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Tag: Asia


The overwhelming popularity of a growing number of social media sites has the potential to galvanize youth, writes Bushra Tabassum, 22, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh. It also has the potential to scam and harm. Youths all over the world are turning to Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, Linkedin, Hi5, Myspace, Livejournal, Tumblr, and blog …

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Regional government has lofty goals for education, writes Naseema Perveen, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Islamabad in Pakistan, but implementation is crucial for students and for society. Surfing the web I found some pictures that caught my attention – kids sitting on the ground under the open sky. The caption to this newspaper photo revealed …

“Have our leaders done enough for education?” Read More »

Student members of Active Citizens are building a better future, writes Bushra Tabassum, 22, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, through projects as diverse as providing birth certificates and raising awareness about conservation. Podokkhep – A Step Ahead is a group of Active Citizens and a platform to lend a hand for social work.  The …

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There has been a territorial dispute between China and Japan over the Diaoyu Islands for decades, writes Osmi Anannya, 25, Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka, Bangladesh. She argues that historical evidence shows that China is true owner of the Islands.  A territorial dispute has been raging for decades over the Diaoyu islands, as they are known …

“A territorial dispute is raging over the Diaoyu Islands" Read More »

Pakistan’s people have been unable to see the fruitful results of democracy as it has sporadically been overthrown by the army. Pakistan needs an accountable and participatory democracy that delivers for the people, writes Asim Nawaz Abbassi, 27, a Correspondent from Islamabad, Pakistan. Democracy is a most basic and beautiful form of government, but there …

“Accountable democracy is democracy that delivers” Read More »

Bangladesh is looking at nuclear power to solve its electricity needs, but Mehzabin Ahmed, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka, Bangladesh, argues that disasters, environmental impact and the trend in Europe are reasons to re-think that option. 2011. I remember monitoring the news every hour, anxious about what was going on with the Fukushima nuclear …

“Is nuclear power the answer for Bangladesh?” Read More »

After reports that Bengali settlers burned down indigenous Jumma houses in Khagrachari, Bangladesh, Mehzabin Ahmed, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka, Bangladesh, argues it is time to start prioritizing responsibility over rights. While many Bangladeshis like me want to peacefully coexist with the indigenous peoples of our land, the grim picture shows a different tale …

“Indigenous peoples: prioritizing responsibilities” Read More »

India’s villages are places of tradition, far from the cars and air conditioning of city life, writes Mridul Upadhyay, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi, India. But he argues that villagers suffer inordinately from the effects of climate-changing urban pollution. What a surprise!  Some live with such a busy schedule that they don’t find …

“Indian villagers are deeply affected by pollution” Read More »

Citizen journalism can play a vital role by empowering the poor and the marginalised, argues Achuth Menon, 20, a Correspondent from India. It can raise issues that are ignored by the mainstream media, and become a force for social change.   Citizen journalism in India is an outcome of modern technology.  It plays a vital …

“Citizen journalism gives opportunity to all” Read More »

On election day citizens use their democratic freedom of choice, writes Geetha Kanniah, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia who recently cast her first vote. She describes the excitement of an election campaign that caught a nation’s attention. Who are you voting for?  That was a common question asked by Malaysians a few months ago. …

"Taking part in the process of democracy” Read More »