Entertainment at the Stade de la Praille

October 8th of the year 2009

Entertainment at the Stade de la Praille

 On Wednesday night, after a day of productive work we, the Youth Forum Fellows, were invited to a reception at the Télévision suisse romande offered by The State Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva.

As we entered the building we were welcomed by TV cameras, which symbolizes our role as the stars that were to enjoy that night at the studio. Once everyone had arrived Mr. Robert Hensler, Chancellier d’Etat, with his words helped us to understand how important we are as the following generation which, for better or for worst, will have the task of making the decisions that will trace the path the world will walk in the future.

After Mr.Hensler’s speech, the curtains opened revealing the stage of what was going to be the best party I have ever attended. After some time, we were surprised by the unexpected visit of Dr. Touré, who reminded us of how he thinks of us as his children and as such we deserve the best in order to do the most we can to make the world a better place.

 The dinner was a success and the music fitted perfectly in the stage that was set up for us, with images which recreated key moments in the history of cinema and television.

Our gratitude goes out to Mr. Hensler, Dr. Toure  and the city of Geneva.

Federico Galano, Youth Forum Fellow, Argentina 

Entretenimiento en el Estadio de la Praille

  En la noche del miércoles, después de un productivo día de trabajo, los miembros del Foro de la Juventud fuimos invitados a una recepción en la Télévision Suisse Romande ofrecidos por el Consejo de Estado de la República y Cantón de Ginebra.

Al entrar en el edificio fuimos recibidos por cámaras de televisión, las cuales simbolizan nuestro papel como las estrellas que disfrutarían de esa noche en el estudio. Una vez que todos habíamos llegado, el Sr. Robert Hensler, Canciller de Estado, con sus palabras nos ayudó a entender lo importante que somos como la siguiente generación, que, para mejor o para peor, tendrá la tarea de tomar las decisiones que trazarán que el mundo habrá de caminar en el futuro.

Después del discurso del Sr.Hensler, se abrieron las cortinas que formaban el fondo del estrado revelando el escenario de lo que sería la mejor fiesta a la que he asistido. Después de algún tiempo, nos vimos sorprendidos por la inesperada visita del Dr. Touré, quien nos recordó que así como nos ve como a sus hijos merecemos lo mejor de modo que hagamos lo mejor que podamos para hacer del mundo un mejor lugar.

  La cena fue un éxito y la música encajaba perfectamente en el escenario creado para nosotros con imágenes que recrean momentos claves en la historia del cine y la televisión.

Nuestra gratitud va a el Sr. Hensler, el Dr. Touré y a la ciudad de Ginebra.
Federico Galano, Youth Forum Fellow, Argentina 

Closing Statement

How hollow stings the bitterness of departure, the time together passed, the moments shared now left to memory. We could not believe that we should have been so fortunate as to be selected, now we cannot believe it has ended. As our paths diverge, to lead their respective ways many will gaze-out and seek recall these special days - this we do with a new shade to our vision. This new tint to our sight is not an impediment, rather a facilitator offering a greater appreciation and understanding for that which passes as "everyday life". The change experienced is both as result and part of the unique and valued experience had. The cause of this change has not necessarily been the insights received into new and innovative technologies seen at the exposition, nor the speeches made, nor subjects discussed. Though valuable their contribution may be and the accumulative benefit is great, something far more fundamental can be said of that which occurred in Geneva. The real change and true wonder has come through the incredible people we have met.

In Geneva there came together a gathering of smart, energetic, open, eager and talented individuals - a week later a network of friends parted ways in the hope and promise that they would someday come together again. It was the people who made ITU World 2009 Youth Forum a uniquely unforgettable event and this was even recognized in the closing statement of Dr. Hamadoun Touré (our ITU "Father") in which he said: "In the end it is all about the people. We are working together to connect all the worlds people". If this is the start of it then well-done for it holds great promise.

So now to my closing statements and hopes. My hope is that this is but the beginning, may it never end, for what is truly great will last forever. Till next we meet my fellow ITU Youth Forum Alumni, do not let what we have taken from this great experience fade to memory. You have the ability to make it a living reality. They believe in us, now we must believe in ourselves.