This July, young people from around the world will meet in Sydney to make plans to change the world. Tom Widdup explains how.

Some 250 social activists aged between 18 and 25 from across the globe will come together to transform their ideas for a better future into reality at the second sitting of the Oxfam International Youth Parliament (IYP) in July. Hosted in Sydney, the eightday conference known as 'IYP2004' is focusing on ideas about how to build sustainable futures.

Delegates apply to attend IYP2004 by presenting a new approach to an issue or an innovative idea for sustainable social change. At IYP2004 delegates discuss the issues and develop their 'action plans'. On their return home they implement their plans, with the support of Oxfam IYP.

"Oxfam IYP gives power to ideas. It is action-focused, based on the belief that affecting change requires a forum to stage these ideas, support inspiration and planning. IYP2004 is a space in which to actualise ideas," explains Co-ordinator Nicole Breeze.

Run by and for young people, IYP is a global network of young people known as social change leaders who are each working in their own communities to build a more peaceful, sustainable and equitable world. IYP2004 will bring together delegates with varied perspectives and skills to share, who will not only engage with issues and problems but will also learn from each other in a multitude of ways.

Asya Mohammed Hija – Tanzania

After attending IYP2000, Asya developed an action plan to reduce the incidence of contagious diseases in the Mwembetanga district of Zanzibar (an island off the coast of Tanzania). The Mwembetanga district has inadequate sewerage and sanitation systems, with regular overflow into local waterways. In cooperation with the Zanzibar municipal council, Asya focused on raising awareness of health and environmental issues in the local community. She also ran community 'work days' to improve drainage and sanitation facilities. Oxfam IYP has assisted Asya with financial support and skills development around community development, mass communication and agenda setting.

Thi Lan Ahn Ha – Vietnam

Thi Lan Anh's IYP2000 action plan was to set up a network of young volunteers drawn from university and high schools to teach basic education to street children. Thi Lan Anh believes that education is the key to creating opportunities for street children. The children are also able to teach other children basic education and are encouraged to take part in social activities to build their confidence. The project also provides training so that the children can become young reporters and journalists and raise awareness of the problems they face.

• Make a financial contribution to support the work of Oxfam IYP action partners by completing and returning the donation form included in this edition of Oxfam News.
• Volunteer to assist with the preparations for IYP2004 - contact Kelly Betts on (02) 8204 3900 or email kellybetts@oxfam.org.au
• Attend the Taste of the Nation Gala Dinner on March 11 at the Rydges Jamison Hotel in Sydney, hosted by five of Sydney's top chefs. Tickets are $150 each, with corporate tables available. To book online go to www.iyp.oxfam.org or call (02) 8204 3918.

IYP2004 runs from 5-12 July in Sydney. Find out more at www.iyp.oxfam.org.