Meguro UNESCO Short News                                 No.188-3

 Introduction of Committees’ Activities -Part 6-
 
  Youth Activity Committee
 
  This committee is constituted of members from the young to grown-ups. Its mission is to understand the spirit of UNESCO and develop activities among young people to create the world peace. To pursue this mission, the young members with the members from various generations are considering what kind of activities and how to organize and operate them. Under this committee, the following actions have been carried out. 
 
■Activities
1. International Friendship Youth Retreat
 Started in 1990 as the “International Exchange Camp for Students", and in 1994, the title was changed as shown above. This year, the 13th Retreat is to be held. Since the first time, this camp is supported by Meguro Board of Education, Meguro International Friendship Association and others. Along with a theme, the participants develop their thoughts through lectures and discussions with guest speakers and other participants. Many students from the abroad add an international atmosphere to the camp. Even the games help the participants understand each other's background and culture and develop cooperation as a group creating the next generation for world peace, based upon the UNESCO spirit. Last year's camp was held with a theme “Let's cross the intersection of different cultures", with 69 attendants from 14 countries. Many of the OGs and OBs will attend this year because the campsite from the 1st time, a facility in Wada village, Nagano Pref., will be closed next year.           
   
       (Photo: the 12th Retreat)

2 Welcome Party, Bonen Festa, Cooking Party, Sports Festival, etc.
   To welcome new members and foreign students who are newly arrived in Japan, the “Welcome Party” is held in April. The cooking party is not only about making food by ourselves but also enjoying games to deepen our relationships. Sometimes, foreign students introduce their countries' wonderful foods, too.  

3 UNESCO Lecture “Think about peace now” (December 1st, 2001, see short news 183-2,3,4)
   After a lecture, we made a White Map of War, and discussed about world peace.

4 Attend “Meguro Citizen's Festival”
   To spread UNESCO Movement to the public, we introduce the Retreat at the Festival. We opened a refreshment stand, too.

5 UNESCO Lectures at an Elementary School (December 19, 2001, See Short News 183-3)
   Since September 11, 2001, we were thinking what we can do to strive further for world peace. We visited an elementary school in Kawasaki City to hand down to younger generations what we have learned at UNESCO to help them understand the meaning of peace. After the visit, we received many letters from the children later. Some of those are “Now I know the difference between UNESCO and UNICEF", "I am surprised by the fact that there are children who cannot go to school", "I will send unused postcards to donations." Teaching is learning. We wish to have a valuable encounter again.

6 Cooperation with the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan (See Short News 185-4 for the Youth Seminar)
  5 of our members (including 2 foreign students) attended the Youth Seminar which was held at Mizumoto Youth House, Tokyo, sponsored by NFUAJ. In June, 7 members attended the National Convention of UNESCO Movements in Kobe. (See photos shown below.)
   Along with the internet, which has become popular, mailing lists also perform a big role. The internet provides us chances not only for transmission but also for exchanging opinions without facing each other. Especially after September 11, 2001, we have exchanged opinions about Islam, the responsibility of UN and UNESCO, which developed into a “Seminar to Study Islamic World". Mailing lists provide a chances for members who are too busy to attend a session in Japan or overseas. We are now trying to construct a network among the UNESCO associations in Japan and overseas as well as to make our homepage more attractive so that it will provide a site to talk with the
young people from all over the world. Please give your support to our committee.
 

The photo shows a closing ceremony at the 58th National Convention of UNESCO Movements in Kobe (June 2, 2002), an Appeal from the young members.
7 of our members and Prof. Tajima, an Advisor to Meguro UNESCO, are seen in the photo
 

                                         UNESCAN PLEDGE
 The ideal UNESCO pursues is to achieve ever-lasting peace in the world and the happiness of humankind, which can only be founded upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humankind. In order to contribute to the realization of such ideal, we have adopted the UNESCAN PLEDGE, whereby we, the UNESCAN swear that we shall adhere to and uphold it as the norm for our conducts in daily life .

  Consolidate the defense of peace in our minds:
 Since war begins in the minds of men, everyone must firmly resolve to defend peace in one's mind by rejecting the idea to solve the disputes by force.

  Respect the dignity of everyone :
 It is important to foster the habit of respecting liberty and human rights in our daily life, based on the principles of democracy which stress the respect for the dignity, equality and mutual respect of everyone.

  Strive to contribute to educational, scientific and cultural development:
 Since education, science and culture are the basis to support the people's happiness and the enriched life, every effort must be made to promote their advancement and generalization.
 
 Eliminate the suspicion and mistrust between peoples and races of the world:

In order to eliminate conflicts and to ensure truly lasting peace, it is necessary to know each other's life, customs and mores and to remove the suspicion and mistrust between peoples and races of the world.
 
 Unite the world with the ties of love and trust:

In order to promote the world prosperity and the well-being of Human kind, we must be united with the ties of love and trust, must help each other as we are all brothers and sisters, and must advance through the paths towards co-existence and world prosperity.


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