The South Asia Summit on Youth and Human Rights commenced with great enthusiasm and purpose at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Performing Arts Theatre in Colombo from 24th to 27th April 2014. Under the esteemed patronage of Minister Dulles Alahapperuma, this event marked the second South Asia regional summit and one of five regional summits held as part of the World Educational Tour for Peace 2014, encompassing regions spanning Central and South America, Europe, Africa, and South Asia.
The primary objective of the conference was to equip the youth with knowledge and education on the protection of human rights and its profound significance. With the active participation of 250 young minds including youth from Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal and USA the summit generated recommendations that were later submitted to the World Conference on Youth 2014.
This summit also aimed to be a venue where youth from South Asia can gather to share experiences on youth led movement, youth rights and human rights issues being focused on South Asia and enhance the youth leadership and participation in the process of governance in South Asian level. Moreover this will Initiate debate and discussions on post 2015 Development agenda and also Support increased youth participation in the social, political, economic, and environmental at local national regional and university levels. Most importantly the summit will Facilitate a platform for exchange of ideas, opinions, reflections and projects by which youths can work together for regional cooperation and Share the stories of failure and success of youth around the region to know about the challenges and opportunities within South Asia focused on post 2015 agenda on youth participation.
Two Scouts from Colombo District: former Troop Leader Tithira Jayasekera of 39th Colombo Scout Troop and Abdul Qadir from Alethea International School represented the Scout body in Sri Lanka. Supun Jayalath and Varuna Kapuge of 55th Colombo Rover Scout Troop represented the Youth Scout body in Sri Lanka.
39th Colombo Scout Troops’ collabroration with Youth For Human Rights International started as a result of this event.
