Kaleidoscope 1

Kaleidoscope ISSUE 1

FIRST

EURO AFRICAN YOUTH BERLIN 2014

PARLIAMENT

Kaleidoscope

EDITORIAL Leave your handprint Flights with layovers from another continent, train rides from the other side of the country or boat trips across the Baltic Sea - arrivals ranging from different corners of the two continent, all the way from Ghana to Sweden, Zimbabwe to Czech Republic and Austria to Sierra Leone. No matter if you travelled two or twenty-two hours to get here, we have the same message for you: welcome to Werbellinsee (p. 4). It is thrilling to have you here and having kicked off the very first day of the first Euro African Youth Parliament session with you.

Each of us can fulfill the sentence “I am here because…”. We are all here for a reason, let it be debating the committee topic and taking part to the teambuilding together with other committee members, to chairing a committee or living the busy lives of the organisers constantly working for our best.

Our media team, eight journalists and us three editors, have our own vision to fulfill here too: we will be accompanying you throughout the upcoming week, visualising your experiences in film, paper and photographs, giving you an overview of what is happening around you and enabling you to reflect back to these memories once we depart. This is for you to take your time and to fully enjoy the ride. We are confident that all of your individual experiences put together will form a beautiful kaleidoscope of memories, which will bring you joy for a long time after.

The chairs were asked to give you a word of advice (on p.6-9) – here is ours: what you share with the world is what it keeps of you – so take part, discuss, look around, notice, ask, listen and share with those around you, and you will leave your mark in a similar manner that you pressed your handprints to the canvas.

With excitement, Harm, Oona and Sebastian, your editors

EDITORS Oona Kiiskinen (Finland) Harm van Leeuwen (Netherlands) VIDEO EDITOR Sebastian Hojas (Austria) JOURNALISTS Beatrice Adu (Ghana) Zephyr Bruggen (Netherlands) Valerie Donschachner (Austria) John Essilfie Jnr (Ghana) Emiljo Jazxhi (Albania) Thomas Pappoe (Ghana) Lewin Schmitt (Germany) Portia Solomon (Ghana) 2

First Euro African Youth Parliament

CONTENTS

Issue 1

Agreement on economic partnership, but…

The chairs about their topics When the cat’s away International jokes

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6–9

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Berlin 2014

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Kaleidoscope

Dobro pojalovat

Dalal ak diam

Willkommen

Ani kié

Ahlan wa sahlan

Mauya

Karibuni Mire se vini Welkom Ekouabô

Akwaaba

Nnộ

Welcome Bienvenue

Tervetuloa

Dzieñ dobry

Hosgeldiniz

Boyeyi bolamu

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First Euro African Youth Parliament

Issue 1

AGREEMENT

ON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP,

BUT…

THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT, like its name suggests, is a pact between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions to promote trade between the two groupings. The agreement has had a checkered history since it was first signed in Cotonou, Benin in 2000. While civil society groups continue to put pressure on their governments because, as they put it, ACP countries especially have very little to benefit, trade still went on because economies must survive.

by Thomas Adotei Pappoe (Ghana)

T

he desire to continue trading activities gave birth to the “EPA light” signed in 2007. The European Commission sees the agreement as a means of trade with their African and Pacific countries and thereby opening its market for a fair trade. The European Union has put pressure past 10 years on some 72 countries that form the nucleus of the trade pact to sign the document or lose access to EU market. One of the arguments put forward in support of Economic Partnership Agreement is that it will increase trade turnover but at the same time, experts have said it will compel ACP countries to liberalise an overwhelming proportion of its imports despite lack of clarity. That notwithstanding, it is also true that products from Africa stand the risk of being slapped with huge tariffs without the EPA. After 10 years of tough negotiations, on 24th January 2014, West African and the European Commission negotiators reached a major breakthrough on what now will be the first regional economic agreement since 2007. Under this deal, 75% of trade is to be liberalized over the next 20 years, rather the EU request for 80% over 15 years. The European Commission further agreed to stop all export subsidies to West African Countries. West Africa also had to compromise to reach an agreement, notably by accepting the controversial most favoured nation treatment clause. Regarding the financing of development, the amount agreed under the EPA Development Programme (PAPED) remains at 6.5 billion euros for the period 201519, and there is no explicit commitment to provide “additional resources”. West African countries appear to have closed the deal on the Economic Partnership Agreement but the onus now lies on other African and pacific countries to examine the deal critically to iron out sticky points.

It is instructive to know that the youth from these two continents have not been fully engaged on deliberations prior to the signing of this document even though their lives will be greatly affected by its success or failure. The Euro African Youth Parliament exists to influence policy and ensure that the concerns of the youth are represented. Member’s primary interest is to give a voice to the youth since the conventional parliaments cannot fully express the concerns of the youth rather than themselves. At the first ever Euro African Youth Parliament, delegates and their chairs hope to re-examine this agreement and come out with a resolution to serve its interest.

