Friday, March 21, 2008

International Partnership for Climate Change Mitigation

22 - 25 April 2008.
Visthar, Bangalore, India

Global Citizens for Sustainable Development, Bangalore, India is organizing a workshop on the theme "Intergenerational Partnership for Climate Change Mitigation" to be held at Visthar between 22nd April – 25th April 2008. This workshop is supported by Center for Environment Education (Ahemdabad, India), South Asia Youth Environment Network, Fair Climate Network, China-India Forum, Charter of Human Responsibilities, Friendship Foundation, Earth Charter Youth Initiative and many other organization which feel that there is a need for Intergenerational partnerships to work towards Climate Change Mitigation. The workshop is also a follow up of the ICEE conference (www.tbilisiplus30. org) held at Ahemdabad in November 2007 which brought together individuals and representatives from various youth and environment related networks, and has effectively demonstrated the efficacy of education as a tool. Youth participants have felt the need to sustain this effort to integrate education into sustainable development. Participants have acknowledged the need to create a convergence amongst networks especially youth network through steadfast and resolute action, in order to fight against climate change and to propagate the values and principles of sustainable development.

In our collective efforts to mitigate Climate Change, this workshop will focus on in-depth understanding of pro-poor Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects undertaken by grassroots organization in India. The workshop participants will get an oppurtunity to visit a CDM project.

During this workshop, we are also rejuvenating the Asia-Pacific Alliance which will be an alliance of Intergenerational Partnership for Sustainability. The Alliance will discuss, propose and motivate citizens in Asia-Pacific and globally to act towards many such themes which require urgent attention and an intergenerational partnership effort.

Participants at this workshop will include:

1. Representatives from or associated with any environmental and youth network across the world, especially from Asia
2. Teachers, educationist and social activist working on ESD
3. NGO, CSO and intergovernmental agency representatives
4. Individuals with an interest in climate change and ESD related issues
5. Participants from the ICEE conference held in Ahemdabad in November 2007

The objectives of this workshop are:

1. To establish a mandate for the alliance for working towards SD through contributing to the fight against climate change
2. To create an educational guidebook on climate change, which incorporates the goals and fulfils the objectives of ESD
3. To consult various stakeholders, including civil society representatives, students and youth participants, on the content of the book
4. To solicit inputs for similar upcoming initiatives on ESD and climate change
5. To disseminate the content of the guidebook amongst stakeholders

The expected outcomes of the workshop are:

1. A global alliance on ESD and climate change with a clear mandate conforming to the values of SD.
2. An Educational Guidebook/Training module on Climate Change, containing information on causes, potential impacts and remedial measures with focus on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

Workshop Coordinators : Anugraha John (Global Citizens for Sustainable Development) , Vikram Aditya (Friendship Foundation) and Aparna Susarla (Center for Environment Education).

For further information please contact:
Anugraha John
P.O. Box 3210, R.T Nagar Post.Bangalore 560032. INDIA. Telephone: +91-9448192010.
Email: ajohn316@globalciti zens.org.in

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Training Future Leaders Program

We are pleased to announce the Training Future Leaders Program, a graduate scholarship program for emerging leaders in fields related to agriculture, democracy and governance, economic growth, education, the environment, public health, and water management. This initiative is funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Academy for Educational Development (AED).

The TFL Program is now accepting applications for the 2008/2009 academic year, with an application deadline of 21 March 2008. This competitive leadership development program will provide full graduate scholarships for future leaders from Philippines in fields related to the environment and water management.

Additional information on the program and applications (including an on-line application) are available on our website (http://futureleaders.aed.org). Of course, should you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact me at the coordinates below.



Sincerely,

Jason Kelleher
Training Future Leaders Program
Academy for Educational Development
Tel: (1-202) 884-8139
Fax: (1-202) 884-8425
Email: futureleaders@aed.org

http://futureleaders.aed.org

16th International Youth Leadership Conference


20 -25 July 2008
Prague

The 16th International Youth Leadership Conference is a week-long youth forum on world politics, international relations and international law.

