Application Form: 2017 Young Ambassadors Programme (YAP) at Addressing Europe's Unfinished Business (AEUB) forum in Caux, Switzerland, July 14-21, 2017

YOUNG AMBASSADORS PROGRAMME
14-21 JULY 2017

Do you care passionately about Europe?

 
Apply to become one of the 50 European Young Ambassadors at the
‘Addressing Europe’s Unfinished Business (AEUB): Tackling polarization, building trust’ forum organised by Caux-Initiatives of Change Foundation
July 14-21, 2017, Caux, Switzerland

The Young Ambassadors Programme (YAP)

The “Young Ambassadors Programme” (YAP) is part of the European Project of Initiatives of Change (IofC), which aims to bring together young people caring about the future of Europe.

The programme consists of two days training designed specifically for the Young Ambassadors (14th-16th July), followed by full participation in the AEUB forum (17th-21st July).

We offer

1. An opportunity for young Europeans to grow in their personal understanding and commitment to Europe, shared ethical values and one’s personal contribution to a better future.
2. Experience the Conference Centre at Caux, Switzerland, as a place of reflection that provides an opportunity to listen to others and to oneself.
3. Strengthen the network of committed Europeans who are working towards change starting with themselves.

About the AEUB Forum and Caux-IofC

Launched in 2014, Addressing Europe’s Unfinished Business (AEUB) is an Initiatives of Change programme that seeks to engage European citizens from all backgrounds to conceive and participate in actions developing a spirit of partnership and solidarity across Europe in order to achieve the needed peacebuilding efforts in this continent.

The CAUX-Initiatives of Change Foundation’s vision is a just, peaceful and sustainable world in which people act from a sense of global interdependence and responsibility. Established in 1946, the CAUX-Initiatives of Change Foundation (CAUX-IofC) organizes and coordinates international and local forums, seminars and training in Switzerland, primarily in its Conference Centre, the former Caux-Palace, bringing together a true diversity of people.

CAUX-IofC provides a safe space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organisations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security.

The 2017 AEUB forum theme is: Tackling polarization, building trust

The Main Topics will be

• Initiatives addressing the root causes of polarization
• Methodologies for dialogue in divided societies
• How to create a safe space for people from different backgrounds to listen to each other
• The use of reflective space to consider our own responses.

The objectives of the YAP Programme

• To give a voice to young Europeans who are passionate to build a common future based on shared ethical values.
• To invite them to contribute to, and promote, a richer mutual understanding of beliefs, values, identity, history and cultures through a collective learning experience.
• To offer an opportunity to enrich themselves and others ethically and culturally, through the sharing of personal experiences.
• Become part of the YAP alumni network
• Explore possibilities of further co-operation and collaboration for follow up activities with other participants

Who should apply

This programme aims to invite young people from all over Europe who are actively and substantively contributing in the discussion about Europe. Young people who demonstrate their active participation through civil society initiatives, NGOs, political organisations and structures are invited to join this forum in order to bring their input, ideas and experiences.

Young people age 18-25 from countries who are members of the Council of Europe, plus Kosovo*, Kazakhstan and Belarus can apply (see the full list of the countries below).

People from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including recently arrived migrants, as well as representatives of minority communities. Should you wish to represent any minority community or group, please specify in your application.

Applicants for the Young Ambassadors Programme are expected to fulfil the below:

• Be present at Caux from 14th July 2017 (4pm) and not leave before the end of the Closing Session on Friday 21st  July, 2017 (12.30pm);
• Be actively involved in civil society and other initiatives related to Europe;
• Be able to communicate and work in English;
• Be motivated to contribute to developing new ideas on Europe;
• Be ready to share own challenges faced in their own communities and work about Europe;
• Cover your travel expenses to and from Caux, Switzerland;
• Complying with visa requirements (where applicable);
• Help disseminate the event information among your contacts and on social media;

*Designation for “Kosovo” is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

List of eligible European countries for the Young Ambassadors Programme (YAP) 2017
Note that participants from countries marked with an asterisk (*) are required to apply for a visa to enter Switzerland.

