At a glance: Germany

Young people gather to debate global issues at Junior 8 Summit in Germany

A flag of the Junior 8 Summit seen outside a local library in Wismar, Germany, where the youth summit will be held.

NEW YORK, USA, 1 June 2007 – Young people from Group of 8 industrialized nations and the developing world are gathering in Germany to participate in this year’s Junior 8 Summit. Mirroring the G8 Summit, which will be commenced on 6 June, the J8 is aimed at empowering young people to take part and voice their opinions in global affairs.

In preparation for their meeting with G8 leaders, the young people will spend a week debating four key issues:

Prospects for economic development in Africa
HIV/AIDS
Climate change and energy efficiency
New global challenges – among them intellectual property rights and corporate social responsibility.

On 5 June, 64 youths from G8 countries and 10 from developing nations will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. On 7 June, eight of them will have the chance to voice their concerns directly to G8 leaders when they meet them face-to-face in a live televised conference.

J8 representatives will also hold a press conference with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore.

Listening to the voices of youth

“Issues being discussed at the G8 directly impact on the lives of children and young people,” said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman. “UNICEF applauds the G8 for taking the time to listen to the voices of youth. And we congratulate the J8 participants for giving serious thought to the kind of world they wish to inherit.”

The Junior 8 Summit is a joint initiative sponsored by UNICEF and the Morgan Stanley International Foundation. J8 participants include teams of eight young people aged 13-17 from each of the G8 member countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and USA.

In addition, UNICEF has selected 10 delegates from developing countries: Algeria, Brazil, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Ethiopia, India, Moldova, Sierra Leone and Tanzania.

Video profiles and photos of the J8 delegates from several developing countries appear at right.

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