Deadline: 8 March 2013
Open to: young people all over the world at least 18 years old
Venue: August 9-18, 2013 at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut, USA
Description
In appreciation of the dynamics of an interdependent world, the UNESCO Chair will host an annual intergenerational forum that brings together young leaders from all regions of the world in the field of human rights once annually. The forum will be held from August 9-18, 2013 at the University of Connecticut, USA, to coincide with the International Youth Day, taking place on August 12, commemorated at the United Nations Headquarters in the USA. This will provide opportunities for participants to participate in Youth Day activities and meet with UN leaders.
TRAVEL AND HOUSING: The UNESCO Chair Office will provide all conference participants with dormitory housing, meals and ground transportation in Connecticut during the Forum. The applicant is responsible for securing their own visa, air travel to the United States and travel to Connecticut. Due to the volume of applications, only successful candidates will be notified
The main objectives of the Forum are to: involve young leaders in finding solutions to emerging human rights problems; nurture individuals to be effective leaders in the field of human rights; promote the sharing of experiences and understanding; provide an impetus for, and the empowerment of, youth leaders that will enable them to play a crucial and constructive role in the development of human rights in their communities; build a network of solidarity among future leaders in the field of human rights; hone the skills and expand the knowledge relevant to human rights practice; and provide tools and a platform for open debates about policies, programmes, activities and processes necessary for human rights leadership.
Participants will receive training in areas such as grassroots organizing, building coalitions, effective communication, use of media for human rights education, and understanding of the processes and relevance of restorative justice. It is planned that discussions will be conducted under the rubric of four principal areas; namely poverty, education, health, conflict resolution and/or transformation. Specific areas of focus will include issues such as human trafficking, the plight of children, refugees and war, hunger, HIV/AIDS, religious intolerance, gender discrimination, racism and classism, peace education and environmental concerns.
Selected young people will engage through dialogue with experienced and older human rights practitioners to gain management skills and techniques and a greater understanding of human rights issues on a global level. A principal objective is to nurture individuals to be effective leaders in the field of human rights. Forum presenters/speakers/facilitators have been asked to serve in an ongoing capacity as mentors to the young participants upon their return to their home communities and countries.
Eligibility
Participants at the forum will be individuals (minimum age for participation is 18) from all over the world who have been involved in some capacity in human rights work in their communities.
Fluency in English is required. forum will be held in English only.
Application
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application deadline is March 8, 2013. In order to be considered for admission to the International Leadership Programme, please submit the following:
- A completed and signed application form
- Letter of intent (please attach as word, pdf, or text document)
- Curriculum Vita/Resume (please attach as word, pdf, or text document)
- Names and contact information for three professional references
- Application Essay: Upon acceptance, you will be required to submit a final essay to complete the application process within three weeks of notification. Please click here for further details.
APPLICATION FORM IS AVAILABLE HERE.
Applicants who are not able to commit to the week-long conference in its entirety should not apply. If you have questions regarding the application/registration, program content, special needs requirements, or housing, please call the UNESCO Chair Office at 860-486-0647 or email unescochairintern@uconn.edu. ALL applications must be submitted electronically or via facsimile no later than March 8, 2013 to unescochairintern@uconn.edu / fax: 860.486.2545.
For more information, please see the official website H
ERE.