November 29 – December 3 2004

International Young Professionals Summit 2004

Sustainable Livelihoods

Greg Mellis of the Smith Family, an Australian organisation which aims to effect social change through education, reminded us all that sustainable livelihoods are not just about the work we do. Sustainable livelihoods is about the way we live our lives.

Greg encouraged us to look at the strengths of an individual or a community rather that simply at their problems. He said in this way we could help empower people to change their own situations.

Sessions focussed on Corporate Social Responsibility, Trade and Globalisation and Entrepreneurship and Job Creation.

November 29 – December 3 2004

International Young Professionals Summit 2004

IYPF Project Showcase

IYPF endorsed projects, the Firefly Brigade (www.fireflybrigade.org) and The Natural Edge Project (TNEP - www.tnep.net), were showcased as an example of how far a small idea can come with passion and support.

Carmen Villasenor showed how the Tour of the Fireflies in the Philippines grew from a small idea by a group of friends to an annual event of 2,000 participants. The Firefly Brigade has also diversified to recycle bicycles, and provide safety equipment and bicycle training to locals.

Cheryl Paten of TNEP talked about how the project was sparked by a meeting at the 2001 IYPS. TNEP have recently release a book called “The Natural Advantage of Nations” and Cheryl is now employed by Griffith University in a collaboration with TNEP – making her passion for sustainable development also a sustainable employment option.

November 29 – December 3 2004

International Young Professionals Summit 2004

And then they said…

Regional Session - Africa

Money is not a factor to development – change of mentality is the key to development.

Importance of peer education – need to educate people from the regional who can educate their local communities and understand the cultural context.

In promoting youth entrepreneurship, foreign funding/investment must be targeted at projects are enterprises that encourage sustainability and self-sufficiency in the long-term.

Entrepreneurship and Job Creation – Sam Gilchrist

Community-based organisations also help empower and unite the community there by sustaining not only the livelihood for the local people, but for the communities as well.

November 29 – December 3 2004

International Young Professionals Summit 2004

Global Change Fiesta

The day ended with a bang at the Global Change Fiesta: Where Ideas Become Actions. The public were invited to experience cultural performances by delegates, which included a song by the Japanese delegates and a traditional Fijian Kava ceremony. More than 30 stalls showcased local, and international organisations along with delegate projects. Speakers also shared their ideas with the crowd.