How Oxfam IYP2004 worked

OIYP works primarily with a group of 301 activists aged between 18-25 – these are our Action Partners.  Each delegate to the Oxfam International Youth Parliament 2004 (OIYP2004), the world’s second sitting, was selected because they are already achieving impressive change and have the support of their local community in addressing some of the most pressing global issues in the world today.

All Action Partners spent eight days in Sydney in July 2004, where activities and discussions were focused on their work in their own communities, building skills and networking. Each Action Partner left Sydney with a commitment to implement their modified 'action plan'. These action plans represent youth led interventions aiming to bring about change at a range of levels (micro, meso and macro) throughout the world.

The action plans are very diverse and include a board game designed by an African delegate to educate other young people about HIV; a life skills education program (including basic reading and writing) for sex workers designed by a Chinese delegate; a collective action plan from delegates in the peace peace-building group, and the creation of culturally appropriate modes of education to increase rates of Indigenous students remaining in schools developed by an Indigenous Australian delegate from Mt Isa.

Over the next two years Action Partners will implement their Action Plans, share information with each other, participate in skills programs, apply for small grants and take part in OIYP's ongoing research agenda.

The action partners of OIYP2004 came from countries as diverse as Sudan, Iraq, Vanuatu, Indonesia, Belarus, Ecuador, Haiti, and the United States. They travelled to Sydney from big cities and small villages. In their diversity these young men and women are united by a common vision of a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world. They also share a commitment to turning ideas into action.  At OIYP2004, delegates worked in 14 ‘action area’ groups to develop action plans, which they will implement in their countries to bring about significant and lasting change. 

The action plans of OIYP2004 Action Partners address nine issues of fundamental importance globally and promise to deliver real change where it is most needed in the world today.

• HIV/AIDS
• Peace-building
• Education
• Labour and Employment
• Indigenous Rights
• Sustainable Development and Agriculture
• Human Rights
• Health
• Youth Culture and Empowerment.