The most recent conferences welcomed around 100 students from an average of 35different countries worldwide, with a strong emphasis on cross-cultural, international youth empowerment, and an open-minded exchange of different perspectives on global issues.

Participants play active roles in simulations of important world organizations:

-UN Security Council Crisis Meeting
-International Criminal Court Trial
-Model European Parliament Proceeding

Other conference activities include visits to foreign embassies, Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chamber of Deputies and Senate of the Czech Republic, group debates, banquet dinners, and some free time to explore the beautiful streets of Prague.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the next round of acceptances is March 20th, 2008. If we receive your completed application (including the short essays) by that date, you will receive an email notification of your acceptance status by March 25th, 2008.

Czech Airlines is the Official Carrier of the 16th IYLC in Prague, July 20th - 25th, 2008. Feel free to ask for the discount of 10% from applicable Economy Class fares and 15% from Business Class fares.

www.czechleadership.com

Ashoka Fellows



*Do You Know Someone with a Powerful New Idea? *

Ashoka Philippines is launching its search for the *first batch of Filipino Ashoka Fellows! * Help us find the country's most promising social innovators.


*What is a Social Entrepreneur? *

Social entrepreneurs are individuals who have a unique insight into a social problem and find an innovative and effective way to address it. Often this means changing the existing system – testing, refining, and promoting an approach until it has become the new pattern across society. They are passionate and persistent, tackling major social issues and offering new solutions for wide-scale change.

Social entrepreneurs are possessed by their ideas, committing their lives to changing the direction of their field. They are both visionaries and the ultimate realists, concerned with the practical implementation of their vision.

We are looking for the next Muhammad Yunus (Grameen Bank founder, Nobel Peace Prize Winner) and the next Bill Drayton (originator of the global carbon credit scheme and founder of Ashoka).

*The Global Ashoka Fellowship*

The Ashoka Fellowship is not a leadership award or academic program. We are not looking for well-established and recognized individuals. Rather, we are looking for social entrepreneurs in the launch stage of their work who need that extra push and support. Ashoka Fellows can come from any field of work – from health and human rights, to education and the environment.

Through a rigorous local and international selection process, we hope to identify Filipinos who meet the following criteria:

1) *A New Idea* to Solve a Social Problem;
2) *Creativity*
3) *Entrepreneurial Quality*
4) *Social Impact* of the Idea; and
5) *Ethical Fiber*

Once elected as an Ashoka Fellow, the person receives a three-year living stipend, professional support, and access to a powerful global network of their peers in more than 60 countries. Fellows benefit from this community for life.

*Ashoka: Innovators for the Public* is the global association of the world's leading social entrepreneurs— men and women with system-changing solutions for the most urgent social problems. Since 1981, we have built a community of over 1,800 Ashoka Fellows who inspire others through their innovations—demonstr ating to all citizens that they too can achieve positive change and transform their communities.

*Be the Crucial First Step*

We would like to invite you to be a member of our nominator network. Tell us where the exciting work is being done and who is most deserving of our support. The attached document contains detailed information on our criteria.

*If you have any questions or would like to nominate a Fellow, please write to: philippines@ ashoka.org

*To know more about Ashoka, please visit our website at http://www.ashoka.org

Thursday, March 13, 2008

International Youth Forum 2008



Bandung, Indonesia
23- 30 June 2008

About
International Youth Forum 2008 is a forum for youths to learn, share and experience mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation among world youth faiths leader communities through real conversations on what things that matter the most, so that they can be the agents of a peaceful change in their own communities. The IYF 2008 will bring about 300 young people ages of 18-30 from around the world that have been actively engaged or interested in this program.

