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The Ship for World Youth ­15th Program
Andrew Higgs  - Australian Participating Youth

As the world is shifting to a globalised setting, so comes the need to appreciate other cultures and systems of government of the nations from around the world. The 15th Ship for World Youth Program that set sail across the Pacific recently concluded in the port of
Tokyo, Japan.

Celebrating the unique diversity that nations around the world possess, I was one of 12 participants selected to represent Australia at this international forum. The forum was crucial in sustaining mutual understanding and friendship between nations. In a time of great uncertainty and hostility, this forum held great importance, serving to establish an international community that can suppress their differences. In unity the forum sought to construct the mechanics to tackle the concerns of countries abroad, which can compact
to acts of terrorism or war, made evident by the recent ‘Bali Bombings’.

As the future young leaders of tomorrow’s world, the 255 youth aboard the ‘Nippon Maru’ made an invaluable impression upon the venture for coexistence. Delegates demonstrated an impressive level of compassion and understanding for other cultures. English and Japanese were used as the two primary languages on board the vessel, although Spanish,
French, African and Pacific languages were also spoken. This presented an initial hurdle, but English speaking delegates were mindful to speak clearly and slowly, in explaining concepts and ideas within the forum.

I presented a paper on ‘Gender Equity within Australia’ at the International Gender Equity Summit, facilitated by the Japanese Government, in Tokyo. The presentation encompassed the initiatives the Australian Government has established to ensure equality
between the genders within the workplace and the community. Australia in many aspects is leading the world within this field, although ‘Paid maternity leave’ is under great debate. Learning about other systems of government and attitudes towards different genders was most insightful.

The forum held at the United Nations University, emphasised the importance of diplomacy and peace with other countries and gave each delegate an opportunity to appreciate the invaluable efforts of the United Nations. The courtesy visits made to the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince of Japan were confirmation of the support the Japanese Government has shown in facilitating this event and the magnitude upon which this forum resonates. I can not begin to describe the gratitude that I feel towards the Japanese Government, for their commitment to youth empowerment, and their kind hospitality.

For so many it was difficult to surmount the words to express to friends and loved ones what had transpired over the 7-week period. The tears that were shed, the exchange of intimate moments, the maturity and tolerance of individuals and the exhilaration and joy that
ultimately undermined our emotions. As an individual I was enriched, for each of the contributions of delegates, etched the mould, the memory, upon which my mind was shaped, set and cast that has supported and guided my fragile spirit when I have broken. I may confront the world smiling now, because for 2 months, 13 countries put aside their indifferences.

The first week of the program
The one week spent in Japan encompassed a tour of Tokyo, and a few days home stay with a Japanese family. The bus trip from the airport to our hotel was awesome. The capital was at its best. Roads winding up through tall skyscrapers and neon lights pulsing with elaborate advertisements. Days later we travelled on the Japanese bullet train to Aichi prefecture, which is one hour out of Tokyo. There we met with our host families. The home stay was an eye-opening experience to Japanese culture and lifestyle. My host family lived in the city of Toyota, the home of the Toyota car international headquarters. Driving home 
with my host family from the reception made by the local council that evening was most daunting. My mother and host brother could only speak a few words of English, so most was conversed through the use of an electronic translator and an amusing array of dramatic expressions.

Aboard the Nippon Maru
Each morning we woke at 7:30 am with complements of the delegates on 'wake up call'.
Breakfast is on the bottom floor. Waiters greet you at the door wishing you good morning that extended to a 5 star buffet boasting a unique banquet. Rice always sits happily in a big black cauldron, garnished with crusty smoked fish, salted eggs, peppered vegetables and
pickled radishes.

This experience illustrated the magnificent opportunity I was fortunate to encounter that brought with it diverse cultural differences, that I gratefully embraced through out the program. The meal served was in fact a traditional Japanese breakfast that surprisingly most of the Japanese participants were unaccustomed to. Although rest assured, there was always a vast variety of foods at each meal to select that tantalised and satisfied every taste.

