Youth Blast – Conference of Youth for Rio+20
Several Scouts, especially with a large representation from Brazilian Scouts, represented World Scouting at the Youth Blast Conference of Youth, as a build up to Rio+20. Youth Blast was held in Rio de Janeiro from 7-12 June 2012, and was organised by the UN Major Groups for Children and Youth as a preparatory event for all children and youth who will be attending the Rio+20 Conference.
As part of the activities at Youth Blast, Scouts organised a workshop for the participants and called it the Game of World Trade. The aim was to help participants develop an understanding and appreciation of the relationship between rich and poor countries in the current global scenario. Donning different roles such as those of diplomats, common people, corporations, the government, etc, the participants could experience the play of power relationships, fair and unfair practices that could emerge in such relationships. In assessing the activity, young people said that they were able to relate to real life situations and its economic and social order (and issues). Injustice and inequality was seen manifesting everywhere, especially in the poor and emerging countries. The workshop was attended by 30 young people and it was easily one of the most popular activities offered as part of Youth Blast.
Click here to read the perspective of Guilhermina Abreu, one of the participants at the Scouting run workshop ‘Game of World Trade’, on her blog post (only available in Portuguese language).
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