by Olexiy Kuzmenko | |
Published on: Aug 18, 2004 | |
Topic: | |
Type: Opinions | |
https://www.tigweb.org/express/panorama/article.html?ContentID=4161 | |
The event, organized by UN’s Focal Point for Youth in Ukraine head Tatiana Poladko and growing TIG Ukrainian membership, and lead by pre-selected national coordinator, Olexi Kuzmenko attracted a very representative and reputable audience. Representatives of strong Ukrainian youth NGOs (European Youth Parliament –Ukraine, Ukrainian Association of UNESCO clubs), renowned international non-profits (Internet Access and Training Program -US Government sponsored) and Ukrainian ICT flagman ship “KvazarMicro”, as well as other reputable organizations, individuals and youth media, were all welcomed at Alexanian’s hall, were the presentation took place. The presentation featuring the TakingITGlobal Creating Local Connections model, promoted in 10 selected countries (of which Russia is closest to Ukraine in various aspects, where official launch of a TIG Russian community is scheduled for October 2004) grasped attention of the audience for the whole duration of 1 and a half hour event. Following an introductory statement on TakingITGlobal, delivered in turns by Tatiana and Olexi, the Creating Local Connections presentation took place. Enabled by technology provided by the host, Ukrainian TIG members offered their guests a guided tour through what was officially mentioned as an International Youth Platform and skilfully revealed at the end of the presentation as the most powerful and involving youth empowerment and education tool, www.TakingITGlobal.org. The TIG format, which has been successful internationally, might be implemented as successfully in Ukraine. Having in mind the immense importance that at present both national NGOs, the international community and Government ascribe (and not implement) to empowerment of youth through ICT, taking into consideration E-government projects, research and “fuss”, to say, surrounding the issue – it is obvious that TIG has appeared at the right time and came to the right country, Ukraine. A one-stop resource that would, in virtual space, give Ukrainian youth global outreach, local and planetary voice, assist in the development of youth-related and youth-run media. It would make it easier to gather youth leaders and experts to issue Open Forums together with Governmental officials with the purpose to advocate local youth globally and before national governments, securing recognition of youth as key stakeholders at all levels. It is a resource needed and long awaited for. Why wait? After TIG ‘s first appearance in Ukraine during the All-Ukrainian UN Youth Summit 2004 in July reputable organizations and individuals greet us and offer assistance - now the time has come to form strong coalitions and institutionalize TIG to guarantee strong basis for dialogue with national and global actors playing in the local youth field. TakingITGlobal has taken a great start in Ukraine. As a result of the presentation, relevant ideas on TIG implementation were aggregated; this important material will further be used by the TIG team to strengthen present partnerships and build new ones. Meaningful use of technology means a lot, and so does cooperation. In line with traditions of support established between UN’s office in Ukraine and Ukrainian TIG membership, other inspiring partnerships start to give fruits. Vitaly Baev, 25-year-old World Bank intern, e-government expert and strong TIG sympathizer is to represent CLC model to delegates of All-Ukrainian Youth Summit in Kharkiv at the end of August. That said I would like to invite you to look into Ukrainian youth, its future in the digital world that we all live in, and to assure that we all are making the world a better place to live. Whoever said Olympics is about spending billions – he maybe right, but since TakingITGlobal is about involving billions of youths, I say - inspire, inform, involve is hundred times better than citius, altius, fortius. « return. |