Reformation of APYTF.

In August 2012, APYTF was dissolved (after Rio+20), as its main purpose was to mobilize youth (especially Mountain youth) to advocate Mountain issues in context of Rio+20. After the Rio+20 small scale events were organized by the APYTF members is their countries. To take forward the messages of Rio+20 and involve youth on regular basis, it was decided to reform the APYTF by inviting the ICIMOD alumni.

After June 2012, ICIMOD, under Youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD) program, carried out National Youth Forums on Green Solutions in Pakistan (November), India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmer, Bhutan and Afghanistan and trained and inspired hundreds of youth to take the Sustainable Mountain Development messages to next level and raise awareness on green solutions to environmental problems in mountains. In December, some of the youth forum participants were also selected by ICIMOD for Doha conference. After attending the Doha conference it was realized that this is the best time to reform and strengthen the APYTF and take some collective actions for the Mountains and its People by involving youth of Asia Pacific at regional level. Although, it took time in mobilizing members and group reformation, but, it wasn’t too late to make commitment for a positive development.

In April, 2013, finally invitations were sent out and those dare to commit and contribute positively joined the APYTF. Members from five countries Pakistan, Nepal, India, Myanmer and Cambodia have joined with great enthusiasm and commitment. First online regional coordination meeting was held in May to discuss the national teams, APYTF National Focal Point, and working strategy. Since then national teams have been discussing and planning activities at national level; for example celebrating World Environment Day, 5^th June 2013. So far two regional coordination meetings are held to share the ideas and planned activities in detail.

APYTF demands commitment and passion and those who are interested in Mountain issues, youth concerns, sustainable development, post 2015 agenda, climate change and its impacts, and global environmental issues are part of it, however, it will take time in streamlining the activities and strengthen the network but I am very hopeful that a good practice has been initiated and will lasts as far as committed youth are part of it.