Revisiting Sao Paulo, Brazil

I had this wonderful opportunity of discovering myself in one of the beautiful cities of Brazil. I wonder how many Nepalese have been to the amazing land that lies thousands of miles away requiring almost two days of travel and more than 9 hours of time difference. Undoubtedly, this was an exciting visit for me. However, I had a cause to be there. My sincere thanks to the Australian Greens (especially Margaret Blakers) for their warm support.

Global Greens (GG) organised their 2nd congress from 1-4 May 2008 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The event was attended by over 80 countries from all over the world, truly making an international and multifaceted event. The congress was led with a strong theme on climate change. Thanks to the organising committee who worked hard to give this event a success.

This congress was special to Global Young Greens (GYG) as it incorporated young people from different regions. Over 60 young representatives got involved in the congress many of them being official delegate. GYG strongly lobbied with the GG that they include young greens as well. And we strongly made our presence in the congress by making speeches, presentation, moderating sessions, etc. Special thanks to Janna Schonfeld who put lots of effort to make this happen. Janna also represented GYG in the organising steering committee of GG congress.

Though the main congress started from 1st May, the young greens had the opportunity to organise two-day workshops and sharing on 29-30 May. Various issues including indigenous people's rights, Post Kyoto, carbon trading among others were covered under climate change debate. Young Greens not only discourse on the topics but also shared local experiences, examples, green campaigns and importantly got to know each other. Taiwanese Young Greens made noticeable presence. Hopefully this is how Greens grow and mature.

Thanks to the Brazilian Young Greens who hosted the young greens workshop. Even with limited resources, I think they had a good intention of giving their best to make it happen everything successful for us. I appreciate the mixture they put into the program with bags, T-shirt, varieties food, and of all entertainment. Willingness to help is what I adored the most for Brazilians.

I organised a workshop on climate change (Kyoto, UNFCCC) during youth program and was a panel speaker in one of the sessions. Interestingly, I moderated a session during senior greens panel session as well. This was an opportunity to prove that youths could equally get involved with GG. I believe this time GYG made a good presence in the congress by having many youth speakers in the panel (Janna, Eric, Douglas) and forwarding resolution. Youths actively participated in various workshops too.
After the first founding GYG congress in Nairobi, this was also the opportunity for the steering committee to meet in person for the first time. We met several times to reflect back and come out with action plan. Personal commitments have been made. In case of non fulfilment of these plans, we have agreed to step down to let other people take on the job, which I feel is appreciable.

Since, I was also involved in organising the youth events I realise that distance management is not an easy job. Thank you George (German Young Greens) for you support and involvement. We had to struggle to get things in place, which obliviously did not work for many cases. In the GG congress, to my surprise, I realised that it was heavily dominated by Europeans and the Australians, could be because of their good base at home. Even with good delegation from Africa, Americas and Asia their say in the panel and discussion was very low. I think young greens need to learn from this and start working on empowering and involving youths from all regions. After all we are the ones who feed into the GG finally.

In early 2010, when we have the second GYG congress (in Europe) we will look back to the learning of GG congress in Sao Paulo. We will strive for wider participation, involvement, regional balance and democratic exercise to expand the presence of the Greens. I look forward to a successful GYG congress in Europe.

We face many challenges ahead including lack of financial resources but I am optimistic we can deal them with further commitment. GYG will work in close cooperation with the regional federation and we have FYEG (Federation of Young European Greens) that is 20 years old. Hopefully we can tie up better.

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Raju Pandit Chhetri
rajupc80@yahoo.com
GYG Steering Committee Member