allow entrepreneurs to try (and sometimes fail with) new ideas.
the board of an EYP event in Austria leading debates
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy II (ITRE II): The role of corporate social responsibility programmes: How can states support and incentivize these structures to ensure wider-spread and meaningful contribution to the development agenda?
As Africa becomes the second- fastest growing region on Earth, more and more transnational companies are making long-term plans to stay in the region. Corporate social responsibility has become an important focus for these companies that want to establish themselves as engages stakeholders. While Chinese companies are known to emphasize local community development and infra-
structure; Western Multinationals focus on the need for capacity building of public institutions. Even though all these efforts are important, enabling government policies and institutions are necessary to foster sustainable change. How can CSR policies be tailored to align with sustainable development goals? What kind of a role should legislators play to ensure that certain standards and values are achieved and promoted?
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our host city - Berlin
the capital of Germany in the heart of Europe Berlin is a splendid hosting city for an international and inspiring event such as the First Euro African Youth Parliament. With more than 700 years of history, Berlin has much to offer. Founded in the 13th century, Berlin had a history full of groundbreaking events and has always been a political and cultural center of Germany as well as Central Europe. Hardly any other city in Europe has experienced so many ra-
„Berlin is rather a part of the world than a city.“
dical changes, which transformed the city’s face from generation to generation. Although Berlin has never been dazzling epochs alternated with darker eras. Nevertheless, the formerly divided city has succeeded in becoming a vibrant metropolis in the heart of Europe.” We warmly invite you to take a look at Berlin.de to find out more about the city welcoming over 110 youngsters from both Europe and Africa.
Jean Paul, writer, 1800
cultural programme
get an idea of what you‘re going to see During our Cultural Programme Day all Delegates and Journalists will be able to visit some of the most exciting sights of Berlin, catching a glimpse of one of Europe’s most dynamic metropolis. Upon arrival at the Session you will be able to choose between different programmes for the
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Cultural Programm Day according to your preferences. You may choose between visiting the East Side Gallery, one of the artistic highlights of Berlin, take a tour to the museum of the former Berlin Wall, visit the Holocaust Memorial or just enjoy a shopping trip. Berlin is awaiting your arrival.
the Berlin Chamber of Deputies the venue of the General Assembly
venues Youth Hostel - Werbelinsee The EJB Werbelinsee outside of Berlin is the accommodation venue, where Teambuilding and Committee Work will take place as well All participants will inhabit two classy villas from the thirties nicely furnished triple rooms. The EJB Werbelinsee is directly located at the Werbelinsee and is surrounded by idyllic landscape. A great variety of sports grounds for free time activities will spice up committee work and prettify free time slots.
WABE Berlin The Concert Night of the First Euro African Youth Parliament will take place at WABE Berlin. WABE Berlin is a public venue, where cultural events of nearly every kind take place. From rock concerts of newcomer bands to traditional dance happenings - the programme of WABE Berlin is as diverse as the area it is surrounded by. Its name is derived from the shape of the building: a honeycomb (“Wabe” in German). We hope to spend a night full of excitement and affection for both the African and European culture there. We encourage the participants to prepare their performances!
Berlin Chamber of Deputies The General Assembly of our Conference will be held in the Berlin City Parliament (Berlin Chamber of Deputies), which is located in the centre of the city. The EYP’s Jacob Düringer says: “There is no better venue for a General Assembly than the Berlin Chamber of Deputies. I have witnessed a number of parliamentary simulations in this building as well as all over Europe. This building is by far the most suitable and marvellous one.” Lets hope the expectations will be fulfilled.
picture credits: EJB Werbellinsee GmbH
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packing list
a summary of what you need to bring to Berlin Essentials: • travel tickets and visa documents if required • valid identification documents • valid insurance • money and credit/debit cards for the evening programme (you are able to exchange money at all airports) • preparation for Euro African Village and Concert Night • instruments and costumes for Concert Night • Towels
The weather in Berlin in March/April is unpredictable. Please expect up to 20°C during the day, but with equal chance it might be frosty minus degrees during evening programmes. Please prepare for sunny as well as for rainy weather. Teambuilding: • comfortable clothing and shoes for sports/outdoor activities • waterproof jacket and shoes Committee Work: • smart casual clothing General Assembly: • formal clothing (skirts, dresses or suits for ladies, suits for gentlemen) Euro African Village: • food and small giveaways for Euro African Village (please bear relevant custom regulations in mind) • national costumes, music and a flag Concert Night: • elegant evening clothing Cultural Programme Day: • comfortable shoes for longer walking • waterproof jacket
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participants during a teambuilding event at the AYGC
Arrival Day Delegates
27th of March 2014
until 17:00 Arrival of all Delegates
European participants will be asked to meet at the International Office (Sophienstraße 28/29, 10178 Berlin-DE). African participants will be picked up at the airport
17:00 – 18:30 Transfer to Werbelinsee
All participants are transferred by bus to the accomodation at Werbelinsee.
