4/27/2007 - WORLDWIDE PETITION CALLS FOR INCREASES IN STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

For Immediate Distribution

Oslo, Norway, April 27, 2007—A petition asking world leaders for increased support of intercultural student exchange programs will be launched today in a ceremony at the Nobel Peace Center beginning at sage to our leaders to support intercultural student exchange programs to create a better future.”

Among the notable guests that will participate in the event are Mr. Odd Einar Dørum Member of the Norwegian Parliament and Ms. Christina Weimar Lager, head of the Norwegian Red Cross Youth. Ambassadors from countries that exchange students with AFS in Norway will attend the launch as well as the Board of Trustees of AFS International and former and current international exchange students. Rein Alexander, a popular and talented Norwegian singer will entertain the distinguished guests.

Pernilde Vikanes, director of the AFS office in Norway said that, “I am very pleased that AFS Norway is hosting the launch of the petition drive and that this event coincides with the 60th anniversary of AFS programs in our country. This petition is bringing together numerous organizations that have an international presence or headquarters in many countries of the world. It is also capturing the interest of individuals across the cultural, governmental, civilian and business sectors. The simple message of peace and understanding that this petition carries is hard to ignore and easy to understand. I think that the world is ready to welcome this type of call to action.”

Text of the Petition

We, the undersigned, know that peace and justice require that we extend the hand of friendship across borders, cultures and religions and that knowledge and understanding are needed to nurture these friendships.

The nations of the world can promote peace by helping the world’s youth build these friendships.

Therefore we call upon the world’s leaders to enable young people
everywhere to live and study in cultures other than their own by significantly expanding youth exchange programs.

Friendship leads to understanding. Understanding leads to peace. We call on all to grasp this opportunity.

About AFS
AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc. (http://www.afs.org) is one of the world’s largest not-for-profit community-based volunteer organizations dedicated to building a more just and peaceful world through intercultural exchange. AFS has a network of more than 50 Partner organizations and runs programs in over 50 countries involving more than 11,000 students, young adults and teachers each year. Since 1947, over 350,000 individuals and an equal number of host families have had the AFS experience. In addition, AFS has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.

Press Contacts:
For additional information please contact: Carlos Porro, Communications Manager, AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc. email: carlos.porro@afs.org, telephone: (212) 807-8686 ext.121