May 18, 2016 –Telenor
Group to hold the first Telenor Youth Forum Asia 2016 to bring 28
delegates
from previous Telenor Youth Forum delegates from 6 Asia countries to
tackle the most daunting challenges facing Asia’s youth may be found in
Asia’s youth themselves. Joining the forum is world-class mentor such as
Liv Tørres, Executive Director of the Nobel
Peace Center. Telenor Youth Forum Asia 2016 will be held on April 25th –
26th 2016 in Bangkok at dtac house.
The
participating 28 delegates are all alumni of the global Telenor Youth
Forum from the past three years consist of Bangladesh, India, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Pakistan and Thailand.
Born into a digital age, these young innovators are passionate about
social causes and believe that the power of technology can create action
and real change. The delegates will be organized into teams and be
guided by world-class mentors and speakers from
organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF
Global Innovation Centre and the Nobel Peace Center, who will provide
expert resources for strategy building, design planning and solution
delivery. The event will also include keynotes
by Liv Tørres, Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center.
Mr. Sigve Brekke,
President and CEO of Telenor Group said, “By reconnecting our markets’
brightest,
most engaged and tech-savvy youth to address challenges facing their
peers in Asia, we hope to see creative solutions that inspire scalable
programs that will empower youth in the region. As we pilot the Telenor
Youth Forum in Asia, we are not only furthering
our commitment to an inclusive digital future, but also expanding this
formerly Oslo-based programme into a year-round cycle of dialogue and
production.”
Liv Tørres,
Executive Director, Nobel Peace Center, stated, “Our mission is to
inspire peace,
and we have partnered with the Telenor Youth Forum because it provides
an arena for young people with ideas and passion to address the issues
that matter most in building a path to peace. We are excited to take
part in this program in Asia as it sources real
solutions from the people best equipped to make the biggest difference
in their region.”
Five Challenges for Asia
• Getting more girls in schools: In South Asian countries, eight girls for every 10 boys are enrolled in secondary education, while three women for every four men are enrolled in tertiary education.
• Educating young laborers: Children who are forced to work to sustain their families lose out on opportunities for education and development.
• Breaking the taboo of mental health: Adolescence is the age when mental health issues first surface and young people are at greater risk of dying of suicide and violence. Depression and eating disorders are also on the rise in Asia, but dialogue on these topics remains limited.
• Engaging youth in nation dialogue: Young people comprise approximately half of Asia’s population and there is an urgent need to incorporate youth perspectives into national development and the political process.
Lars Norling,
CEO of Total Access Communication PLC. or dtac, reveals “dtac is
delighted and
thrilled to welcome the 28 delegates from 5 countries future leaders
who will help address the most pressing issues affecting youth in
today’s rapidly changing world. As for dtac the 3 delegates who will
joining this event are Onravee Tangmeesang, Asma
Naksewee and Metiwan Parkcharoen which they will help find solutions to
the 5 challenges and carry on the knowledge to Thai society. We look
forward to showcasing their proposed solutions to inspire others across
the nation to engage, innovate and take action.”
