5th Annual International Leadership Training Programme: A Global Intergenerational Forum

Forum Overview:

The International Leadership Training Programme, organized as a forum, is premised on a three-fold understanding of the vital role leaders play in society. The first is that every new generation of human rights leaders builds on the work of those who came before it. The second is that in today's increasingly interdependent global world, where actions or events in any part of the global system have impact on people in other regions of the world, there is a need to build a network of solidarity and to nurture a new cadre of human rights leaders who can educate others and provide enlightened leadership to meet the complex and multifaceted challenges of the new millennium. And the third is that young people are a force to be reckoned with and that the future belongs to them.


Participants at the forum will be individuals (ages 18-30) from all over the world who have been involved in some capacity in human rights work in their communities. Participants will receive training in areas such as grassroots organizing, building coalitions, effective communication, use of media for human rights education, and understanding of the processes and relevance of restorative justice. It is planned that discussions will be conducted under the rubric of four principal areas; namely poverty, education, health, conflict resolution and/or transformation. Specific areas of focus will include issues such as human trafficking, the plight of children, refugees and war, hunger, HIV/AIDS, religious intolerance, gender discrimination, racism and classism, peace education and environmental concerns.

Selected young people will engage through dialogue with experienced and older human rights practitioners to gain management skills and techniques and a greater understanding of human rights issues on a global level. A principal objective is to nurture individuals to be effective leaders in the field of human rights. Forum presenters/speakers/facilitators have been asked to serve in an ongoing capacity as mentors to the young participants upon their return to their home communities and countries.

Application Requirements for 2009:

Fluency in English is required. forum will be held in English only. In order to be considered for admission to the International Leadership Programme, please submit the following:

1. A completed and signed application form
2. Letter of intent (please attach as word, pdf, or text document)
3. Curriculum Vita/Resume (please attach as word, pdf, or text document)
4. Names and contact information for three professional references
*Please note: Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application deadline is February 27, 2009.

For additional information:
If you have questions regarding the application/registration, program content, special needs requirements, or dormitory housing, please call the UNESCO Chair Office at 860-486-0647 or email unescochair@uconn.edu.

ALL applications must be submitted electronically or via facsimile no later than February 27, 2009 to unescochair@uconn.edu
fax: 860.486.2545


University of Connecticut
UNESCO Chair & Institute of Comparative Human Rights
233 Glenbrook Road, Unit 4124
Storrs, CT 06269-4124

860.486.0647 Phone
860.486.2545 Fax

Click here for application

SOURCE: HERE