Resolution of the CALD Young Leaders Workshop

Philippines, September 22-28, 2002

Realising that the youth of today plays an important role in the present well-being and future development of our nations;

Believing that freedom is essential for the development of all human persons;

Affirming that respect for human rights and the rule of law is a basic foundation for peace and prosperity;

Recognising that corruption and misuse of national resources hinders the development of our countries;

Recognising that many young people of our nations are not concerned with and directly involved in party politics and national political processes;

Emphasising the importance of youth in the development of Asian societies and the entire continent;

Believing that the issues and problems of Asian youth could be effectively addressed through cooperation and efforts at the regional level;

WE, the participants of the CALD Young Leaders Workshop, Philippines, September 22-28, 2002, hereby resolve:

1. to establish a network and movement of youths for the realisation of liberal ideals and democratic principles in Asia through cooperation and dialogue;

2. to commit to the establishment of a regional youth organisation known as the Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia (YLDA), and to adopt the working plan towards the establishment of the YLDA as set out in Annexure I hereof;

3. to develop successful liberal and democratic youth organisations in our respective countries;

4. to emphasise the importance of a holistic and progressive education policy in the development of vibrant and democratic societies;

5. to raise social and political awareness and promote liberal values amongst the youth of Asia through dialogues, fora and workshops;

6. to work towards greater understanding amongst peoples, the eradication of poverty and promote a culture of peace to address the root causes of terrorism;

7. to demand for accountability, transparency and good governance, and promote ‘moral politics’ in our respective countries; and

8. to advocate changes within our own political parties to address the issues and concerns of the youth.

Unanimously adopted by the participants of the CALD Young Leaders Workshop on 27 September 2002, Baguio City, Philippines.

Annexure I

Working Plan of the Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia

There shall be established a regional youth organisation known as Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia (YLDA), the main purpose of which is to foster cooperation and dialogue between national youth organisations in Asia.

Pending an election of the members of the executive committee of YLDA, the participants of the CALD Young Leaders Workshop, Philippines, 22-28 September 2002, have appointed the following individuals as members of the Pro Tem Coordinating Committee:

1. Jonathan Malaya (Republic of the Philippines);

2. Jun Hee Park (Republic of Korea); and

3. Linus Hsieh (Taiwan).

The Pro Tem Coordinating Committee shall be responsible for:

    a.    ensuring the active participation of the members of the network;

    b.    implementation of the Workshop’s Resolution;

    c.    reporting to the CALD Executive Committee.

Towards the establishment and development of YLDA, the following shall be implemented in progressive phases:

     I.     creation of a mailing list that will facilitate effective communications among

           participants of the Workshop;

     II.    publication of a dynamic and interactive website and a newsletter for

           distribution to members highlighting events of related organisations and

           the work of the Pro Tem Coordinating Committee/Executive Committee;

     III.   obtaining approval of relevant national organizations and transformation of

           YLDA into a constitutional organization;

     IV.  election of an Executive Committee; and

     V.   holding of regular events open to member and interested organisations in

              Asia.

YLDA shall work closely with CALD, FNS and IFLRY to achieve its aims and objectives.