In its resolution 58/208 of 23 December 2003, the General Assembly decided to devote a high-level dialogue to international migration and development during its sixty-first session in 2006. The purpose of the high-level dialogue is to discuss the multidimensional aspects of international migration and development in order to identify appropriate ways and means to maximize its development benefits and minimize its negative impacts.
As part of the preparatory activities leading to the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, the General Assembly held Informal Interactive Hearings with representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations and the private sector on 12 July 2006 at United Nations headquarters in New York. The objective of the Informal Interactive Hearings was to provide an opportunity for NGOs, civil society and the private sector to interact with Member States and offer input for the High-level Dialogue.
Mariya Petrova (MP): How and why did you get involved with the Global Youth Action Network?
Fabrizio Scrollini (FS): I got involved with GYAN working for the MC as TakingITGlobal Regional Youth Editor. I gathered articles and activities for young people in Latin America working and campaigning in favor of MDGs. Last year I took part in the General Assembly Hearings with the Civil Society pre- M+5 meeting. I was one of the youth spokespersons at that event.
MP: How have the young people in Uruguay responded to the work of your organization?
FS: In Uruguay we work on Democracy and Youth through a game called Agora devoted to promote young active citizens. We discuss global and local issues, while young students debate the Budget of the country. So far 700 young people have experienced the game.
MP: What are young people in your country doing on the problem of migration?
FS: Unfortunately my country seems to export the best of our young experts to the world and they do not come back. Also we are exporting low skilled workers and they don't come back. Our youth, or a big part of it, does not believe in their future. The government has established networks and also the OSCs but so far there are no concrete initiatives on this issue.
MP: Do you attempt to further engage in a dialogue with your government on the issues of youth migration?
FS: So far we have involved the Uruguayan mission at the UN in the debate and we are going to follow up the issue in the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in Uruguay towards the High Level Dialogue.
MP: In what specific ways or programs can the youth be involved with in helping to establish clear emigrational policies?
FS: Youth needs to be involved in all the process, nationally and internationally. As Marioliva Gonzalez remarked youth must participate in the discussion of this issue worldwide, but also youth should be involved by governments in their policies regarding the Diaspora. Specifically through ICTs that young people handle so well.
MP: Do you think that the Informal Interactive Hearings with NGOs, Civil Society and the Private Sector on International Migration and development held on July 12, 2006 were effective in establishing an active conversation between all parties?
FS: The hearings have become in an important instance for Civil Society to establish a good dialogue with the UN. The hearings need to continue in all instances with the UN, and it is amazing that young people are able to be there. I fully endorse this kind of procedure. In terms of Dialogue, I guess that Member States should be willing to engage in a more proactive way. Of course there are always things to correct, but this process should be encouraged as a space to enrich UN decision-making process.
To view an archived webcast of Fabrizio's statement at the UN, please click here.
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