Vincentian represents Caribbean at Global Youth Forum

Chair of SVG Young Professionals Association Kishore Shallow attended a Youth Diplomatic Forum in London, UK, which was held from July 11 to 15.

The forum facilitated international delegates from: Africa, Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Shallow, the sole representative from the Caribbean.{{more}}

The Global Youth Diplomatic Forum (YDF) was initiated for young aspiring diplomats to foster their understanding of diplomacy in the 21st century. The forum included presentations from political analysts from world established media corporation, the BBC; British diplomats on foreign policy at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and an interactive discussion with Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat Patricia Scotland. The participants were also engaged in a live debate at the House of Parliament on the topical Brexit. Another key component of the forum was Digital Diplomacy, particularly on the advances of social media, which was hosted at Facebook Europe headquarters in Central London.

Shallow expressed his appreciation for the exposure. “Such opportunities for personal and professional development are rare, so I am most thankful and humbled by the experience. The YDF was a tremendous engagement with like-minded young persons who are advocates of globalization,” emphasized Shallow. He further indicated that “the highlight of the forum was a parliamentary debate on the topical matter of the UK leaving the European Union, a debate of distinct perspectives from all corners of the floor; this was immensely intriguing, an excellent example of parliamentary diplomacy.”

Shallow, who is president of the SVG Cricket Association Inc also participated in a group project on Integration in the African Continent. His group presented on the factors and policies relating to the integration of all the African countries.

The forum reached a climax with a closing ceremony at the House of Commons. All participants received a certificate for their representation.

This was the sixth YDF. It is an annual event, hosted in Europe. Shallow’s attendance was personally initiated, with support from the National Lotteries Authority.