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.”