Launch of ECYG Finland
"The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.” - Albert Einstein

Our ECYG was launched in December 2006 by a handful of students enrolled in the Master’s in Development and International Cooperation programme at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The "D&ICs," as we tend to be known, might best be described as a microcosm of diversity - 21 students, representing 14 different countries from around the world, with each majoring in one of three distinct disciplinary fields (Environmental Sciences, Education, or Social Sciences). Our common denominator, quite simply, is an overarching interest in sustainable development issues and a genuine desire to affect positive change in this world.

Throughout my studies, a recurring theme that has emerged amongst my peers has been the need for a more inclusive and holistic approach to sustainable development. The Earth Charter directly responds to this need, as both an underlying set of environmental ethics and as an urgent call for action. It is hardly surprising, then, that the D&ICs have been excited about the added-value potential of the Earth Charter, or that a growing number of students from outside of the programme have also expressed interest in taking part.

Translation of the Earth Charter into Finnish
“Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think: there are no little things.” – Bruce Barton

As the first-ever ECYG in the country, our most pressing task has been to undertake a full translation of the Charter into Finnish. This proved to be no easy feat; however, in classic EC spirit, we decided to combine forces and tackle the translation process through a team effort involving eight translators and three editors.

Here is a list of tips to facilitate the translation process:

• Assign the various sections according to areas of student interest and expertise- e.g. knowledge of technical terms and jargon.

• Consistency is the key to success! Provide general guidelines in terms of stylistics, verb tense, etc - e.g. is the tone geared towards a formal audience or towards individuals acting in their everyday lives?

• Once the various sections have been submitted, undertake several rounds of editing for consistency, style, etc. We found it useful to involve both professional editors and students to maximize comprehensibility amongst different target audiences.

• When the translation has been finalized, it might be worthwhile to disseminate the document in your home country. For example, we decided to send the Charter to a range of NGOs, universities, etc. across Finland to promote awareness of both our Youth Group and the EC at large.

Overall, the EC translation might best be described as both a means and an end onto itself. A number of students have commented that the translation process enabled them to directly engage with the text and further internalize the EC principles. Since its release, the translated document has been circulated both within and outside of our university circles, and we look forward to watching the Charter grow into a ‘living document’ as Finns react to and integrate the EC principles into their everyday lives.

On A More Personal Note…
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito.” - African Proverb

On a more personal note, I am sometimes asked: what is the role of the Earth Charter in my own, everyday life? Above all else, what deeply inspires me about the EC is its testament to the power of individual action for change. The African proverb above perhaps best summarizes my motto in life-- it might be a cliché, but I truly believe in the ability of every individual to make a positive and lasting contribution to the betterment of the world. This is why I chose to complete the six-month internship component of our Master’s programme at the EC Center at UPEACE in Costa Rica, and particularly look forward to furthering my EC involvement as a member of the newly formed Youth Leadership Team!

Since the start of our Master's programme, my fellow D&ICs and I have come across a wide range of conflicting views on development issues and even some diverging interpretations of the Charter. However, just as the very survival of the biosphere depends on a multiplicity of life forms, isn't it also true that a diversity of beliefs, opinions and backgrounds only enriches our common understanding and experience? The D&ICs are currently undertaking their two- to six-month internships in various parts of the globe, but our ECYG looks forward to re-uniting upon our return to Finland. Plans are already underway to host a student-led conference on EC-related issues at our University, and to share some of the experiences, photos and ‘lessons learned’ from our respective internship placements in the ‘developing’ world.' We would also love to hear some examples of activities undertaken by other Youth Groups as both a source of inspiration and insight…

In the meantime, my fellow D&ICs and I are excited to be part of the broader ECYI Community, and look forward to joining all of you in the global mobilization of youth efforts towards a more just and sustainable world.