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner
Dinner will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
22:00 - open
an open evening programm
Teambuilding Day I 28th of March 2014 08:15 - 09:00 Breakfast
Breakfast will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
09:00 – 13:00 Teambuilding
The President of the Session will open Teambuilding and Delegates will split up in committees.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
Lunch will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
14:00 – 18:30 Teambuilding
Again Delegates are given the chance to get to know their committee members better.
18:30 - 20:00 Preperation of the Euro African Village
All Participants prepare food and drinks for the culinary highlight of the Session.
20:00 - 21:30 Euro African Village
We ask every participant to bring a variety of culinary delights and national beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that are common for ones‘ home country.
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Teambuilding II and Committee Work 29th of March 2014 08:15 - 09:00 Breakfast
Breakfast will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
09:00 – 13:00 Teambuilding
Delegates are wrapping up what they have learned during Teambuilidng.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
Lunch will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
14:00 – 19:00 Committee Work
Delegates start with Committe Work and get a first impression about their topic.
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
Dinner will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
Committee Work II
30th of March 2014 08:15 - 09:00 Breakfast
Breakfast will be served at the canteen of our accomodation
09:00 – 13:00 Committee Work Delegates start to debate their topic.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
Lunch will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
14:00 – 19:00 Committee Work
Delegates are given more time to reflect upon their topic and debates.
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
Dinner will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
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informal interaction during a session of the AYGC
Committee Work III 31st of March 2014 08:15-09:00 Breakfast
Breakfast will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
09:00 – 13:00 Committee Work
During the final day of Committee Work Delegates finalise their ideas.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
Lunch will be served at the Cantine of our Accomodation
14:00 – 19:00 Committee Work
Delegates finish their work by formating their ideas into a Motion for a Resolution
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
Dinner will be served at the canteen of our accomodation.
21:00 - 02:00 After Committe Work Party A party to celebrate the three days of hard work.
Cultural Programm Day 1st of April 2014 07:30 - 8:15 Breakfast 08:30 – 10:00 Transfer to Berlin
All participants are transferred to Berlin by Bus.
10:00 – 18:00 Cultural Programm
Participants may choose different cultural programmes
and discover Berlin in smaller groups.
18:00 – 23:00 Concert Night
During Concert Night Participants performe and show traditional dances, music or something similar and entertain each other.
23:00 - 200:00 Transfer to Accomodation
All participants are transferred back to the Acoomodation by Bus.
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General Assembly I 2nd April 2014
07:30 – 08:15 Breakfast 08:30 – 09:30 Preparation for General Assembly Delegates are given time to prepare for the General Assembly
09:30 – 10:30 Transfer to General Assembly Venue All participants are transferred to the General Assembly venue by Bus.
11:00 – 17:00 General Assembly
During General Assembly Delegates will debate and defend their Motion for a Resolution. .
17:00 - 17:30 Evening Snack
Before departure to a visit of the Reichstag a quick evening snack will be served.
17:30 - 19:00 Transfer to the Reichstags
Participants enjoy a walk through Berlin to get to the Reichstag (German Parliament).
19:00 - 21:00 Visit of the Reichstags
All Participants are given the chance to visit the dome of the Reichstag Building.
21:30 - 22:30 Transfer to Accomodation
All participants are transferred back to the accomodation by Bus.
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EYPers at the office of the Youth Bridge Foundation
General Assembly II
3rd April 2014
07:30 – 08:15 Breakfast 08:30 – 09:30 Preparation for General Assembly
Delegates are given time to prepare for the second day of General Assembly.
09:30 – 10:30 Transfer to General Assembly Venue All participants are transferred to the General Assembly venue by Bus.
11:00 – 18:00 General Assembly
During General Assembly the final Resolutions are debated. The General Assembly will be closed by on offical ceremony lead by the Sesion President, James Benge
18:00 – 22:00 Farewell Dinner
All Participants will enjoy a farewell Dinner at the General Assembly Venue.
22:00 - 23:00 Transfer to Accomodation
All participants are transferred back to the accomodation by Bus.
Departure Day
23:00 - 02:00 Farwell Party A celebration of a succesfull event.
4th April 2014
09:00-09:45 Breakfast 11:00 – 12:00 Transfer to Berlin
All participants are transferred to Berlin. If earlier departures need to take place, special transportation will be arranged by the Organisers.
Individual Departure
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Welcome to Berlin!
First Euro African Youth Parliament