Local-scale projects require input from locals. People who live in a context know that context best. In this commentary of democracy, representation and decision-making I argue that consultation must be deliberative process involving all stakeholders, especially those community members who will be affected by change. Ultimately, however, policy-makers must make decisions and have the conviction to stick to them.

The most durable and organic means to practice sustainability is to plan holistically. This is true, whether planning is done in a Third World or First World context. This has become clear throughout my studies of urban change and transport systems in Perth, Western Australia and wider research.

All too often, too few interest groups are represented in the decision-making process. Moreover, these groups tend to focus on a limited range of issues (normally short-term economics and political accountability). Such an approach to planning is not organic and is does not lead to sustainable outcomes. In Perth, myopic planning has contributed to great issues of sprawl and car dependence.

Instead, effective planning requires involvement from a wide range of persons with different sets of values. Using my example, effective urban and transport planning requires input from land use planners, transport planners, health professionals, urban social geographers, reputable architects and the public. Each contributor needs to be very aware of the mandate and the desired outcomes. Social, economic, environmental and public health issues need to be given careful consideration when desirable outcomes are identified.

Participation from all interest groups, especially a cross-section of public representatives is vital, as this involvement can ensure the overall strategy can better `fit´ expectations. Preferences and expectations can be expressed, thereby serving to dispel any doubt for decision makers as to how difficult the sustainability agenda may be to `sell´. Such a participatory procedure necessitates, before anything else, that all interested parties are educated of the problems facing the community and what needs to change. Dissemination of information is therefore very important.

This represents the important first step of deliberative democracy. Of course, the process will be tailored to the project, whether it is urban (re)development in Perth or distribution of funds for schools in Bangladesh. The second step, which is just as important, is decisions must be made. No dialogue can be open-ended. Nevertheless, making the decisions is not easy, when there are contesting points of view. However, economics cannot simply dictate outcomes.

Ryan Falconer, PhD Candidate, IYPF Implementations Team (Internal
Communications), Perth, Western Australia

July 2006 saw the second Nigerian Youth Leadership Summit in Enugu. Since young people account for 60% infected with HIV/AIDS, focusing on health and development seemed to be an important issues for them to address.

For 4 days in early July, delegates grappled with the effects that HIV/AIDS had on their country and potential solutions. Apart from skills development and sessions with eminent speakers, the summit issued the Enugu Youth Declaration on Health and Development.

This Declaration highlights that as Nigeria’s poverty increases, the impact that HIV AIDS has on the population and especially on vulnerable groups in the community also increases. The announcement points out that women, young people and children as well as those out side the metropolitan areas are often the worst affected by this illness and are also lest likely to benefit from health programmes. This declaration highlights the problems with services that many of us in the west take for granted.

What makes the summit and the declaration so inspiring is the commitment that the delegates show in trying to solve these problems. Strategies include capacity building, and partnership between the public and private sectors, and also with international aid agencies. Other tactics involve education; appreciate assistance for various groups, and support for health workers and research.

Apart from issuing a declaration, delegates had the opportunity to hear from speakers such as Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima, Executive Director of Development Partnership International. Mr. Mac-Ikemenjima delivered a speech entitled “It is our turn to move the agenda”.

He spoke about the myriad of challenges that face Nigerian young people including HIV AIDS. He stated that 40% of the Nigerian population are young people and they, unfortunately, make up 60% of those who suffer from the deadly virus. Young people are not only more likely to suffer from this illness, but also at the forefront of change.

Mr. Mac-Ikemenjima cited a project in Port Harcourt to provide young girls and women with the skills to set up their own businesses.

It is inspiring to see Nigerian Young Leaders being agents of change in their communities and country. While they are facing increasable problems, they are showing real leadership in trying to develop solutions.

The newsletter will be available from our website in early November. See our blogs for some articles.

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Welcome to the September 2006 Peace & Conflict edition of our monthly IYPF newsletter. Our sincerest apologies for the delay this month and the lack of formatting! This edition is being finalised from Vienna in an Internet Café. We hope to bring you our regular edition relatively on time in October!!!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this newsletter - all of you who sent in articles, and to our editors and communications team. The focus on different themes each month allows us to appeal to a wide audience and showcase the work of different members and their organisations. We will continue this next month with a focus on poverty eradication, and then in November on Sustainable Consumption and Energy, and in December on HIV & AIDS. Send us your contributions!

With respect to Peace & Conflict, the pursuit of peace is an ongoing one. Sustainable communities assume peace and justice. Yet the world is seemingly one characterised by many wars and conflicts. Some of you reside in conflict or post-conflict zones. Your work to create social change and sustainability in such environments is vital and inspiring. So find below some articles and information on peace and conflict around the world and initiatives to make the world a more peaceful and just place.

Also in this edition we continue to focus on the intersection of democracy, governance and sustainability, showcase some member and partner initiatives, and highlight some opportunities and resources of relevance to you in your work and journey.

On 4th October, the IYPF celebrated its 5th birthday! This was a big and exciting event for us – it’s been hard work building the organization and its network during that time. But it has also been very rewarding supporting and inspiring the work of young professionals around the globe. To celebrate our birthday, we added some content to our website and launched a new blog for IYPF members. You can access it here: www.tigblog.org/group/iypfmembers/. Details on how to join and contribute are available, as well as profiles and messages on some of our members on the advent of our birthday. Check it out and leave a comment! And if you are a member, join and post your own message and profile.

Thanks again for patience with this late edition and we look forward to your contributions to future editions and your feedback on our ongoing efforts to inform, inspire and equip you to change your world for the better!

Cameron Neil
CEO, IYPF


Table of Contents

IYPF News – Staff needed, Member Profile
Member Activities & Projects – Second Nigerian Youth Leadership Summit
Partner Activities & Events – Stand Up Against Poverty
Peace & Conflict Theme - Solidarity and Democracy Mission to Timor-Leste
Democracy, Governance & Sustainability - Democracy, representation and decision-making, Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
Opportunities & Resources

Hi everyone

This is a short message for three purposes:

1. Firstly, we apologise for the delay on the publication and distribution of our Sept 06 newsletter.

We hope to have it done and distributed to you all soon.

Note that there may be further delays in adding it to the website.


2. We want your contributions for our October newsletter.

The theme for the October newsletter is Poverty Eradication.

October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It has been said that this is the first generation that can, if it wants "Make Poverty History". What do you think? What are you doing to eradicate poverty? What are your thoughts on the persistance of poverty and its causes? Let us know so we can share it with the world!

Also, if you participate in and run events for the 'Stand Up Against Poverty' activities, we'd love to hear from you about them!

See http://www.standagainstpoverty.org for full details and how to get involved.

Contributions for the Oct newsletter should be sent to newsletter@iypf.org by 20th October (24th at the latest!).


3. Finally, its the IYPF's 5th birthday on 4th October 2006!!! We'll be putting some new things on the website and publishing some exciting content in celebration. Check out our website from 5th October for more! www.iypf.org


Cameron