YLDA Program Officer Joins Discussion on Youth Activism, Democracy
2005-10-04

To give Taiwanese youth an idea on how other organizations are promoting democracy and human rights, the Taiwan Youth for Democracy in Asia (TYDA) organized a panel discussion to celebrate their inauguration. Anne Elica?o, YLDA program officer, took part as a speaker in the discussion together with youth leaders and advocates from Asia.

Members of the fledgling youth group were praised for their great interest in youth activism, democracy and human rights. Gus Miclat of Initiatives for International Dialogue encouraged them to stay young because one needed to be constantly passionate and idealistic in activism work. "Most of all, you must see the fun in what you're doing,"; he said.

Ms. Elica?o also shared the experiences of YLDA youth activists. She spoke on initiatives of Khmer Nation Youth Movement Cambodia to educate the grassroots about voting. She also expounded on the Future Youth Group of Pakistan's campaign against prejudice and racism in school books.

The inauguration coincided with the first biennial conference of the World Forum for Democratization in Asia where the democratic development of the region was discussed. The YLDA Program Officer also sat as an observer in the activity.

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...