04.02.2004 - Press release - results from the meeting


Press release - The Final Position Paper on Globalisation

Looking beyond our European shores towards our neighbours and the world ahead is the underlying principle guiding the 2003 Year Plan Project of the European Students Forum. 'Youth & Globalisation' Year Plan Project sought to attract students' attention to the contemporary issue of globalisation and to provide them the opportunity to make their voice heard and above all to wake up the sensitivity of others. All the conclusions reached produced the Final Strategy Paper on Globalisation.

The Final Strategy Paper on Globalisation springs from a multicultural youth dialogue based on consent and consensus involving the active participation of over thirty-five student organizations covering the five continents. Departing from a finely tuned definition of globalisation as a 'dynamic multi-dimensional and interconnected process that generates intertwined links affecting all aspects of contemporary life', youth delegates advocated the importance of adopting free and fair trade thus ensuring that developing countries have an equal bargaining power in international trade. 
Politically, globalisation has permitted the augmentation of political power and activity which transcends the nation states' borders. In light of this reality, apprehension is shown towards the current status of International Organisations and the recommendation falls within enhanced accountability so as to nurture to maximize the legitimacy of political systems enabling nation states to develop in-line with their indigenous political culture.
All delegates cherished a global civil society endorsing cultural diversity while a sound applause was made at the assertion that globalisation remains an opportunity to deepen knowledge of other cultures, gain broader access to information, and share knowledge and experience, reduce insularity and eradicate prejudice, all leading to common understanding, awareness of one's culture as well as beliefs and values within the global context

The Youth & Globalisation Project started off with an online survey, having its emerging indications to be examined developed further throughout the summer months in a series of five study meetings focusing on the five thematic pillars of the Project, meaning politics, economics, culture, geo-communications and civil society. Subsequently, the Joint Study Meeting produced the Working Document on Globalisation which was the point of departure at the World Youth Summit on Globalisation, taking place last December at the European Parliament in Brussels. 

'Following the positive response obtained throughout this year of activities, it becomes imperative for the Project Team to continue further in the analysis of globalisation. This time round, the major challenge awaiting us all remains that pervading in global dynamics and all the underlying issues involved and accentuated by the process of globalisation' stated Alexianne Galea, Project Manager 'Youth & Globalisation'.

The Final Strategy Paper on Globalisation of the European Students Forum can be viewed online on www.aegee.org/globalyouth/wys.

AEGEE is one of Europe's largest interdisciplinary and voluntary student associations, operating without being linked to any political party, promoting a unified Europe, cross-border co-operation, communication and integration in academic environment, and at the same time striving to create an open and tolerant society of tomorrow. It is represented in 271 university cities, in 40 countries all around Europe and has about 17 000 members.

More information:
Ewa Solarczyk
Vice-President / Director for Public Relations

European Students' Forum - AEGEE
Rue Nestor de Tiere 15
1030 Bruxelles
Phone: +32 2 245 23 00
Fax: +32 2 245 62 60
Web: www.aegee.org
Email: [log in to unmask]


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