We are pleased to introduce you to the 18th IYLC Facilitators Team.

Andreas Mjelva (Norway)


Andreas has recently completed his Master of Arts in International Relations at the University of Edinburgh and is applying for PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies at University of Oslo. He is very passionate about football and has worked as a coordinator and coach in several sports projects, including Tines Football Academy. Andreas took part in a volunteering project in the Dominican Republic, where he contributed to building of schools and water closets as to improve the hygiene conditions in educational environments. He has spent two weeks in India, during an exchange project with Regional Institute of Education in Bhubaneswar. In 2004, he traveled to Tanzania, where he took part in a conference on HIV. Andreas was a participant in the 17th IYLC and is very excited to be coming back as a facilitator this July.

Ayushma Regmi (Nepal)

Ayushma recently completed her Bachelor’s in English Literature from St. Stephen’s College, India, and has begun a Masters in Development Studies at Kathmandu University, Nepal. Her primary interest lies in Education and she has pursued this in a number of ways. She spent a semester at Rishi Valley School, India, where she participated in an individualized study program on alternative education. Her experiences of these months have left a profound impact on her life and reconfirmed her belief that children teach us more than we can ever hope to teach them. She is currently working in the capacity of library coordinator for Open Learning Exchange Nepal, an NGO that has collaborated with the One Laptop Per Child Program to provide laptops equipped with additional educational materials to children in rural public schools. Her work includes building a digital archive catering to the needs of Nepali school going children as well as teachers. She is deeply interested in poetry and along with writing, she has also volunteered as the Poems and Book Reviews Editor for VENT magazine, a Nepali online magazine that is committed to citizenship journalism. More recently, she has also started conducting creative writing workshops to encourage the Nepali youth to express themselves through this medium.
The 15th IYLC was her first exposure to international relations and she found the entire experience very compelling as well as inspiring and has plans of organizing a national level leadership conference within her University in the near future. She believes that the IYLC is an excellent platform for exchange of ideas amongst the youth and is thrilled to be a part of it again.

Beatrix Allan (France)

Having moved to Paris at the age of six, Beatrix considers herself a Parisian at heart despite her persistent American accent in English.
She completed a double LLB in English Law and French Law (maitrise) with the University of Essex and Universite Paris X Nanterre in 2007.
Pursuing her interest in international law and human rights, Beatrix continued on to receive a Masters in International Humanitarian Law with the Geneva Academy and the Graduate Institute (I.H.E.I.D.). With an avid interest in politics and world cultures, she loves to travel and meet new people as well as ramble on about international law. She participated in the 9th IYLC and after a first go at being a facilitator at the last conference, she returns to Prague for another amazing IYLC experience!

Lwandile Simelane (South Africa)

Lwandile is an Alumna of the 17th IYLC in 2009 and is studying her final year in Political Science, Philosophy and Public Management and Governance with Honors at the University of Johannesburg. She was born in Mpumalanga before taking residence in Johannesburg. Although she likes long walks on the beach her greater interests rank as reading, relaxing and partying. She was the first female to hold the position of President of the student body at the University of Johannesburg and finds that her greatest challenge was being one of the co-founders of the Independent thinkers a student driven political movement. Her political interests range from European politics but far greater focus on African particularly South African Politics. Apart from politics Lwandile is a keen sports fanatic; currently she is the Secretary General of World Youth Hockey and a founding member of African Olympic Academy Participants Association as well as an enthusiastic supporter of Rugby, Soccer and Cricket and is still active in field hockey. She is looking forward to meeting new people at the 18th IYLC and is happy that she wont have to bare snow.

Manuel Delgado (Mexico)

“My name is Manuel Delgado, I was born in México but I also have Costa Rican nationality, I am 23 years old. My bachelor was in Communication Studies and I finished it last december at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico´s City. I have been working for two years in an important transnational pharmaceutical and nowadays I am developing in the marketing area. I participated in the 11th IYLC as an alumni and I must say it was one of my best experiences ever. The people I met there continue being very good friends of mine and what is more important, I could fully testify that nationality, religion or ethnicity are not enough arguments that can defeat the dream of building a peaceful world to every single person. I consider the IYLC an important scenario, because it´s diverse audience allows creating a single structure with an heterogeneity of ideas; tolerance is not a luxury, it is the main resource to generate any change. I like meeting new people; I think that everybody has the power to offer something valuable to learn. Reading is my favorite hobby and I love making sports, especially football soccer. I consider myself an open and friendly person, very dispose to confront new challenges. I am planning to do a master abroad and continue expanding my adventure at IYLC in this edition and in future opportunities.”

