Hi everyone!

I'm currently in Hong Kong at the WTO Ministerial. I got in yesterday, but was too exhausted to post. I'm just coming for an internse planning workshop with UNDP Asia in Manila on setting up the groundwork for a regional program on Youth in Democratic Governance. A lot of good things for youth and youth organizations are in the pipeline, but will probably update everyone later...

Back to Hong Kong!

This city is quite amazing! I am pretty impressed with the arquitectural design and just general feel. This is my first trip to Asia, and overall I must say I am really impressed.

The WTO negotiations seem to be deadlocked, but there is a possibility of advance via a development package for least developed countries (LDCs).

NGOs are running around the place trying to communicate their position to delegates when available, and delegates are busy trying to find common ground on the future of international trade.

Last night I went to a workshop organized by Oxfam's International Youth Parliament on youth movements working on trade issues. It was good to see friends (like Connie from Kenya working on GYCA) and meet new ones. The workshop was held at a meeting place next to the convention center. I hope that in upcoming ministerials, young people are able to be part of the negotiating process or at least hold meetings inside.

GYAN is trying to figure out an arrangement to increase youth participation at the Ministerial. Maybe governemnts could bring youth delegates as part of their delegations, or there could be a youth caucus recognized by the WTO secretariat and delegations, maybe there could be easier access to young people interested in attending the meeting. On this we are meeting contacts in the WTO secretariat in the upcoming days, as well as some friendly delegations.

All for now from exciting HK!

Luis