Program's Goal:

1.To promote mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation among interfaith, international, and inter-civilization youth leaders in the world.
2.To bring clarity of divisive issues and help forge greater understanding towards peace.
3.To build a peace network
4.To provide creative space for peace thoughts, interactions, and social movement.
5.To build a Global Youth Action Plan and recommendation on achieving MDGs 2015

Program Format:

This program will offer a mixing speakers to share their own experiences of peace-building toward MDGs and youth empowerment issue, country paper sessions, inner reflection and sharing in which individuals can share their peace-building stories, panel-discussions, quiet time, world cafe, dialogue, field practice, social workshops involving the local communities, free time, workshop on practical exercises for skill improvement, cultural event, and family groups.

You're Invited!

Every student, young people or NGO member from around the world can participate to IYF2008, with the condition of having age between 18 – 30 years old on June 23, 2008


How to Participate

Download application form at http://iyf.psap.or.id/

Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP)



REPRESENT the Philippines as National Leader (35 years old & above) or as Youth Ambassador (18- 30yrs old) to the 2008 SHIP FOR SOUTHEAST ASIAN YOUTH PROGRAM (35th SSEAYP)!

QUICK BACKGROUND:
The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP) is an annual programme sponsored by the Japanese Government and supported by the member-countries of ASEAN.

The programme brings together more than 300 youth from ASEAN countries and Japan, providing them with the unique opportunity to live together on board the Japanese ship Nippon Maru for over 40 days.

SSEAYP started in January 1974 based on Joint Statements issued between Japan and the five ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1985. Vietnam participated in the programme in 1996 while Laos and Myanmar participated in 1998, and Cambodia in 2000.

The aim of SSEAYP is to foster friendship and greater understanding among young people from Japan and ASEAN countries. It also seeks to broaden their international outlook.

A series of activities are lined up for the selected participants. The programme during the voyages includes discussions on relevant social and youth issues, cultural introductions, sports, recreation and club activities. While activities at each Country port-of-call include interaction with the local youth, courtesy calls on dignitaries and institutional visits, as well as community service and homestay experience.

PROGRAM DURATION:
Intensive training preparation in Manila for the Philippine Team for almost 45 days.

Actual SSEAYP Program for over 40 days.


APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 15, 2008

Application is now ongoing. Download the forms www.youth.net.ph

Monday, March 10, 2008

2009-2010 PHILIPPINE FULBRIGHT STUDENT PROGRAM

We are pleased to announce that competition has begun for the 2009-2010 Fulbright study grants in the United States.

The objective of a Fulbright grant is to enable qualified Filipinos to pursue their graduate studies in their fields of interest in the United States and to develop leaders who can contribute to promoting better understanding between the Philippines and the U.S.

Applications are accepted from faculty and staff of Philippine universities and professionals from the private and government sectors.

Grants under the Philippine Student Program are for a maximum of one academic year for non-degree and one to two years for master's and two years for doctoral degree studies. The grant provides for round-trip international travel, monthly maintenance allowance, tuition and fees, book/supply allowance, and health and accident insurance.

FIELDS OF STUDY

1. Study of the United States - The study of American culture, life, and society through such fields as government, education, arts and humanities, law, economics, literature, history, the multidisciplinary field of American Studies or any other humanities or social science field with significant study of the U.S. subject matter.

2. Global Issues - Fields of study include environment, human rights, civic education, governance and public administration, peace studies/conflict transformation, international relations and transnational issues, international economics, international business, international law, and information and communication technology (ICT).

3. Open Grants - Fields of study not covered by the first two field categories with the exception of engineering, medicine, nursing, and other health-related disciplines, and applied sciences and mathematics.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. Philippine citizenship
2. English proficiency
3. College degree with major in field of specialization, excellent undergraduate record
4. While no medical certification is required at application time, applicants must be in good health to pursue graduate work in the U.S. Finalists will be required to pass a medical examination.
5. Applicants must have at least two years of professional work experience (after college) in their field of specialization.
6. Applicants for degree programs must be no older than 40 years of age at the time of application. This age requirement is waived for non-degree study.
7. Applicants must be prepared to return to the Philippines immediately upon completion of their study.
8. In addition to the eligibility requirements cited above, non-degree applicants must meet the following:
(a) Applicants for doctoral enrichment must be enrolled in a relevant doctoral study program in a Philippine university.
(b) Applicants for doctoral dissertation must be enrolled in a doctoral program and must show proof that materials required to pursue research are not available in the Philippines but are available in the United States.