Albania - Andorra - Armenia* - Austria - Azerbaijan* - Belarus* - Belgium - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czech Republic - Denmark - Estonia -.Finland -France - Georgia* - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Iceland - Ireland - Italy - Kazakstan* - Kosovo* - Latvia - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Macedonia - Malta - Monaco - Montenegro - Netherlands - Norway - Poland - Portugal - Republic of Moldova - Romania - Russian Federation* - San Marino - Serbia - Slovak Republic - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - Turkey* - Ukraine* - United Kingdom ​

Scholarships

The program provides scholarships for participation.
The scholarships cover the conference fee, accommodation and the meals. The scholarship DOES NOT cover the travel to and from Caux (the closest airports are Geneva and Zurich) or visa connected expenses.

The programme is possible thanks to the support of the Robert Hahnloser Foundation (Switzerland).

Application Procedure and Selection Process

How can I become an AEUB Young Ambassador?

To apply, please:

1. Fill in the application form
2. Upload your CV
3. Submit a short video[1] (90 seconds) in which you briefly state what you see as the most important problem facing Europe today, and outline what you would do about it. Post the video on YouTube (please check further instructions below). Should you prefer another platform please include the link in your application.

[1]By submitting your video you grant AEUB / Caux / IofC the right to use it on our websites, social media, and quote it in any materials connected to the AEUB forum and the Young Ambassadors Programme.

Application deadline: April 15, 2017 Midnight (CET) time.

We will select suitable candidates on the basis of their personal motivation and the demonstration of their active participation in initiatives and projects related to Europe, seeking regional, gender and other possible diversity.

All applicants will be notified of their application results by May 15, 2017.

For more information please contact us at yap@caux.ch


Want to contribute further? 

We aim to include in the programme 2 workshops of a maximum of 1.5 hours each, delivered by the YAP participants.  If you have a specific workshop or an activity that you are willing to share with your fellow Young Ambassadors during the forum please submit a short paragraph with a description and requirements you may have to deliver the workshop, together with your application.  This requirement is not mandatory in order to be selected in the programme.

Use the following instructions to send us your video.
YouTube:
1. Create a Google account if you do not already have one at https://accounts.google.com/SignUp
2. Go to www.youtube.com
3. Click the Upload link at the top of the page.
4. Select the video you'd like to upload from your computer. You can also record a video from your webcam, or create a video slideshow.
5. Once the upload is completed YouTube will notify you that your video is done uploading and processing
6. ADJUST YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS: When you upload a video, by default it’s set as a “Public” video, which means that anybody can view it.
You can easily change the privacy settings while you’re uploading the video in the “Privacy Settings” section. Or, if you’ve already uploaded the video, you can change the privacy settings by following the steps below:
a. Visit your Video Manager
b. Find the video you’d like to change, and then click the Edit button.
c. In the “Privacy Settings” drop down menu, select ‘Unlisted’
d. Click “Save changes”
7. Copy the URL address of the video into your application form

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IMPORTANT
If you are not selected as an Ambassador, you can still join the conference as participation is open to everyone! You can check the applicable fees here.

​Don't hesitate to follow us on Facebook or like our AEUB Project page to stay updated!  

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YAP F.A.Q.  

BEFORE APPLYING
​
1) What does the YAP scholarship cover?

The YAP scholarship covers:
a) ​full board in Caux during 7 days/nighs
b) your conference registration fee of 50.- CHF

The YAP scholarship does NOT cover:
a) your travel expenses to and from Caux;
b) your visa expenses, if required;
c) any other personal expenses in or outside Caux.
        
2) I am not sure I will able to cover my travel expenses. What can I do?