Berlin 2014

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Kaleidoscope

TOPICS & CHAIRS

Starting tomorrow, you will have the unique chance of discussing vital global political issues with peers from over 50 countries around Europe and Africa. Here you can see what the chairs of the conference have to say about their topic. They explain why it is important, what impact they hope our work will have and what advice they have for you!

AFET Arif Abdeldjalil from Algeria & Felicia Dahlquist from Sweden Arif: “Seeing the fact that China is perceived as the sleeping economic giant and keeps on expanding its local investments in Algeria, this promotes for a better economic growth of my country.”

Importance

Felicia: “Since the world is so globalised, what happens in China and what China as a global player does in the rest of the world always has an impact on Sweden and the other European countries.”

Arif: “The delegation will have a unique opportunity to discuss the topics from different angles that reflect the current reality, resulting in that the delegation will be more aware about the background of the topic and its impact.”

Impact

Felicia: “There are very biased stories in the media about the topic, so the discussions hopefully will show the dynamics and diversity of the topic, reflecting both its positive and negative aspects.”

Arif: “Being offered a chance to get involved in this interactive youth platform, it is the delegates’ responsibility to take the most advantages out of this and to make it a remarkable experience.”

Felicia: “Make the most out of this opportunity, think outside the box and meet as many people as possible.”

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First Euro African Youth Parliament

Advice

AFCO

Issue 1

Gbemisola Osadua from Nigeria & Daniels Grinevics from Latvia

Importance

Gbemisola: “In my opinion, the topic is important because it deals with an issue that is of global relevance as it relates to the relationships amongst nations in the world.”

Daniels: “I think the topic is important because the Security Council is deemed to be the most powerful institution in the world, and it’s failing miserably.“

Impact

Gbemisola: “The resolution could, to a large extent, influence future decisions as regarding the reform of the UN Security Council.”

Daniels: “I am very interested in the consensus that will be reached by the committee, people from very different countries that are greatly affected by the decisions of the Security Council. This way, I hope the resolution will result in the Security Council being a voice of reason instead of being entangled in diplomatic issues.“

Advice

Gbemisola: “Give your best and make sure your input is relevant.”

Daniels: “Please be open-minded and take a rational look at things by accounting for all interests – and get some good sleep.”

AGRI Megan Smith from Ireland & Olusola Usan from Nigeria

Olusola: ““Africa currently contributes a meagre 3% to global trade and that is absolutely ridiculous behind Europe which has over 19% contribution to global trade.

We need to sit and match strengths and weakness together and be able to see a better Africa where people will hunger no more.”

Importance

Megan: “After the conference, I hope to see the resolution implemented and make people aware of it. There is no point in us being here and our work coming to nothing.”

Impact

Megan: “If all delegates get involved and get ideas across, it will be way better for discussions, final resolution and the conference in general”.

Advice

Berlin 2014

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Kaleidoscope

ENVI Adelaide Otoo from Ghana & Sophie Duffield from Britain

Importance

Sophie: “There are growing challenges in the world to do with climate change and depleting natural resources. We need sustainable development so that future generations will not be affected.”

Impact

Adelaide: “African leaders should learn from the European experience. Africans must consider the environment, so that they do not compromise food safety. As much as we as Africans want to develop, there is a lot of knowledge. There’s a lot that we can take from the Europeans.”

Advice

Sophie: “Be enthusiastic and throw yourself into everything! Because this will help you to learn more and contribute better to discussions.”

ITRE II Teresa Stadler from Austria & Vera Asokwa Ofori from Ghana Teresa: “From a European perspective, the EU is the largest donor in terms of development and technical assistance, which is why we should emphasize the importance of aid giving in Africa.”

Importance

Vera: “It is essential to put measures in place to direct aids at community priority projects, while respecting the rights of business entities, thereby leading to the full impact of CSR programmes in Africa.”

Teresa: “What we are aiming for is lasting global partnerships with responsible and sustainable aims that will have a significant impact on the future of the cooperation between Europe and Africa.”

Impact

Vera: “It is a unique opportunity to be part of a great history; be yourself, open your mind, make an effort and be amazed at what you could contribute to making the world a better place.”

Teresa: “Even if you are really tired and just want to sleep – resist. I promise that it will be worth it in the end.”

Vera: “You are the difference, give it your best shot.”

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First Euro African Youth Parliament

Advice

Issue 1

DROI Emmanuel Ashong from Ghana & Irem Tümer from Turkey

CULT

Emmanuel: “There are many people moving over the earth now, more than ever did. The difference however is that this time the people who are migrating are of working-age. These are all people that can contribute to the economy, but are moving away from their native countries. It is very interesting that this topic focuses on the positive aspect of staying at home, that it considers the question of not migrating at all.”

