global youth convention...
15 – 22 June 2004
Eskom Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa CWM's Global Youth Convention brought together over 150 people aged 18 to 30 from its member bodies to discuss the trends of globalisation and to prepare a Christian alternative.
Globalisation is a complex trend that includes the growing social, economic and political connections of people and nations across the world.
GYC delegate Felix Nkam from Cameroon said: "To me globalisation means being part of a global village. It is an opportunity to share our differences according to our contexts." He said that the Global Youth Convention, being held from 15 to 22 June in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a fantastic opportunity to hear the views of people from all over the world. "We have an opportunity to build a world without boundaries."
But for others, lowering the barriers between nations has been destructive. In Korea for example, the economy has been damaged by its openness to international trade, said John Jang. Speculative international investment has made the stock market unstable. "The rich have grown richer and the poor have grown poorer."
In northeast India, faster and more accessible communications have allowed the population to be informed about issues all over the world, said Dorothy Varte from the Presbyterian Church of India. The media tells us of everything that is happening in the world, she said. "In effect all issues are global issues."
Read the Global Youth Convention Statement