Unfortunately, the Full scholarship will not cover your travel expenses to and from Caux. However, should you be in need of a ‘sponsor’ we suggest that you start your own crowdfunding campaign. In other words, your can convince people around you (such as your family, friends, school, church, etc.) of the bounty of your initiative and encourage them to finance the purchase of your tickets to represent your country in Caux. We encourage you to check the following website https://www.crowdfunding.com, where you will find the list of the top 10 crowdfunding websites.

You should also keep in mind that once you choose crowdfunding, you will need time to convince people, as well as commit to report back on your experience and to provide any further explanations whenever people ask you. Having said that, let’s keep our fingers crossed because crowdfunding works pretty well if you are serious about it!

You could also check blablacar.com, where you might get a good deal to get to Caux by lift-sharing with individuals traveling by car in the same direction.

BEFORE ARRIVING
​
3) If, because of travel booking constraints, I arrive in Switzerland before July 14 and/or leave after July 21, would it be possible to spend extra night(s) in Caux?   

In case you need to spend extra night(s) in Caux because of exceptional travel arrangements e.g. your flight arrives and/or departs one day before/after the YAP starts/ends, the cost of extending your stay in the Caux Palace will be of 63.- CHF per night. This is the rate according to the age range 18-25 and includes three meals per day. The accommodation rate can be paid upon arrival in Caux or beforehand. If you decide to do that, please inform the AEUB Team and email the Caux Reservation Team (reservation@caux.ch) indicating in the message body that you will stay and pay extra night(s).  
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DURING THE CONFERENCE

4) Can I go to Montreux or leave the Conference Centre at any time?

Selected Young Ambassadors are expected to take part in all of the activities from the beginning to the end of the conference. We also understand that you might come from afar and that you might have a particular interest in exploring the surroundings. For this reason, we have allocated a slot of free time in the daily programme and you can decide to sightsee as you wish. However, if you think that you need more time to travel around, we recommend that you consider allocating some extra time before or after the completion of the conference. ​​

IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.

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Youth Solidarity Fund Application

Youth Solidarity Fund Application Guidelines

These guidelines aim to describe the objectives of the Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF) and serve as a tool for the applicants to properly submit their project proposals for funding. They contain information about:

• The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF);
• Geographical Coverage for the current Call for Applications;
• Eligibility Criteria (Organizations and Projects);
• Selection Process, Selection Committee, Evaluation Criteria;
• How to apply.

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The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC):

UNAOC was established in 2005, under the auspices of the United Nations and co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Turkey. UNAOC works towards a more socially inclusive world, by building mutual respect among peoples of different cultural and religious identities, and highlighting the will of the world’s majority to reject extremism and embrace diversity. UNAOC project activities are fashioned around Youth, Education, Media and Migration, which can play a critical role in helping to reduce cross-cultural tensions.

Learn more about UNAOC and its activities here.

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Youth-focused programming at UNAOC:

Guided by the principle that youth are key actors to achieve peace, UNAOC develops programming to enhance the ability of young people and their organizations to foster mutual respect, understanding and long-term positive relationships between peoples of different cultures and religions. This programming facilitates networking and exchange among youth-led organizations; provides them with the opportunities to increase their competencies and to implement concrete projects advancing intercultural understanding. More precisely, it provides varied support for the grassroots and regional youth-led initiatives to expand, enhance and intensify the role and capacity of youth. Ultimately, these contributions make a real and lasting difference for cultural and religious communities and nations facing tensions and conflicts, as well as nurture the global movement for intercultural and interfaith harmony. UNAOC also advocates for and defends the interests of young people working at all levels, promotes the work of young people to mainstream agencies and established institutions at the international level, aiming to integrate youth participation into all activities and policy related to intercultural dialogue.

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UNAOC Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF):

The Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF) supports youth-led organizations that foster peaceful and inclusive societies by providing direct funding to outstanding projects promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue. It awards grants (up to USD 25,000) to selected projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to intercultural or interfaith dialogue and advance the mission of UNAOC. YSF only supports projects that are entirely developed and managed by youth for the benefit of youth. The age definition used by UNAOC to characterize youth is a person who is between 18 and 35 years old.

