YOUTH VISIONING FOLLOW-UP PROJECTS

Youth Visioning is all about youth-led activities for positive change at the local and national level. Since the meeting in Mauritius, youth in each of the 37 island nations and territories have now returned home and are sharing the events of Mauritius with their counterparts at home. They are also working on preparing project proposals.

Throughout the Youth Visioning process it is the third phase that has been emphasized as being most important. A key factor differentiating Youth Visioning from many other youth forums is the focus on the implementation of projects and activities that youth design and implement themselves.

With regards to the challenge that lies ahead, it is noteworthy that the Mauritius Declaration from the main international meeting makes reference to the important role youth play in the sustainable development of SIDS and the need to encourage their efforts (Paragraph 15) as well as recognizing the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on women and youth in SIDS and committing to addressing this issue.

The Mauritius Strategy further emphasizes action by SIDS, with the necessary support of the international community, to involve youth in visioning sustainable island living.

The first two phases of YVIL have been successful in fulfilling most of their stated objectives. The youth are excited about their projects and their plans for change. There appears to be real potential for creative, effective projects and activities to take place through Youth Visioning for Island Living. We must remain committed to these young people who have expressed such a fervent desire to enact positive change in their respective islands.

More information:
Mauritius Declaration
Mauritius Strategy