“No East, No West” International Conference on Intercultural Dialogue:
Fostering Understanding and Building Bridges across Cultures among Young People of Asia and Europe
April 26-30, 2010
Malacca, Malaysia

Background:

During this International Conference on Intercultural Dialogue, young people, religious leaders, politicians and business communities will come together and exchange views and experiences based on their respective religion, spiritual and cultural traditions. The International Conference will also reflect on how religions can assist in facing critical issues that concern our societies and will try to discover and create new pathways to peace through intercultural/inter-religious cooperation.
Leadership training session will also be conducted during the Dialogue. Among the topics that will be presented are the different leadership styles, how to lead change, how young people can make a difference and what change tools and approaches work. A young successful leader will be invited to share with the participants on why characteristics like integrity are important to make an effective leader.
This 5-day event is organised by the World Youth Foundation (“NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations”) in co-operation with World Youth Peace Summit, Ministry of Youth and Sports of Malaysia, the State Government of Melaka and various other agencies.  

Venue and Date:

The International Conference is tentatively scheduled on April 26-30, 2010 at Holiday Inn Melaka, Malacca, Malaysia.

Application Criteria:

• Young people from Asia and Europe between the ages of 18 – 30 (however some flexibility will be exercised as the definition of youth varies from country to country)
• Youth representatives from various national youth organisations, institutions of higher learning, civil society organisations, young representative of religious/faith groups, including those working in institutions promoting cultural and interfaith dialogue, think tanks or those in accomplishments like education, arts and media from Asia and Europe.
• An official of the Ministry of Youth or a related government agency
• Have a good understanding of the theme and the relevant policies in their respective countries
• Proficient in English and able to do presentations in English is a must
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to solve problems through adaptability and flexibility.
• Motivated to improve the lives of others through their actions and work.
• Culturally aware and sensitive to the aspirations of the youth around the world.
• Capable and willing to share experiences and resources with others in the community and contribute to the “No East, No West” follow-up process.
• Willing and being able to participate actively for the whole duration of the project
• Geographical and gender balance will be respected.

 Expenses:

The participants are required to fund their own air-travel. The Foundation will provide accommodation, meals and local hospitality for the duration of the Conference.
The registration fee is as follow:

Early Registration (on or before 15th February 2010)
Local Participant            -   RM 150
International Participant -  USD 150

Late Registration (after 15th February 2010)
Local Participant             -  RM 200
International Participant -  USD 200

 Application Submission:

The deadline for application is  March 5, 2010. Email submissions are preferred. If email is not an option, please  fax to World Youth Foundation (Fax No: +606-2323911) or mail to World Youth Foundation at P.O. Box 584, 75760 Melaka, Malaysia. Early applications are encouraged to ensure the timely processing  of travel documents and arrangements.
Information on the conference including the Application Form and Procedures is available on WYF’s website at http://www.wyf.org.my.
 
For more information please contact:

Ms Varsha Ajmera
Chief Operations Officer
World Youth Foundation
Tel. No : +606 2320911
Fax No : +606 2323911