Established in 2008, the Fund responded to calls for action made by young civil society leaders around the world on the importance of establishing funding mechanisms for youth-led organizations. Since its creation, YSF has funded 50 youth-led organizations in 30 countries.

Today, the Fund continues to support youth-led civil society organizations, with a particular focus on the role of young people in promoting peace and in preventing violent extremism. YSF contributes to advancing the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace and Security, which establishes the policy framework to support and engage young people as part of inclusive, participatory approaches to building peaceful and inclusive societies. YSF does so by providing the partnership and financial means that can help young people in implementing activities that prevent violent conflict, promote peace and social inclusion. As recognized in the unanimously adopted resolution, youth can play an important role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

YSF also contributes to the implementation of the UN Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, by offering youth opportunities to create “a positive vision of their future together with a genuine chance to realize their aspirations and potential”. The Plan recognizes the importance of creating inclusive and pluralist societies with economic opportunities for all, as well as the necessity of empowering young people to contribute to that process.

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Geographical coverage of the current call for applications:

Donor countries’ priorities or constraints are a key consideration in determining the geographical coverage of YSF interventions for any given campaign. The current YSF Call for Applications will welcome proposals from youth-led organizations officially registered and operating in the following countries.

List of eligible countries per continent, in alphabetical order

List of eligible countries, in alphabetical order

Proposals submitted by a coalition of youth organizations from different countries are acceptable only in cases when the leading implementing youth organization is registered in one of the above countries. Activities must be carried out in the abovementioned countries for the benefit of the local community.

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Eligibility criteria for youth organizations:

Youth organizations are subject to the same criteria as other partners of the United Nations System in that they must be accountable, transparent and refrain from all discriminatory practices.

To be eligible, applying youth organizations need to fulfill each and every one of the following criteria:

• Be a membership-based youth-led organization;
• Be youth-led: a majority of the positions and decision-making roles within the organization are held by women and men between the ages of 18 and 35;
• Be a non-governmental organization (with the exception of national youth councils) registered in the country of operation as a charity, trust, foundation or association;
• Be officially registered and operational for a minimum of 2 years at the time of the application with funding base and project implementation (e.g. registered in January 2015 or earlier);
• Be registered and operate in one of the aforementioned countries;
• Have a democratic governance structure, leadership nomination and consultative processes in formulating priorities and policies with members;
• Have an ability to demonstrate proper and consistent monitoring, evaluation and record-keeping of their activities, including project evaluation reports and financial accounts;
• Have a gender perspective/balance reflected in their staff, membership and activities;
• Have no adherence to or affiliations with violent ideologies or antagonism against any particular country, culture, religion or belief system, ethnic group, gender, etc.;
• Did not receive funding under past editions of YSF or did not receive the UNAOC-BMW Intercultural Innovation Award.

Note: If you applied to YSF in the past, but were not selected, you can apply to YSF again.

Upon request, organizations will need to provide documented evidence of how they fulfill all of these criteria.

Please note that project proposals will not be considered eligible for funding if they are submitted by: governments, international governmental organizations, non-youth led organizations, unregistered groups of youth, business entities, as well as individuals.

