Youth UPF

Youth UPF encourages, sponsors and organises many types of events as well as focussing on leadership training for global citizenship.

As a part of the doing well and doing good project, Youth UPF hosted An Evening with former Attorney General, the Rt. Hon. Baroness Scotland QC. Baroness Scotland has led an illustrious career in which she became a barrister in 1977 before going on to become the first black-female member of the Queen’s Privy Counsel in 1991. She was given a life-time peerage from Tony Blair in 1997 before becoming the first black female government minister in 1999. In government she went on to hold the prestigious post of Attorney General in 2007, becoming the first woman in history to do so.

As a part of the 'Doing Well and Doing Good' project, Youth UPF hosted 'An Evening With Keith Best, CEO of Freedom from Torture' on Tuesday 29^th January 2013. The event was attended by approximately 40 young people in a House of Commons committee room and was chaired by Baroness Howells. Through the event, we explored Keith Best’s motivation behind his work at Freedom from Torture, before going through practical tips he had for young people to positively contribute to society.

Launcof a Youth Interfaith Council

6:30 pm Wednesday 28th November, 2012

Room 4, House of Lords, London SW1A 0PW

Hosted by Lord King of West Bromwich, patron of UPF

PRESS RELEASE:

On the 28th of November, 2012, in the House of Lords, we had a splendid event, the very first Youth Committee to launch a Youth Interfaith Council in the House of Lords, we were graced by the presence of two members of House of Lords. 56 Attendees, there were quite a number of new guests some of whom were attending their first Interfaith event.

The event started with Christa Kamga, introducing Matthew Huish who was had the idea/ project manager of this council. Matthew presented a most wonderful and inspiring vision of the Interfaith Council, which personally touched my heart and impressed me. Matthew spoke for approximately 15 mins and it was very well welcomed.

After his speech, Lord King warmly congratulated Youth UPF and praised the initiative for YIC, he also mentioned how it was time for the young people to step up and do such good works, as many times youth are misunderstood or seen as a problem in the society, hence we should be an example to show the world that we can make things well, and create a better place for the future.

There were cheers of applause with gratitude of the support and understanding on the part of Lord King as well as Matthew’s initiative. After Lord King’s congratulatory remarks and encouraging words, we had around 6 people from the audience give comments and ask questions. The questions where mostly answered by Matthew as they seemed to be direct questions to him.

After which Asuka Ostberg gave a great presentation about Religion. politics and Society which she is currently studying at Kings College. This was followed by talk by Nasir Gilani and Shabnam Khan (who not only gave good talks but contributed substantially in responding to questions from the audience).

We also had a talk by Kishan Devani who works with Lord Poppat. Lord King introduced Lord Poppat who gave a very heart to hear speech. Lord Poppat's speech was very warm and supportive of YIC vision and he explained that he himself is a very interfaith minded person and always does his best to attend every Interfaith event that he knows about. Lord Poppat also, talked very openly as to how he became such a person and how he values and respects each and every faith. In fact at the end of his speech Matthew directly asked if we could depend on his support and he consented.

A dynamic discussion followed once again .There were questions and very constructive comments from a few people like Dimitrie, Pascal, Mohammed, Asmaa, Indie, Marcus to which the contribution of Neil, Keldon, Sonja, the panel & audience as a whole was very helpful. It was like One Family Under God. Some good memorable comments include: When we come to this room, we should be one body; only in this way can we united show a model of peace for the rest of the world. The event was also attended by Asian Voice who will write an article on it.

We should never forget the very good contributions, advice and care from Margaret Ali (Director of UPF-UK) and concluding remarks and support from Robin Marsh (Secretary General of the UPF- UK).

The event was very inspiring. We were networking and discussing so excitedly that we only exited the room when House Of Lord security came to tell us that we overstayed by half an hour and that we must leave.

We want to thank you all for supporting me and the team in one way or the other and a special thank you to Matthew coming up with the YIC concept, Bandana for her efforts in bringing a number of new guests.

We want to thank you all for coming to the event and for your contribution during the discussions. It was very valuable. We would be very grateful should anyone (who attended the event) could contribute a paragraph as reflection of day/ event or even with questions that we can brainstorm about. Please do send it by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Christa Kamga & Neil O’Neil

Contacts: 020 7262 0985 or 0785 319 2654

PRESS RELEASE: Launch of a Youth Interfaith Council

28th November, 2012

Room 4, House of Lords, London SW1A 0PW

Hosted by Lord King of West Bromwich, Patron of UPF

Photo after Youth Session http://www.giveforyouth.org/microprojects/support-youth-interfaith-council/ -> Youth Interfaith Council ( Study and learn from your traditions together and make statements on national topic that affect young people.).

http://www.giveforyouth.org/microprojects/an-evening-with/ ->An Evening With... (Invites successful people that will inspire youth with motivation, way to overcome obstacles, what drove them & how they could get to where they are).

The 'Evening With' Professor Akiko Yamanaka was held on Tuesday 23rd October at SOAS, University of London. Professor Yamanka is a visiting professor at Cambridge University. Whilst being an accomplished academic, Professor Yamanaka was able to become a high ranking official in the Liberal Democrat Party of Japan. She rose to be the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs in Japan (2005-2006), and is currently a Professional By-Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge University and Visiting Professor at the Science Academy of Chiba University of Commerce. She is Member of the Advisory Group on International Peace Cooperation for Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Advisor for Research of the Japan Institute for International Policy Studies and Board Member of the Global Partner Forum 2010. Professor Yamanaka has held numerous academic positions throughout Japan including at the United Nations University and Hokkaido University, in addition to international postings in Germany, Sweden, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom. She has had a long-term presence in the National Diet of Japan as Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, specialising in diplomacy, security issues, peace building and crisis management. She holds the OISCA Award in recognition of her contributions to Asia and has also been awarded the International Soroptimist Japan’s “Sen Kyoko Prize” for her contributions to international understanding.