A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT / Profile

Dear Friends

I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful work you do - and for your partnership with youth and YES! Please note my new email address Poonam@yesweb.org

This January 1 2007 - YES has started on its journey as an independent organization - YES Inc. YES initiative began with the blessings of Janet Whitla, President of EDC in October 1998 and over the years it has enjoyed quantum growth levels and succeeded in its mission to engage youth and other stakeholders in working on the pernicious issue of global youth unemployment. Many relationships are unfolding and we have commitments from Levis Strauss, Microsoft and other donors for embarking on our newest initiative - YES Fund - the Global Fund for Youth Entrepreneurship which was launched at the Clinton Global Initiative in 2006. Cambridge College, MA is also incubating the YES Inc. in its premises for this year - thanks to the generosity of Mahesh Sharma, President Cambridge College. Over the course of this year we will be working with many fine organizations such as the Tallberg Foundation, Sweden and Cambridge College, USA to deepen relationships and build partnerships.

The last 8 years have been a wonderful ride for me and the Campaign team, and has contributed to the fulfillment of our deeply seated hopes and commitments. I have felt doubly blessed to work with the finest person on earth -Janet Whitla! Who has taught us - to give and keep giving, and be generous enough to get from that giving, and never to ask for anything more - Thank YOU Janet!

Over the last 8 years - we have hosted over 100 global consultations, 3 global summits, 2 Regional Forums, produced over 100 original publications on youth employment, and about 400 projects have been initiated by YES and its 84 Country Networks. Please review the State of the YES Campaign Report 2006 - http://www.yesweb.org/2006/library/thematic/state_of_the_yes_campaign.pdf

Due to the hard work, support and willingness of our key partners the issue of youth unemployment is now firmly on the global agenda. Please do check our website - www.yesweb.org for more information or contact me if you want to participate in any activity or country where we are present. Our last Summit in Kenya was a huge success - and given below is the Newsletter prepared by the YES Country Network Coordinators and it shares their experience, vision and hope for the Campaign. The next regional forum is in the Dominican Republic and the 4th Global Youth Employment Summit will be held in Azerbaijan.

Be well, and know that the dream that began 8 years ago is carrying on.the flame will keep burning.and we will work hard and make true the promise of our youth!

With deep gratitude …

Poonam Ahluwalia
President YES Inc.
Poonam@yesweb.org