Asia

Islamabad (18 June, 2014): Sustainable power generation is a top priority of the current government of Pakistan to address the energy crisis in the long run. This was stated by Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning and Development at the International Wind Energy Conference organized by World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB) and Heinrich Boll Stiftung Pakistan in Islamabad.

Free media are essential for India, the world's largest democracy. But religious intolerance, political influence and corporate control over the media constitute a common set of factors which harm freedom of expression.

Officially there are no legal obstacles to women participating in politics in Afghanistan. However only one woman registered as a presidential candidate among many men, making discrimination against women in Afghan politics obvious.

Analysts believe that the sex market will be very active during the World Cup. In Brazil, prostitution is not a crime, but it is not regulated as a profession either.

Yaseen Samim is a politician and the spokesperson for the "Solidarity Network for Change". He hopes for the engagement of the new generation and a professionalization of politics in Afghanistan.

Avani Tewari is a 19 year old law student from New Delhi, pursuing her studies from Jindal Global Law School in Sonipat. In this web dossier Avani is writing down her reflection on the main debates in the media after the elections and her personal impression of the political discussion.

With a favourable ratio between the working age population, children and senior citizens India is at the onset of a "demographic bonus". Will the new government be able to utilise this advantage for sustainable economic growth?

Basigul Sharifi writes poems about love and tragedy in life. She has experienced the life of a refugee and is a sensitive, calm but highly motivated person. In the interview she talks to us about poetry, peace and suffering.

Avani Tewari is a 19 year old law student from New Delhi, pursuing her studies from Jindal Global Law School in Sonipat. In this web dossier Avani is writing down her reflection on the main debates in the media after the elections and her personal impression of the political discussion.

The Round table discussion was organized with the students of Gilgit Baltistan on 27th May 2014 at Heinrich Boll Stiftung liaison Office in Lahore. This event was arranged by the Heinrich Boll Foundation (HBF) in collaboration with the Interactive Resource Centre (IRC) and Mountain Youth Resources & Social Welfare Organization (MYRO). A large number of youth from Gilgit Baltistan with different educational and political backgrounds participated in the discussion. Participants also included Mr. Didar Ali, Chairman Gilgit Baltistan Youth Council (GBYC) along with the executive committee of GBYC.