-Individuals holding dual (Philippine-American) citizenship, are permanent residents, and/or are presently studying in the U.S. are not eligible.
-Fulbright alumni who have received awards under the Philippine Fulbright Student Program (i.e., those who pursued master's, PhD or non-degree study) are not eligible for another grant.
-Students already in the US are ineligible for a grant.
-Individuals who have resided in the US for 5 or more consecutive years in the past six years are ineligible for a grant.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Official or certified transcript of records from all colleges/universities attended
2. Certified true copy of diploma (NOT ORIGINAL)
3. Four letters of reference (forms are provided in the application kit)
4. Completed 6-page application form
5. NBI clearance acquired in the past six (6) months

NOTE: Standardized test scores (TOEFL, GRE) are not required at the time of application.
Documents submitted will be not returned to the applicants.

Application forms and further information on the award may be obtained from the PAEF office at the 10th Floor, Ayala Life-FGU Center, 6811 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Tel. nos.: 812-0919, 812-0945. Fax no. 812-0822. The application form can be downloaded from the PAEF website: www.paef.org.ph

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Application forms and required documents must be submitted to the PAEF on or before March 28, 2008.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

The British Chevening Scholarship Award



Dare to be different?

Are you in the formative stages of your career as a future leader, decision maker or opinion former? Are you seeking opportunity to benefit from a high quality UK education?

Find out more about our Chevening Scholarships

Each year the scheme provides over 3,000 awards to scholars world-wide including around six from the Philippines. The scholarship is offered to individuals coming from a wide range of academic disciplines or professional backgrounds in both public and private sectors - politics, government, civil service, media and business - awardees are selected strictly on merit.

In what study areas does one expect to see British Chevening Scholarships awarded?

Economics and finance, human rights, law, management, project planning, international relations, diplomatic training, media studies, banking, business administration, development studies, journalism, public administration, environmental studies, computer and information technology, engineering, and political science.

How long are the courses?

Awards are normally made for formal courses such as a Master's degree, but are also occasionally given for shorter, vocationally oriented courses, or for research attachments lasting between three and six months, but not for more than a year of study.

Courses not eligible for an award under the British Chevening Scholarship programme: - Military training though military personnel can take academic courses at civilian institutions - Part time courses - Distance learning courses - Courses of less than three months/twelve weeks duration - Secondary education - Undergraduate courses

What does the scheme pay for?

The scholarship covers all the costs of the period of study. This includes academic fees, monthly stipend and air fares to and from the UK.

Am I eligible?

Preference is given to those already established in a career, who have motivation, personality and academic ability to benefit from their chosen course of study in the UK and the exposure to the UK way of life and who have at least two years work experience in their chosen field; and are not more than 40 years old.

How to Apply

To apply, send the requirements indicated below to:

Ms Liza Manahan
Public Affairs Officer
British Embassy
17F L.V. Locsin Building
6752 Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue
1226 Makati City
Philippines

Requirements:
- Completed CHEV1 (application) form; please see download link below
- Cover letter
- Comprehensive resume
- Photocopy of Transcript of Records
- Chev 1 Form (please go to http://www.britishcouncil.org/philippines to download the form)
- Other documents as indicated in the Application Form (Chev 1), EXCEPT for the MED 100, Chev 2, and IELTS test report.

PLEASE NOTE: Application documents sent through fax or e-mail will not be accepted. The next round of applications will start on 1 February 2008 and end on 31 July 2008 no later than 1600 hours (for consideration for the following academic year 2009-10).

Due to the huge volume of applications received every year, we are unable to confirm receipt of documents from each applicant. We suggest you include a receipt form which can be signed by the Embassy staff who receives your document, or, for those delivered by courier, please check with your courier service provider on how you can verify delivery/receipt of your documents. Enquiries on application status will not be entertained.

