YLDA Secretariat Inaugurated
2005-05-20

Rep . Dr. Nereus Acosta praises the Young Asian Liberals

A new signage will be installed in 7-B Amorsolo Street, Makati City (Philippines) and it proudly proclaims: Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia (YLDA).

It was unveiled in the May 18 evening party hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) to celebrate the formal inauguration of the YLDA secretariat. FNF and CALD will now be sharing their joint premises with YLDA.

YLDA Secretary General Rajendra Mulmi emphasized the significance of the inauguration, ? The decision to base the YLDA secretariat in Manila is not a coincidence, it is a strategic decision taking by the YLDA leadership?This is a very important day for YLDA. While the executive committee is the backbone of YLDA, it is the secretariat which provides all the support needed. With a professional secretariat here in Manila, YLDA will definitely be a very successful network of young liberals in Asia?. Mr. Mulmi recounted that plans for the formal establishment of secretariat were drawn in the very same room during the YLDA Strategy Planning in Manila in 2004.

Friends and important personalities close to the young Asian liberals toasted to this milestone in YLDA?s young history. FNF Regional Director Uwe Johannen- who shared that he was a young liberal once- applauded the enthusiasm and energy of YLDA, which he especially witnessed up close in the YLDA event in Kathmandu, Nepal. Dr. Ronald Meinardus, Resident Representative, said that with the establishment of the YLDA secretariat, Manila was fast growing to be the center of organized liberalism in Asia. CALD was represented by its executive committee member, Congressman Dr. Neric Acosta. ?YLDA is integral to the liberal network?we trust that YLDA will be in the forefront, a leading force in the region?, he said.

With the YLDA secretariat in place, it?s easy to see why.

Support from the KALIPI comes full force

Strong partnership between YLDA and FNF

Garda Bangsa Garda Bangsa was formed in 1998 following the successful political reform spearheaded by students and other campus activists to depose the tyrannical regime of President Suharto. The organization was founded by Abdurram Wahid, a former adviser of President Suharto who resigned following an escalation in government corruption and political management by the administration. He championed "Responsible Openness" within the government system and proposed the establishment of a Reform Committee in order to mitigate poor governance within the administration. His calls were left unheeded and so he eventually withdrew support for the government and joined the efforts advocating for reform in the government. Read more...