Importance

Irem: “Turkey, given its geographical position, has a lot of immigration from African countries. We are not even in Frontex, so there is a lot of uncontrolled immigration as well.”

Impact

Emmanuel: “We’re looking forward to open and frank discussions with you!”

Advice

Irem: “And hope you have a bit of fun as well in the meantime!”

Oksana Korchak from Ukraine

Importance

“Some European countries especially in smaller cities are unable to provide basic computer literacy and that makes difficult for the youth to be competitive on the job market. Africa is not the only continent with such problems but a lot more attention must be attached because the problem is widespread.”

Impact

“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.”

Advice

“I am excited that contributions will come from different backgrounds which will go a long way to enrich the final resolution.

Delegates should be open minded when the discussions starts, and make final preparations so that they can provide informed contributions which are feasible.”

Berlin 2014

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Kaleidoscope

WHEN THE

CAT’S AWAY

FOR the delegates, Thursday was an exciting day of arrival, while the officials spent the day with the final preparations for the session. When asked, they decided to share some of their funny moments with us.

by Valerie Donschachner (Austria)

T

he chairs spent a lot of time at the lake planning some teambuilding games.

Unsurprisingly, Adelaide Otoo (Ghana) was feeling very cold when they finally started making their way back; the look of surprise on her face when the others decided to buy ice cream is therefore understandable.

Vera Ofori (Ghana), on the other hand, was exhausted. Faced with the long climb up the stairs, she desperately wished somebody would carry her up. Nelson Amo (Ghana) apparently read her mind and played the part of the perfect gentleman, and Vera got her piggy-back ride up the stairway.

This move might be seen as the result of a lesson the other chairs taught Nelson, who had spent the morning nominating “volunteers”. After a while, the others decided to turn the tables on Nelson, after which he became the first to “volunteer” for everything.

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Olusola Usan (Nigeria) and Megan Smith (Ireland) were subject to marriage arrangements; when Olusola told Megan he was thinking about doing his PhD in Ireland after they had spent half an hour talking about Ireland, James Benge (Britain) happened to overhear and promptly informed them that he entirely supported their marriage, stating that he positively encourages African-European relationships.

At some point during the day, Arif Abdeldjalil (Algeria), Felicia Dahlquist’s (Sweden) personal assistant, decided she should wear a turban. Felicia spent the rest of the day enjoying the advantages of turbans, in the course of which Lewin Schmitt (Germany) managed to take a picture of our “turbo chairs”.

Speaking of Arif: being asked what his most entertaining moment of the day was, he could not quite decide and looked to Megan for help, asking: “Hey Megan, do you remember something funny that happened today?”. Megan looked at him blankly and replied: “I have no idea what you just said, but I know I am not happy about it.”

A few minutes later, Megan, Olusola and Daniels Grinevics (Latvia) began to talk about Megan’s unique way of writing.

When Nelson noticed the way Megan was holding her notepad, he began to try to turn it around. Megan was trying to explain this habit of hers when Dan came along and asked: “So how do you write on a board?” Retelling the story, the three of them decided to answer the question, resulting in Megan being lifted up and held horizontally in order to write on a Post-it on the wall. And a final word of advice: James is the happiest person on earth when singing the Moose Song.

First Euro African Youth Parliament

Issue 1

GHANA Between ages 16 and 18, a woman is like Africa, virgin and unexplored.

Between 19 and 35, she is like Asia, hot and exotic. Between 36 and 45, she is like America, fully explored, breathtakingly beautiful and free with her resources. Between 45 and 56, she is like Europe, exhausted but still has points of interest. After 56, she is like Australia, everybody knows it is down there, but who gives a damn.

(Vera Ofori) Akpos and his friend visited Israel and decided to pick a boat to see the beauty of the River Jordan. When he asked the boatman how much it will cost, the boatman said 500 dollars.

Akpos replied, ‘no wonder Jesus walked on the sea’.

(Thomas Adotei Pappoe)

INTERNATIONAL JOKES LATVIA Man: ‘Knock knock’ Reply: ‘Who’s there?’

Man: ‘Latvian’ Reply: ‘Latvian who?’

Man: ‘Please open door. Is cold.’

NIGERIA Teacher: ‘Use reserve in a sentence’ Kola: ‘I reserve my comment.’

(Daniel Grinevics)

(Olusola Amusan)

GERMANY A German and an American are having a competition about who can build a house faster.

After 6 weeks, the American updates his status: ‘only 16 more days and I’m done’. The German replies, ‘only 16 more forms and I’m done’.

(Lewin Schmitt)

FINLAND How do you know that a Finn likes you? …

He stares at your shoes instead of his own.

(Oona Kiiskinen)

Berlin 2014

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