Thomas Hughes (United Kingdom)

“Hi guys, I’m Tom. Having had such a great time as a participant at the 16th conference last summer, I was itching to get involved with Civic Concepts again and cannot wait to facilitate at the 18th IYLC! I live in Derby, England but my family come from Wales and my loyalties sway towards the welsh, especially when it comes to the Rugby! This July I will be graduating from Cardiff University having completed an LLB in Law and French and I plan to stay on at Cardiff next year to study for an LLM in Human Rights Law. My Erasmus year spent in France was an invaluable cultural and academic experience. Having to integrate into a new society was a stimulating challenge and made me very conscious of the importance of cross-cultural debate and communication. I found the IYLC the perfect way to feed a desire to work with, talk to, and learn from progressive, inspiring students from such diverse backgrounds. I look forward to meeting you all in Prague this summer, where, if last year’s weather is anything to go by, I shall be wise to remember my shorts and sunglasses this time!”

Victoria Mbogo (United Kingdom)

Victoria was born in Kenya and brought up in the historic and cosmopolitan city of London. Currently she is in the concluding stages of an MSc in International Development and Human Rights at Swansea University in the UK. She is especially interested in African development and hopes to interact with and help develop governance in Kenya. With a bachelor’s degree in Law, Victoria has a vast knowledge of British Law and chose to specialise in Public and Criminal International law. Academically she keenly observes the relationship between law and global governance in the international arena, something that she feels she has been able to develop further in her masters.
Victoria has worked with NGO’s in the UK, namely an organisation local to her university, Asylum Justice that offers free legal advice to asylum seekers. Currently she is working as the Project Manager for the African Youth Leadership Council (AYLC), a new venture being pioneered to broaden the lessons of the IYLC to the continent of Africa.
Victoria is passionately behind the aims of Civic Concepts International, she firmly believes in the need to develop young people for their role within their society and the IYLC provides part of that in bringing together people from all over the world. As a past participant, she attended the 11th IYLC in July 2006 where she learned a lesson that impacted her world view greatly. That lesson was the importance of maintaining a people centred view point in being a world leader because leaders lead people not statistics, a fact that she believes is all too often forgotten.
Such was the gravity of her experience that she was fortunate enough to return to Prague for the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th conferences as a facilitator. These were opportunities that she feels privileged to have had and is thoroughly looking forward to the 18th IYLC and the adventures that lie in store. In her spare time Victoria is a keen singer and has held and a committee position in her University’s Gospel Choir. Additionally she loves dancing, travelling, reading, and the occasional game of Squash.

The Articles page on the IYLN website has been activated for registered IYLN users to publish their works.  As the IYLN members come from all corners of the world we know that there are many stories to be shared about the various experiences and opportunities that the members have had.  This is a place where IYLN members can submit articles and ideas in areas such as leadership, current events, and politics.  Any questions about how to submit an article for publication please contact me at lily@civicconcepts.org

A free lance journalist contacted the IYLN team looking for young female activists.  She is beginning a book and would like to interview outstanding young women.  We advised her to visit the Alumni Associates web page as some Bios are already up but I know that there are others out there which might be able to participate in this unique experience.  This is only the beginning of possible opportunities that will continue through active participation on the IYLN.  The more you put into this project, the more you will benefit!

 

The Alumni Associates program is gaining momentum! I have received head shots and bios from some of our associates and am currently posting them on the IYLN website. Those who sent me mailing addresses should be receiving AA packets shortly, so keep a lookout. If you would like to send me a resume I will gladly post those on the site as well.

I hope everyone is as excited about the project as I am. If any alumni out there are not currently involved in the program and would like to be, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for the excitement.

Lily

Civic Concepts International has established partnerships with 3 new hostels in Prague, which will be offering a 10% discount to all IYLC participants.

Sir Toby’s

Set in a quiet, nicely refurbished apartment building with spacious kitchen and common room, and run by helpful, friendly staff, Sir Toby’s is only 10 min north of the city centre by tram. Services include free Wifi in lounge, free coffee and tea & luggage storage, as well as low-priced all-you-can-eat breakfast, internet and laundry facilities. Highly recommended by Lonely planet.

Miss Sophie’s

This boutique hostel with dorms, private rooms and apartments, located on the southern edge of the New Town, makes a pleasant change from the usual characterless backpacker hive, featuring stark, minimalist décor. The place is famous for its ‘designer’ showers, and there is a cool lounge in the basement, with red-brick vaults, Black leather sofas, and a kitchen. The 24h-reception is staffed by a young, multilingual crew. Free Wifi & free guest computers.

