Millennium Youth Parliament.

• Author: Gagnon, Francis

In November 2000, young people from throughout the Commonwealth took part in the "Millennium Youth Parliament". It took place over a three-day period in

Manchester and featured many lively debates and exchanges of ideas. The following article was written by the Quebec delegate to the Youth Parliament.

One cannot return from such an experience without being affected by it in one way or another. The first memory that comes to mind is the vitality of the persons present.

Looking at the group photograph, I am still surprised that so many people from such distant horizons were able to come together for three days. I see Akima from Grenada, Aadilo from Manitoba, Linda from Zimbabwe and Naomi from Australia. I also notice Pascal from Kenya. I chuckle as I remember his admiration for Quebec superstar Celine Dion!

Many participants demonstrated an openness and a will to express themselves that make you want to do the same. There was no shortage of ideas, and the viewpoints were often well grounded.

When the participants rose to speak, they were spontaneous, amusing and surprising. Time was taken in preparing their comments which were both articulate and moving. I have still a vivid memory of the comments by Simone Donaghue of Australia, who taught us that a physical handicap is above all in the eye of the beholder. Her message has stayed with me: take interest first and foremost in the person behind the handicap. I also remember the spontaneity of the youngest participant in the Assembly, of the rightfulness of Paola's arguments and of Juan's sense of theatre.

The challenge of taking the floor before such an assembly is not the only one to be faced. The formulation of a motion by such a large number of people from such diverse origins is an achievement in itself. It is necessary to come to an agreement, to share a common ideology. Meetings were lengthy and the discussions were sincere, as all had their hearts set on persuading their colleagues of the soundness of their ideas. And that is the main ingredient in a successful debate.

There are also personal challenges, such as preparing one's comments. One must weigh words and choose arguments carefully, because it is not often one has the attention of an audience that is so international and interested in similar issues. Approaching strangers to make their acquaintance is an ongoing challenge when one meets so...