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Eligibility criteria for projects:

All submitted projects must fulfill each and every one of the following criteria to be deemed eligible and be reviewed by the Selection Committee:

• Origin: The project was developed and written by youth;
• Target Audience: The project targets primarily youth. Gender balance among project participants is ensured;
• Objective: The project contributes to advancing the UNAOC mandate of promoting a more socially inclusive world, by building mutual respect among peoples of different cultural and religious identities;
• Management: The project is managed by a youth-led organization, responding to all eligibility criteria mentioned above;
• Project Coordinator: The Project Coordinator is an employee of the applying organization and is between the ages of 18 and 35 at the moment of the application;
• Duration and Timing: The project must be implemented during April-October 2017 period, while final reports will need to be submitted by October 31, 2017 at the very latest;
• Location: Project activities are implemented in the country (ies) mentioned in the above list (see geographical coverage section;
• Budget: The organization needs to guarantee its capacity to implement all elements of the proposed project with the funds requested. Grants provided by UNAOC will not exceed USD 25,000. The proposed budget will have 90% of costs associated with direct project activities and only up to 10% of it will cover Project Coordinator’s salary/fees. Office rent cost, utilities and purchase of technical equipment (e.g. computers, copiers, printers, cameras, telephones, etc.) cannot be part of the budget;
• English: Application and CV/resume of the Project Coordinator must be in English only;
• Registration certificate and statute: A copy of a registration certificate and a statute need to be attached to the application form. They can be submitted in original language of a country, where the organization is registered.

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Selection process and selection committee; Evaluation:

All received project proposals will be reviewed to assess their eligibility on the basis of the criteria mentioned above and the potential of the proposed project. Organizations that are short-listed will be contacted by UNAOC with a request to submit a more detailed project budget, as well as more detailed work plan outlining activities, timeline, milestones, expected outcomes and outputs (forms will be provided by UNAOC).

Final evaluation and scoring of the short-listed proposals will be conducted by a Selection Committee on the basis of the following criteria:

 Objectives:

• The project aims to improve understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions, and to help counter the forces that fuel polarization and extremism;
• The project promotes the values of peace and development;
• The project objectives are clear and there is a logical connection between identified issues, proposed activities and requested funding.

 Activities:

• The project includes activities aiming to build positive and long-term collaborative relationships between youth of different cultural and religious backgrounds, therefore contributing to a long-term peaceful coexistence in the society;
• The project has a solid gender-mainstreaming strategy and is inclusive to minorities and/or marginalized groups with a view to promote a more socially cohesive community;
• The project contains elements of competence development and capacity-building opportunities for young people;
• The project contains elements of intergenerational partnership and dialogue;
• Projects that support the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security in connection to intercultural and interfaith dialogue are encouraged.

 Relevance:

• The project is appropriate to the local context and targets local audience; it represents good value for money, with a clear and appropriate budget.

 Quality:

• Organization undertook an in depth analysis of problems/risks and sets a consistent intervention strategy. The application is concise and provides responses to all questions or sections; it includes insightful arguments and engaging narrative.

 Impact and Multiplier Effect:

• The project will have a significant impact on the ground. Multiplier effect is outlined and target audiences are clearly identified – priority is given to projects that reach out to youth that would not otherwise have a chance to participate.

 Sustainability, Monitoring, Evaluation:

• The project has a potential to become sustainable beyond its original duration and bring long-term results that are clearly outlined in the project proposal. Monitoring and evaluation elements are clearly demonstrated.

Selected organization will be contacted by UNAOC via email and provided with information on further steps, draft agreements to be signed and a schedule of payments.

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To apply:

Interested organizations can apply at the following link: http://apply.unaoc.org/

In order to be considered complete and valid, the application package must include the following and be submitted through the online application system available at http://apply.unaoc.org/

• The application form, completed and certified by the applicant organization;
• A copy of the registration certificate of the applicant organization;
• A copy of the statutes/by-laws of the applicant organization;
• The resume/CV of the project coordinator (2 pages maximum);
• A picture or scan of the project coordinator’s passport identification page. If the project coordinator does not have an international passport, upload his or her national identification card.

Word/character limit for each question in the application form needs to be respected. The application system automatically counts words and characters.

The application deadline is February 5, 2017, 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (New York).

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For any questions on YSF and this call for applications, please consult:

• Application Guidelines
• Technical FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions for technical matters
• YSF web page

Contact email: ysf2017@unaoc.org

IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.

Read More