2nd IOV YOUTH CONGRESS

The Second IOV Youth Congress 2010 will be held 21 – 26 October, 2010 in Nanjing, China. Hosted by the City of Nanjing, the conference is being organized by the IOV China National Section, the Nanjing Youth Federation and the IOV Youth Commission, with support from the IOV Secretariat.

The conference will run concurrent with the Forth World Historical and Cultural Cities Expo. On the occasion of the congress, participants, including officials from UNESCO and IOV, members of IOV Youth and youth dedicating to preserve and promote traditional culture and folklore，will discuss the relationship between urbanism and traditional culture.

The General Assembly on 17 December 1999 in its resolution 54/120, endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. On 18 December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/64/134 proclaiming the year commencing on 12 August 2010 as the International Year of Youth to encourage young people in overcoming various challenges positively.

The second IOV world youth congress embodies the resolution of UN. IOV recognizes the potential of youth to advance its mission to protect and promote all forms of folk art. At present, IOV is now at the stage of discussion with UN in order to add the congress into the projects list of International Year of Youth. According to it, the congress will be greatly supported and encouraged.

With the theme “The role of the Youth in Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Towns and Cities”, the congress emphasizes the importance of young people in safeguarding of intangible culture heritage and the traditional culture. Nanjing is one of the historic capital cities of China and a modern urban center; what better place to celebrate the energy of youth than in this vibrant, modern city of seven million. Nanjing has never been in doubt of the richness of its human history, which dates back nearly 2500 years. Today, Nanjing enjoys its place as one of China’s largest and most prosperous commercial centers. Mindful of its past, but with an eye on the future, Nanjing embodies the motto of this year’s congress: "We are the youth of today – looking back and moving forward."

The conference provides a forum for participants to exchange views on the relationship between urbanism and traditional culture; efforts to protect and preserve the intangible culture and heritage of urban societies and of traditional societies in urban settings; on successful projects highlighted through presentations and lectures, and failed attempts to have one at the expense of the other: these will be examined for lesson to be learned.

Besides the congress, organizing commission planed varied activities,

I. IOV Thirty Year Anniversary Party

The organizer has invited all conference participants, including older members and youth, to a gala party in celebration of IOV’s Thirtieth Birthday! All delegates will share the difficulties and joys in IOV 30-years history.

II. The 2010 Fourth Nanjing World Historical & Cultural Cities Expo

The congress will be held concurrently with the 2010 Forth Nanjing World Historical & Cultural Cities Expo. The expo has been held for times and there always be an interesting opening ceremony for each time. Then all participants of the congress will be invited to the ceremony and other related activities.

III. Photography Exhibition and Essay Competition

There will be a photo exhibition with the theme "Nanjing in my sight". The host will invite all participants to tour historical spots and humanistic sceneries. During the trip, youth could film as his own design and image of Nanjing. Photos will be submitted to the host after the congress. Photos selected by host will be published on the official website.

There will be a essay competition with the theme "China Impressions" or "Nanjing Feelings". Youth could submit their essays on their impressions of Nanjing or China. Authors of essays selected by host will receive a certificate and essays will be published on the official website.

All latest information will be announced on the official website in time.

IV.Internet Activities to Select Excellent Youth

IOV China National section and the Nanjing Youth Federation will hold a series of internet activities to select excellent youth temporarily named Youth of the Era. The activities will companion with Chinese famous portal such as Sohu.com and Sina.com that it will earn more enthusiasm and attention from the youth in China and expand the influence of this congress.

The activities have earned support and attention from Ministry of Culture and the State Ethnic Affairs Commission.