UNICEF representative and quotas

Today at the summit, we talked to Karen Cirillo, Executive Producer of Children’s Broadcasting Initiatives at UNICEF in New York. Her “controversial idea” for the Global Youth Media Council is that the media should have quotas to ensure a variety of voices are presented to the public.

"We need more diversity in media. It doesn’t have to be, ‘Oh, this is a show about an immigrant’ – it’s a show about a family, which who just happen to be immigrants…”

Karen sat on a panel discussing Human Rights and Intercultural Dialogue: How Media Literacy increases awareness of differences and develops respect for the others.

DAY 3 - HIGHLIGHTS

The final 6 issues were decided today and then a range of recommendations were put forward by the group to help help solve these problems. This process was done through a series of fun group activities and brainstorming sessions. This made the process very fun but also allowed for some very creative and innovative responses.

The photos above are the group's initials brainstorms.

UKYMC MEMBER UMA SPEAKS AT OPENING CEREMONY

Uma Akther, member of the UK Youth Media Council, after hearing Queen Rania of Jordan's opening speech, presented our aims for the Summit with regards to the Global Youth Council.

DAY 1 AT THE WORLD SUMMIT

DAY 1 - OPENING CEREMONY

Today at Karlstad University, was the first time delegates, ministers and lecturers came together for the opening ceremony of the World Summit on Media for Children and Youth.

Mixed in with speeches on the most recent developments on children's media were cultural performances from the local Swedish young people.

Amongst those joining the world leaders on media on centre stage was the UKYMC's very own Uma Akther who, in an inspiring speech, introduced our council and our aims for the Summit.

Tomorrow we will be beginning a Global Youth Media Council sessions and trying to come up with a Global Youth Charter with other young people who have travelled from all over the world. Exciting times ahead!