Czech Inn

Czech Inn The Czech Inn calls itself a hostel, but ‘luxury boutique’ wouldn’t be out of place. It offers a variety of design accommodation, from standard hostel dorms to good-value private doubles and apartments. A bank of internet terminals in the lobby and an adjoining bar-café round out the charms. 24h-reception, free Wifi, low-priced all-you-can-eat-breakfast buffet & laundry service.

Information on how to claim the discount is available here.

Civic Concepts International, Leaders Magazine and AIESEC have joined efforts to launch a new leadership project for young people. Titled “Leaders Dialogue” this initiative gives you an opportunity to pose questions and gain feedback from accomplished European leaders in the field of business, government, diplomacy, arts and media.

Leaders Dialogue is a pioneer initiative designed to facilitate an open dialogue between the leaders of today and the leaders of tomorrow. It is an attempt to create a forum for accomplished leaders to share their experiences with the youth and for the young leaders to convey their vision of the future world. It is an opportunity to cultivate the principles of responsible leadership by means of a friendly discourse on contemporary challenges and alternatives that the youth can take advantage of. It is an effort to create a shared foresight for the brighter future.

Each month, prominent European experts will be invited to our Leaders Dialogue to answer your questions and to give you tips on how to master the art of leadership. Through the pages of the Leaders Magazine they will speak to you about their experiences and acuity, will share their ideals and will offer advise on how to be a responsible leader.

We welcome you to challenge experts taking part in our 1st Leaders Dialogue!

Jan Mühlfeit
Chairman Europe, Microsoft Corporation

Jan Mühlfeit is responsible for representing Microsoft Corporation and engaging with governments, large corporations, key partners and academic elites both within EU and on an international level. Jan Mühlfeit joined Microsoft in 1993 and, during his seven years in the company’s Czech and Slovak operations, held a variety of leadership roles. Jan Mühlfeit assumed the role of Vice President of Microsoft’s Public Sector team in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in 2005. He was named Vice President, EMEA Corporate & Government Strategy in 2006 and was subsequently promoted to Chairman Europe, Microsoft Corporation in 2007. Jan Mühlfeit is a board member of the European Academy of Business in Society(EABiS) and of the Junior Achievement Young Enterprise Europe (JAYE). He is also a Co-Chairman of the European Industry Leadership Board on e-Skills and a member of the Board of AIESEC, world’s largest student-run organization. Jan Mühlfeit also represents Microsoft on the TABD, the Transatlantic Business Dialogue. He is a regular speaker at various European and global events. Jan Mühlfeit has received numerous public awards including the “Best Manager of Czech Republic for 1999″ from the Czech Prime Minister, the “Czech Brain Award” and was named the Czech IT Personality of the Year three times. Born in 1962, Jan Mühlfeit grew up in Czechoslovakia. He received a computer science degree from the Czech Technical University in 1986 and, before joining Microsoft, worked both in the public and private sectors.

Kimberli J. Lewis
CEO, MEDIATEL

Kimberli Lewis is a co-founder and CEO of MEDIATEL corporation, one of the leading advertising and search companies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. With headquarters in Prague, MEDIATEL operates regional offices throughout the Czech Republic and in Bratislava with a staff of over 700. Every year, MEDIATEL published around 60 directories with a circulation of almost 4,5 million copies.

Before joining MEDIATEL, Kimberli has been a General Manager of the Directory Book Publishing Division and Electronic Media Division of Sutter Telefonbuchverlag, where she led operations for a product line of 111 printed and on-line business directories and was responsible for strategic development and expansion, national and international relations.

As part of the sales and executive management team at Sutter Telefonbuchverlag, Kimberly established cooperation between NYNEX and several European Corporations on joint venture projects in Italy, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom and Austria; she was involved in establishing an International Network for Yellow Pages Advertising with ITT World Directories in Europe; she was working on setting up directory operations for Gibraltar Telephone Directory and Nynex’s Polish Operations.

Kimberli has Masters Degrees in Business and the Arts from institutions including Harvard University, George Washington University & Webster University, St. Louis, MO
Her professional associations have included:
• Board of Directory and Database Publishers, first female and non-European born President of the Board of Directory and Database Publishers
• Treasurer for the European Association of Directory and Database Publishers
• Member and Country Representative of the Czech Publishers Association in the European Association of Directory and Database Publishers
• Winner of over thirty international awards in sales and marketing ..

