Derek Scott, 20, a graduate of the Roars not Whispers programme and a member of the Oxfam Youth Board, has been helping to shape the government's policy to eliminate world poverty, ahead of the G20 summit in London.

Derek was selected as one of 50 young people from across the UK to discuss how conflict, climate change and the economic crisis can be tackled to reduce global poverty. Derek views together with those of the other young people will help inform DFID's new policy on international development. The discussions will also form part of a global Youth Communiqué for the London Summit on 2 April, which will be shared with every G20 country delegation present.

Speaking of his experiences of the day Derek said, "It was actually pretty amazing! Loads of young people from different organisations took part and it was such a great day. It was pretty packed though and really brain draining. Was really pleased to be involved, and the white paper is such an important progression for DfID was really interesting having youth input!"

Derek was one of the first graduates of the Roars not Whispers programme, a year-long voluntary course supporting and training young people to make their voice heard and take action with others to change their world. Derek has gone on to do great work making sure young people's voices are heard on the Board of LGBT Youth Scotland and the Oxfam Youth Board. Roars not Whispers, is a partnership between Scottish Youth Parliament and Oxfam Scotland, has been working across Scotland since 2006 to give young people the skills and opportunities to have their say on issues that affect all of us.

Sarah Davies, Project Manager of Roars not Whispers said "I'm delighted that Derek Scott will be making his voice heard to government, at the DIFID Youth Forum. Derek was one of the first graduates of the Roars not Whispers Peer Leader programme, and we've watched him go from strength to strength in his work facilitating others to make a change! Derek's gone on to do great things in his community and beyond, making a Roar, not a Whisper, and he's great at helping other people get their voices heard, too. We're proud of him and all the young people we work with who take action to change their communities, Scotland and the world."

Oxfam's Liz Leaver who has worked with Derek through the Oxfam Youth Board said,
Derek is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Oxfam Youth Board and I am really pleased he is taking able to make his voice heard at the G20. He leapt at the chance to be involved at this event. The Oxfam Youth Board is a small group of young people who volunteer to act as advisors to Oxfam on youth matters. Derek is proof that young people have a lot to contribute on issues surrounding poverty not just tomorrow but right now.

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