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Model SAARC Summit emphasizes heritage protection
Highlights
With the notion of advancing regional connectivity and ensuring prosperity, South Asian Youth Society (Says) recently organized ‘Model SAARC Summit 2015’ bringing young diplomats from all SAARC countries to Dhaka.
With the notion of advancing regional connectivity and ensuring prosperity, South Asian Youth Society (Says) recently organized ‘Model SAARC Summit 2015’ bringing young diplomats from all SAARC countries to Dhaka.
During first session of the very first day, one of the three committees, ‘Committee of Education, Science and Culture’ discussed about two agendas—(1) ‘Safeguarding cultural and natural heritage’ and (2) ‘Empowering youth through ICT and Media’ to possibly reach out a declaration reflecting upon these agendas. Most fascinating part of that session was the delegates who represented a country apart from the country they actually belonged. It was an amazing scope for a better understanding of each other’s point of views, like putting oneself in someone's shoes. The delegates showed enthusiasm underlining the pressing issues of South Asian region.
‘Being neighboring countries we share similar culture, socio-economic status and some common goals for development, says Laxmi Nepal, a delegate from Nepal representing Maldives in the summit with an amazing opening remark focusing the agendas in Maldivian perspective. According to her the language of Maldives is unique as it is only spoken there and thus must be recognized by the world in a bid to protect it. She also pointed out a threatening issue of global warming that can have devastating effect on the South Asian region, while suggesting that the SAARC countries should act in an integrated manner to combat these collective issues in the region.
Huda Hussain Burgri another delegate from Pakistan representing Sri Lanka in the committee emphasized on forming a regional policy to preserve and protect the regional and national heritages.
Hassan Ziyau from Maldives representing Nepal urged of strengthening cultural ties with each other, creating open minded human society and trying to find a common ground for mutual development and shared interests in SAARC region.
Regarding second agenda which especially refers to the importance of ICT and Media orientation for youth community in South Asian countries, with effective policies like integrating standardized IT education, additionally formal education, and increasing accessibility of women to ICT issues.
They all believe that youth can play a huge role in bringing change. Providing youth with access to ICT and media can make a real change in this region.
In the session considering current situation some wonderful proposals were raised by the delegates. i.e. arranging more exchange programs among SAARC settings, organizing national and international events, launching IT home pages, through sharing technology among SAARC countries etc.
Special adviser to the committee, Dr Gamini Keerawella suggested the delegates need to venture into new areas like ‘E Government’. He said, ‘Science can be used to create a people friendly administration which is necessary for much more civilized society in the region.
All delegates unanimously believe that ICT and media will strengthen the inter-connectivity and will improve mutual relationship which is essential for bringing a change in South Asian region.
Amina Khan
The writer is a Young Fellow of South Asian Youth Society (SAYS). She can be reached at [email protected]
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