Where did all this come from?
The Arctic Youth Network is a collection of young people from around the Circumpolar North. It began with the idea that a youth voice needed to be included in the work of the Arctic Council. So far, we've concentrated our efforts on bringing together youth from the 8 member states and 6 permanent participants of the Arctic Council. The next step is to formalize our ideas of how we would like to be involved into a formal proposal. We feel that the inclusion of youth within the framework of the Arctic Council will improve relationships between the work that is being done in the North today and the work that will continue into tomorrow.
By connecting the youth of the North, we aim to encourage community involvement in all levels of development and promote better relationships between all Northern people. By sharing opportunity and information with youth we aim to facilitate more knowledgeable, more engaged communities.
Together, we can and will work toward a new generation of capable leaders, skilled workers, and educated citizens.
Our connection to the Arctic Council
Having youth involved in the Arctic Council is a great way to involve young people in the policies and research that affect our lives every day. It is also an excellent way to articulate our needs to the international community. As young people, we can offer a long term perspective that is made clear by our more simple perception of current and historical events.
"The Arctic Council attaches special importance to [...]: Children and youth. Their well-being and potential are essential to the future of Arctic communities and must be protected and nurtured."
The above mentioned quotation from the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Framework Document, agreed upon in October of 2000, declares that the potential of youth is a key concern. The Arctic Youth Network addresses this area of special importance by connecting young people to northern public policy. In the process, the AYN provides opportunities to build connections between youth throughout the polar regions and involve them in proceedings that will shape our future.
Some reference material
AYN has been busy. Here are some documents that could help you understand some of the stuff we're working on.
Declaration on Climate Change from the Youth of the Arctic
The Declaration was drafted following our August workshop. Click here to read it.
Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change may be things you've never heard of. The thing is, they affect what your life will look like 10 years from now. It's worth looking into. Click here to download the basics (A Beginner's Guide). Or, visit the UNFCCC website for allllll the goods.
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment
The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment takes a critical look at what's happening here in the Arctic. A must have!
Art and photo contest
The Arctic can be a lonely place sometimes. That's why we're working on an Art and photo contest so that we can all see through each other's eyes for a second. Check out TakingITGlobal's gallery for a sneak peak at what the future could hold.
Can't find what you're looking for? E-mail, call, or mail us your comments. We'll do our best to help you find what you need.