World Youth Congress 2005

Young UK journalist, Caroline Harmon, describes the atmosphere: "There's a buzz in the air… and already I'm getting used to answering the questions 'which country are you from?' and 'what is your role here?'.

"I've been asking these questions too and discovering the amazing stories everyone has to tell about how they got involved and what they do in their home country."

Caroline was just one of an impressive assembly of 600 of the world's most dynamic young activists, ages 18-25 from over 142 countries who gathered at Stirling University from 30 July-8 August 2005.

They were all there to share their expertise in tackling global issues at the World Youth Congress 2005, hosted by the Scottish Government. The programme included an array of young speakers, cultural performers from all corners of the planet and an introduction to the Scottish way of life, including a ceilidh – traditional Scottish dancing. Learn some Scottish dance steps.

For the first time, Scotland was playing host to the biannual World Youth Congress, now in its third year. Scotland was selected for 2005 based on its modern, outward-looking attitude as well as its strong commitment to youth and for improving communities without compromising the environment.

"I've been meeting lots and lots of people from all over – Congo, Brazil, Cambodia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Russia, Ghana, Guinea, Gambia, Palestine. In fact, basically everywhere! I feel like I'm travelling the world somehow," said another excited delegate.

The theme this year was 'Young People Working for Sustainable World Community' with the aim of furthering the UN's Millennium Development Goals of sustainability, poverty, education, equality, community and health.

Commenting on the aim of the event, the 'Face of the Congress', Paul Kane, age 23 from Dundee said:

"If we are going to have any chance of reducing poverty levels, illiteracy, unemployment rates as well as promoting equality and protecting the environment, then we need a radical chance involving young people."

But the 600-strong contingent of young delegates were doing much more than listening to speeches.

For three of the ten days of the Congress, the delegates (who were split up into 'Clans') used their energy and experience to spearhead local Action Projects in 40 locations around the country. These ranged from developing strategies to tackle HIV/AIDs and bringing together asylum seekers with local communities through to activities including film, music and sport.

Frederick Bernas and Holly Hamilton were involved in an Action Project to transform a run-down communal area and football pitch on a housing estate in Dundee. They were assisted by locals and professional artists in creating a vibrant and innovative spray-painted mural, which included, in Holly's words: "a vividly multicoloured seascape illustrating an awesome assortment of aquatic animals." 

Clan Co-ordinator Ben Hunter summed up the results: "Before it didn't look good or appealing – now we've made a huge difference which hopefully will continue to be enjoyed by everyone in the area."

Veerie Vrindts, part of a group of 14 delegates, 'Clan 11', headed off to the most Western islands of Scotland for an Action Project on 'Sustainability'.

She said: "Sixteen of us chose to make a calendar with pictures concerning the issues, others worked together to produce a film about sustainability."

They met a local glassmaker on Uist who used recycled glass to make jewellery and art crafts. "If you want to learn about sustainability there's no better place than a recycling plant", she told Veerie.

Back in Stirling, delegates were hearing from one of the speakers. He been called the Messiah for water and the 'water boy' and is an inspiration to young people around the world. This was Ryan Hreljac, a fourteen year old from Kemptville in Ontario, Canada.

Ryan was only six years old when he learnt that without access to water people become ill and sometimes die. So he set out to raise $70 to build a well in Africa and reached his target in only four months. Ryan's Well Foundation has now raised over $1,000,000 and he's not stopping there:

"We will continue educating people about water issues and about how important it is to volunteer. And we will motivate others to make a difference too. Build. Educate. Motivate." 

He added: "Find your passion, believe in your power and then turn your dream into reality."

Ryan was impressed with what Scotland had to offer:

"I really liked Scotland. It is a beautiful place. I got to see Edinburgh one day and another time we walked up the hill to the Wallace monument in Stirling and saw the sword of William Wallace. That was awesome to find out the truth about him. And I got to meet some great people from Scotland… Scotland rocks!"

As ten days of inspirational ideas coupled with cultural fusion of Scottish country dancing and Native American drumming drew to a close, delegate Iva Vukusic recalls: "the good moments, the ideas, the creativity, the laughter, the energy, the passion that the people shared, wanting the same thing, that is ‘ to make this world a better place for all of us."    

One group of young speakers, the Bloomer sisters summed up the philosophy of the World Youth Congress, saying "You're never too young to care."

Related Information

• Thinking about studying in Scotland? Find out more in our Study section
• Learn more about Stirling
• World Youth Congress 2005
• Ryan's Well Foundation
• Scottish Youth Parliament