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As we’ve been wondering what to do with our political interest now that THE election is over, here is a suggestion: Why not take part in politics ourselves?

But not as an elected officials, at least not literally. Instead, students all over the world have the opportunity to join the Model G8 Youth Summit held in Milan, Italy, March 15- 21, 2009. This simulation, to take place parallel to the G8 meeting in Italy, provides a great chance to get an inside look at the obscure working of the Big Eight, controversial as they may be. During the negotiations, participants will work out an official communiqué that will be handed over to government representatives from the G8 states.

With all the controversy and protest sorrounding the G8, the organizing NGO points out that the purpose of the youth summit is “to make the G8 summit more transparent and (…) introduce a younger generation’s goals, visions, ideas, and ways of solution into the G8 process.” Therefore, this is not a protest camp – but not a group of yes-sayers, either. Instead, an opportunity to learn more about G8, explore the workings and limits of negotiations in that setting, and voice constructive criticism.

All the while participants will get to know students from all over the world and their unique perspectives while staying in beautiful Milan.

The positions to be filled for each country are

• Head of State
• Sherpa
• Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Minister of Economics
• Minister of Finance
• Minister of Development
• Minister of Environment
• Minister of Defence
• Expert: climate change
• Expert: intellectual property rights vs. humanitarian aid
• Expert: Corporate Social Responsibility and financial instituitions: financial sustainability

Additionally to the G8 countries USA, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, the UK, Japan, and Russia the so-called O5 Outreach States Brasil, China, Mexico, India, and South Africa will need representation as well as.

To apply, you need to have student status and proper English knowledge (which I guess is presumed if you are reading this blog right now). Send in a resume and the application form to your country’s committee. More info on the application process can be found here for the German delegation, and at g8youthsummit.org for all other countries.

But hurry, the deadline is Thursday, November 20, 2008 for the German team, and is approaching for the other countries’ teams, too. Don’t miss it!