ASIA
17.05.13 - “Why have countries not adopted ‘ambitious’ targets on climate change?”
The Durban Climate Change Conference created public pressure for greenhouse gas emission reduction, but yielded little action from governments, writes Naman Sanghvi, 23, a Correspondent from India, who explains some reasons behind the failure to increase targets. The entire climate agreement is built around reducing emissions back within permissible limits – a maximum of two [...] Read more
16.05.13 - “The nation grieves the tragedy at Rana Plaza”
More than 1,100 people died when Rana Plaza collapsed. Mehzabin Ahmed, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, describes the searing loss and the grief of those left behind. More than 1,100 workers lost their lives in the recent Rana Plaza building collapse. The building housed five ready garments factories, mostly exporting to Europe [...] Read more
22.04.13 - “I am committed to the development of my people”
The poor man is suffering in Pakistan, says Naseema Perveen, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Islamabad in Pakistan, who questions why the nation’s policy makers seem indifferent to the plight of the people. She boldly asserts her commitment to effect the much-needed change her nation desperately needs. And thus I have decided to work for [...] Read more
08.04.13 - “Young Iraqis around the world care!”
Young Iraqi change-makers across the globe are helping to transform the fortunes of their nation, says Ahmad Samir, a Correspondent and Australia Regional Coordinator of I CARE. It has been ten years since the U.S.-led invasion in Iraq, and young Iraqis everywhere are tired of remaining idle. Despite today’s difficult circumstances, they are achieving extraordinary [...] Read more
08.04.13 - “You call it Delhi; we call it Dilli”
For more than a thousand years, Delhi has commanded the attention of rulers and invaders who put their stamp on this bustling city, writes Mridul Upadhyay, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi, India. The result is a metropolis with an indomitable spirit. At the first sight, Delhi may appear to be a city with [...] Read more
07.04.13 - “What is the school of my dreams?”
There is much work to do to improve schools across the globe, says Geetha Kanniah, 17, a Correspondent from Malaysia, who describes attributes that she would like to see as common standards for all schools. My dream school is first of all a school where life begins with the teacher who is full of passion [...] Read more
06.04.13 - “Protests in the name of justice”
Recent arrests may change the dynamics of peaceful protest related to war crimes trials, writes Mehzabin Ahmed, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh. The dynamics and emotions of peaceful protestors at Shahbagh Projonmo Chottor (New Generation Circle) in Bangladesh are taking a new face with the recent arrest of a number of bloggers [...] Read more
06.04.13 - “A student-created global village”
A festival highlighting the ethnic diversity of Melaka gave students practical experience and a measure of cultural pride, writes Muhammad Hafiz, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The “Festival Tradisional 2013 / FETAL2013″ (or in English – Traditional Festival 2013) gave me an opportunity to be an organizer, together with the rest [...] Read more
28.03.13 - Scouring the Merlion’s roar amidst a new age
Singapore has been able to accomplish its goal of moving from a Third World to a First World country, asserts 19-year-old Aristle Tay, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Singapore. As it basks in this success, the country and its people should work steadfastly towards a narrative which builds upon the goals of all citizens. I heard [...] Read more
28.03.13 - “Malaysian ‘tsunami’ created electoral debacle”
As Malaysia readies for a general election, Bernard Lim, 19, of Singapore, looks at the political and economic events that led to a ‘tsunami’ of support for the opposition in the 2008 vote. In Malaysia’s 2008 General Elections, Barisan Nasional was thrashed by the main opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Alliance). It lost five state [...] Read more
23.03.13 - “Shark fin soup comes with a heavy price”
The rising demand for shark fin soup poses a dilemma, says Geetha Kanniah, 17, a Correspondent from Malaysia. It means more income for local fishermen, but threatens sharks and the marine ecosystem. My favorite animal is the shark. Its elegance as it darts through the water with a robust build is what makes it so [...] Read more
06.03.13 - “Home stay with a Korean family was the best part”
An exchange program gave Mridul Upadhyay, 21, of New Delhi, India, opportunity to explore South Korea’s cultural sites and learn about its economy. But staying with a host family gave the best insight into Korean life and attitudes. Cross-cultural exchange is the best way to share and learn for a better world. As a youth [...] Read more