Following breakfast is our morning assembly on the sports deck, aloft on level 6, where we are briefed by the administration of the day’s schedule. Seminars, Lectures, group discussions, and committee meetings enlightened the rest of the day, and concluded at 7pm.  Although most are exhausted, many take the opportunity to meet other international delegates in the festivities each night, with music and laughter late into the night. This is of course on the condition that each individual is able to maintain their performance the following day.

In the Pacific on the high seas, the boat rocks relentlessly. The boat ascends for metres at a time only to meet the surging water with a thunderous clap, dislodging items on shelves and portraying a drunken delegation. So aboard, the manner of ascending stairs has a complete new rhythm. When the ship ascends, you climb, upon descending, you pause. If you do not pause you plunge to the ground. It can be quite fun leaping down the hallways like an astronaut, but as this trip wore on, our arrival in Hawaii upon greeting flat land was a great blessing.

I acted to appreciate the magnificence, the elegance and prestige that we had been fortunate enough to partake in. An initiative that could clothe, feed and educate thousands of underprivileged children, or vaccinate communities from disease, but instead upon 
the grace and generosity of the Japanese Government, they empowered the international youth of today. For this reason alone I was greatly privileged and fortunate that youth came as a priority.

Vancouver
For this experience, the participants can birth and educate a generation, and themselves stand to contribute to the greater movement of co-existence and justice for humanity. Devise the means necessary, as future leaders, to eradicate the grave concerns of the world at large. Bring rise (although over a longer term) to the establishment of an influence that will more effectively confront world matters, in contrast to an immediate short term financial outlay, that would serve as an ineffective ‘instant remedy’ in challenging the 
concerns encompassing; poverty, disease, violence etc, when it is the attitudes and beliefs of world leaders that need to be altered. It is this program that is effectively educating and has educated the international youth of today, who are tomorrow’s leaders, as exemplified by the Honourable Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand, who was an ex-participant  of the program.

Japan will not act alone to impact humanity, but in years to come will be joined by the initiatives of other governments, resonating with these collaborative efforts to sustain a greater impact. This may be enacted within the political arena, on a governmental or  nongovernmental basis, through the voluntary movement or in positions of employment, and will ignite a leap forward in the movement of humanity. Even as the teacher, community member, businessmen, youth worker, mother, or father alike, individuals can enact small initiatives that can collectively make a big difference, locally, or internationally. On the contrary, the basis of solving the world’s problems at large, are within the very grassroots of a family in treating others with respect and dignity.

It was the greatest honour and privilege to have engaged in conversation with the many talented delegations from abroad, in unveiling an intriguing array of culture, tradition and lifestyle aspects unique to their country’s origin. My preconceived doubt that language
would pose great restriction upon achieving mutual understanding and friendship, I proudly boast was incorrect, instead serving as a fascinating challenge in establishing the means to converse effectively amongst differing ethnic groups. Fundamentally it encouraged an
amusing range of sounds, accompanied by dramatic expressions and tolerant and patient attempts to learn the language.

If only the people of the world could pause momentarily and appreciate the riches diversity can bring to another.  Understand the motivations and visions of an individual condemned by society. Embrace and comprehend difference, on the contrary to estranging yourself  from others. As subtle and obsolete as it may be, it contributes to the greater movement of humanity, because conflict and aggression in any form are based upon misunderstanding in the global context. It comes with great pride and recognition that the ‘15th Ship for World Youth Program’ sought to tackle these matters that have plagued successive governments
abroad in attaining peace and prosperity for their citizens. It is overwhelming and deeply moving in expressing the sincere gratitude and appreciation that I wish to extend to a nation of radiating brilliance, Japan, leading the world in their endeavours to promote and 
foster international co-operation and understanding through the ‘Ship for World Youth Program’.

This has been the most defining moment of my life that will resonate for years to come. I will forever treasure and saviour those moments of laughter and mayhem we shared.

I give my humble and sincere thanks.

Andrew Higgs - Australian Delegation ­ SWY15