Her professional associations have included:
• Board of Directors of the European Association of Directory and Database Publishers
• Treasurer for the European Association of Directory and Database Publishers
• Member and Country Representative of the Czech Publishers Association in the European Association of Directory and Database Publishers

H.E. Yaakov Levy
Ambassador of Israel to the Czech Republic

Since joining the Ministry in 1970, Ambassador Levy has held a number of senior diplomatic positions in the Israeli Foreign Service, including Consul in New York, Counselor in Rome, Charge d’affairs in Malta, Consul General in Boston, and most recently as Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva. Before presenting his credentials in the Czech Republic in April 2008, he worked as a diplomatic adviser to the Chairman of Knesset and as the Director of Department of Policy Planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Please send your questions addressed to our esteemed experts by email to leadersdialogue@czechleadership.com. Please attach a photo of yourself and include some personal details, i.e. your name, country of original, current position etc.

The IYLC Sponsorship Package is now available in PDF. Click here to download

IYLC Sponsorship Package - Side 1

IYLC Sponsorship Package - Side 1

IYLC Sponsorship Package - Side 2

IYLC Sponsorship Package - Side 2

To meet the academic credit conditions, the IYLC participants are required to complete 20 hours of pre-conference individual research. The following materials will acquaint the IYLC participants with the topics of the simulations and will ensure that the participants are equally knowledgeable about the questions in point.

UN Security Council: Non-Proliferation & Disarmament

1. BBC: UNSC Profile - Link

2. NPT Tutorial - Link

3. NTI. Country Overviews: Iran - Link

4. NTI. Country Overviews: North Korea - Link

International Criminal Court: Democractic Republic of Congo, Germain Katanga

1. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court - Link

2. Trial Watch - Profile of Germain Katanga - Link

European Parliament: Emission Trading Scheme

1. European Parliament: An Overview (incl. Organisation; Powers; Political Role) - Link

2. Mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol - Link

3. Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council - Link

4. (Amending) Directive 2004/101/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council - Link

5. Questions & Answers on Emission Trading and National Allocations Plans - Link

Civic Concepts International maintains active presence on various online social networks. We welcome you to follow our updates on a network that is most convenient for you.

The Agenda for the 18th International Youth Leadership Conference is now finalized and set. As usual, we will employ an interdisciplinary approach to global contemporary challenges through addressing and exploring 6 core subject areas, including:

International Security & Global Politics: In this module, the IYLC will explore the role of the United Nations Security Council in eliminating the threats to international security posed by proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In this context, the participants will learn about:
- non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energy,
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),
- nuclear safeguard systems, including International Atomic Energy Agency,
- nuclear-weapon states, non-nuclear weapon states, and Nuclear-Weapon-Free zones,
- effectiveness of existing models in combating threats to international security stemmed from non-compliance to international non-proliferation treaties.

Environmental Security & Sustainability: In this module, the IYLC will touch upon critical environmental issues of concern to global community. In particular, it will address the existing practical and legislative schemes for combating, reducing and preventing the consequences of climate change. In this context, the participants will learn about:
- economic stability vs. environmental sustainability,
- priorities of the European environmental agenda,
- greenhouse gas emission trading,
- green politics and green economy,
- challenges in adopting and enforcing environmental policies.

International Relations & Diplomacy: In this module, the IYLC will address the complexity of contemporary international relations on a changing geopolitical arena. It will explore the challenges facing diplomats in the present-day framework, where national interests contradict with international priorities and commitments. In this context, the participants will learn about:
- differences between the theory and practice of diplomacy and diplomatic service,
- priorities and challenges of present-day diplomacy,
- achievements and failures of diplomacy in maintaining peace and security,
- role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts.

International Justice: In this module, the IYLC will review the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the case of Germain Katanga on trial at the International Criminal Court. It will address the intricacies of ensuring world-wide justice employing globalized concepts of law, fairness and human rights. In this context, the participants will learn about:
- ad hoc and institutionalised international tribunals and courts,
- legal understanding of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide,
- “universality” of human rights,
- globalization of law and justice, and international jurisdiction,
- procedures of international justice.

Responsible Leadership: In this module, the IYLC will address the ethical principles of leadership in various settings, including business, politics, public administration and non-governmental sector. It will attempt to demonstrate the difficulties in balancing social and environmental responsibility with economic needs and requirements. In this context, the participants will learn about:
- definition and practice of responsible leadership,
- socially responsible, sustainable and ethical leadership,
- economics of responsibility,
- responsibility criteria in business, government and environment.

Journalism and Mass Media: In this module, the IYLC will touch upon the growing role of mass media in affecting and shaping public opinions, in particular during conflicts. It will explore the various effects the media can have on international security. In this context, the participants will learn about:
- established guidelines for covering conflicts by media,
- international security from a standpoint of journalism,
- real-life examples from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and other conflict regions.