Croatian delegation begins its visit to Pokhara, Nepal at the 14th International Youth Media Summit (IYMS), taking place from July 26th to August 10th, 2019. This year’s edition brought together 58 delegates from 21 countries around the world, with the purpose of motivating young people to use the media. Throughout the 16 days, together with their mentors they will create a platform for shaping and expressing opinions on current world problems. Our delegation consists of two young students; Rebeka Čuljak and Antonio Britvar.
Touching on cultural differences, young diplomats and filmmakers show their peers how to become responsible and entrepreneurial in their society. The main framework of IYMS consists of 7 global issues: Discrimination, Environment, Health, Poverty, Violence, Women’s Rights and Youth Empowerment. With each issue, the delegates make two-minute short films, and the goal is to propose a solution that anyone can achieve.
Sapan Hamal, Executive Director of IYMS, announced that this year they have received support from several United Nations organizations such as UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UNRCPD, UNESCO and UN Women, as well as the Nepal Film Development Board and the Nepal Tourism Board.
Juan Pablo Ramírez Miranda, Head of Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO New Delhi, recognized the important contribution of IYMS to the worldwide youth platform. He urged envoys to “take over the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals in their own hands to build sustainable future”.
Our representative Antonio Britvar, Chairman of the Youth Committee and a member of the Advisory Board said: “This year we are particularly happy to be able to say the youth is taking on the leading role in organization and execution of the event. There is no doubt that all the hard work throughout the year pays off at the very moment when we finally meet all the participants to create plenty of content, making lifetime friendships along the way.”
Participating in IYMS in the group “Discrimination” group, Rebeka Čuljak shared her experience: “This year’s Summit is a big surprise to me. From the very beginning, all delegates were like a part of a big international family. The extraordinary open mindedness and cooperation of each participant thrills me day by day. This is a great opportunity for anyone to sharpen their diplomacy and film skills with the help of talented and experienced peers. “
The Croatian Film Association became a member of IYMS in October 2013 and thus announced that there will be at least two young delegates each year coming from Croatia. The Summit is an extremely valuable event, educating young people in critical access to the media and also a platform for the development of future film professionals. Congratulations to our delegation for their participation and valuable exchange of knowledge and experience with filmmakers and diplomats from all over the world!
