Yes, Edmonton, it’s that time again. Time for a Global Youth Assembly.

Every two years our city gets to plays host to 800 young folks from across Canada and 30+ countries around the world who look to Ignite Change Now! Make the jump for conference details and a music video.

This year’s focus is about water. That will be the topic around the University of Alberta through Saturday. There are so many aspects to water, and what it means in our world, that three days is probably not nearly enough to really talk about it all. The goal, however, is that the youth in attendance will form partnerships, create plans, come up with ideas, and help make needed change.

Among this year’s keynote speakers are Liberal MP Justin Trudeau and underwater filmmaker Steve Zissou Fabien Cousteau. There will also be plenty of workshops, arts, and performances. So, a busy three days.

Since we are only two people,

We highly recommend you check out Alex’s breakdown of the weekend’s events here, because it’s really entertaining and insightful. He also says he’ll be posting a weekend wrap-up in the next day or two, so you kids stay tuned!

Have fun at your Global Youth Assembly, jerks.

I won’t be there, because I’m not in your sexy, coveted youth demographic of 16-28. No, I’m 29. It’s too late for me to make a difference. I had my chance, but that’s over now. I must resign myself to a life of increasing irrelevance and isolation, shuffleboard, creamed corn and writing long, aimless letters to the editor of various publications who ignite my ire. I’ll just enjoy my Metamucil while you guys get together at your big fancy party, solving all the world’s problems and discussing who your favorite Jonas Brother is. Hmph.

Oh, come on now, obviously, I’m kidding. Well, I’m sort of kidding. I am actually too old to partake in the event – but I’m sure it’s less about ageism and more because they don’t need clowns like me relating everything that happens to TV shows went off the air in 1993. “This is just like in that episode of Murphy Brown where…,” “you know, I think Patrick Duffy said it best on that episode of Step by Step…”.

ANYWAY, if the prime of your life hasn’t passed (did I mention that adding insult to injury, even though today is Jeff’s birthday, he’s still young enough to go?), here’s a brief rundown of the 4 day symposium, from the GYA website:

The Global Youth Assembly (GYA) is about bringing youth between the ages of 16-28 together from diverse geographical and personal backgrounds to learn from each other and become part of a movement to advance peace and human rights. The goal is to provide these youth delegates with a vibrant social forum where they can gain new knowledge and perspectives make new friends, create new goals and projects and the confidence and support they need to take action and ignite change in their communities.

In 2007, the John Humphrey Centre partnered with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Rights and Democracy and TELUS to present the first Reach Out Speak Up! Ignite Change Now—Global Youth Assembly, hosted in Edmonton Alberta. From August 1-August 4, delegates participated in workshops centred around the 8 Action Areas for a Culture of Peace and Human Rights as defined by UNESCO and featured world-renown keynote speakers including Dr David Adams, Kim Phuc, Dr Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and Sol Guy, just to name a few. Events included the Get on the Good Foot For Peace Hip Hop Summit and the Open Mic Night.

The event is taking place over at NAIT’s main campus, and includes seminars with topics like politics and building community, shopping for change, and social work through hiphop. Noteworthy speakers at the event include Governor General Michaelle Jean and ex-foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy. An event schedule for the whole she-bang is available here.

And if one of you whippersnappers winds up going, do me a solid and keep an old lady in the loop about what’s going on. Links to your blog postings, pictures, video, ETCETERA, would be most appreciated.