Download application form at: http://www.britishcouncil.org/philippines-learning-fundingyourstudies-british-chevening-scholarship.htm

CIVICUS Youth Assembly



16 - 18 June 2008
Glasgow, Scotland

“People, Participation and Power...”

Building on the success of last year's CIVICUS Youth Assembly the 2008 event will offer an exceptional opportunity to meet and work with other young women and men who are really making changes to things that matter.

The Youth Assembly will offer young delegates a program and a space to develop and commit to action internationally. The theme of participation in civil society will be explored over the course of the event and delegates will learn about issues that effect billions of people worldwide. The programme will develop not only delegates knowledge, but also build personal capacity through a series of workshops and skills development sessions. Participation is key and all delegates will be fully engaged in a programme of full participation.

In attending the Youth Assembly delegates will also go on to participate, as full delegates, in the CIVICUS World Assembly where they will have a voice and opportunity to meet and influence some of the world's leading NGOs, groups and individuals who are committed to the creation of a more just and equitable world.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to meet a number of Young Scots who are involved nationwide in social justice programmes. These opportunities will help build global linkages and offer both delegates and young Scots opportunities to understand issues from a global perspective.

How to get involved...

There are several ways to attend the event - Delegate places are available to successful applicants aged 18 to 25 years old.

All delegate places are 100% free of charge and we will include all your accommodation, food and social programme events for the week. We will also include your Delegate Fees to attend the CIVICUS World Assembly.

Although we are able to offer some delegates travel bursaries (please see the separate conditions on the application page) travel expenses to and from Scotland are generally expected to be paid by delegates. Many Delegates last year managed to secure their own sponsorship from employers, organisations, charities and governments to cover these expenses and we can help you with suggestions of how to make an approach.

Delegate places are limited and will be awarded to the strongest applicants from around the world. These will be assessed on selection criteria, which can been found on the application pages.

Download application at:

http://www.rnw.org.uk/CIVICUS2008.aspx

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

SEED Awards 2008

Do you have an entrepreneurial or innovative idea that is locally-driven and has great potential to contribute to sustainable development in developing countries? Are you finding new ways of simultaneously improving incomes and strengthening livelihoods; tackling poverty and marginalisation; and managing and conserving natural resources and ecosystems? Are you developing a new concept that brings together people and organizations from different backgrounds - a project that challenges partners to pool their human,financial, and natural resources?

Do you need support to make your idea a reality, or to help you grow?

If so, then we would like you to tell us about your idea.

The SEED Initiative is seeking submissions for "The 2008 SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development" . We welcome innovative ideas from any group in a developing country, which is working in partnership with others to generate environmental and social benefits in an entrepreneurial way.

SEED Award Winners receive a tailored package of support services to help them to become established and to increase their impact. This includes access to relevant expertise and technical assistance, meeting new partners and building networks, developing business plans and identifying sources of finance. The Award is not a cash prize - but the services offered have a value of US$25,000.

The call is open until the 16th March 2008.

More details are available at http://www.seedinit.org where you can also find the application form and learn about previous Award Winners.

We look forward to receiving your application and to reading about your ideas.


With best regards,

Dr Helen Marquard

Executive Director
The SEED Initiative
For information about the SEED Awards:

http://www.seedinit.org

mailto:seedawards2008@seedinit.org

Tel: +49 30 8900068 99

For any other queries about the SEED Initiative:
helen.marquard@seedinit.org
Tel: +44 1420 488 544

The SEED Initiative
- Supporting Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development
c/o The World Conservation Union (IUCN)
28 Rue Mauverney
Gland CH-1196
Switzerland

UN CSD Youth Caucus




6 - 16 May 2008
UN Headquarter, New york

The Youth Caucus at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development is accepting applications from youth delegates (please note that no scholarships are available).

All applications should be submitted by email to csdyouthcaucus@gmail.com by Wednesday 10 March, 2008. Please note that selected applicants will go through vigorous background checks.

Download forms at:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgxpjjjt_17pp57ndhf

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgxpjjjt_13ch2mszg8