Guyana joins the world in observing Int’l Youth Day

Aug 13, 2015 News

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By Shyon Hoppie
The World Programme of Action for Youths plays a prominent role in youth development, and with this being in the forefront, Guyana yesterday joined the rest of the world for the first time in observation of International Youth Day, with three major activities.
A collaborative effort between the Ministry Of Public Health’s Adolescent Unit and the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport yesterday saw a youth walk, expo and concert.
The youth walk commenced in the morning at Parliament Building and proceeded along Brickdam before making its way to Homestretch Avenue and the eventual destination, the National Cultural Centre (NCC). The Parliament Building was chosen because the coordinators wanted to emphasise that the laws and legislation that govern the youths are made there.
The youth expo was held at the NCC, the focal point of the activity, for young people to be aware and educated on various opportunities and extracurricular activities at their disposal. Many organisations took the opportunity to lend their voices in both advocating and inspiring the persons present at the expo to join their numerous associations.
With their main focus being to strengthen national capacities in the field of youth and to increase the quality and quantity of opportunities available to young people for full, effective and constructive participation in society, the day’s activity was concluded with a cultural concert at the NCC.
Present at the event was Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, United Nations Representative Khadija Musa, from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Patrice La Fleur, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry and Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health.
Kaieteur News caught up with Dr. Norton and he expressed delight with the turnout at the expo, he said, “Not only because it’s International Youth Day, it is good to see youths coming out to such activities… Not everything on exhibition is for the youths alone, as an adult can gain as much as a young person can…I am really, really impressed and it is something that I will encourage and insist that it becomes an annual event.”
The Minister further stated that he is grateful that one of the members at the Ministry of Public Health, namely Dr. Shivon Lewis, came up with the initiative and it was formally supported by the Ministry of Education.
As the world rapidly changes, young people are proving to be invaluable partners who can advance meaningful solutions. Youth movements and student groups are challenging traditional power structures and advocating a new social contract between States and societies.
Young leaders have contributed fresh ideas, taken proactive measures, and militarized through social media as never before.
On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day.
This year’s theme, “Youth Civic Engagement,” is focused on the engagement and participation of youth which is essential to achieve sustainable human development.
Yet, often the opportunities for youth to engage politically, economically and socially are low or non-existent.
There has been recent, increasing attention and policy and programming focus on youth civic engagement by governments, United Nations entities, regional and multilateral organizations, youth and researchers.
World Programme of Action for Youth, is setting a policy framework and guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young people.
Fifteen priority Areas adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations are Education, Employment, Hunger and poverty, Health, Environment, Drug abuse, Juvenile delinquency, Leisure-time activities, Girls and Young women, Participation, Globalization, Information and Communication Technologies, HIV/AIDS, Youth and Conflict and Intergenerational Relations.
Meanwhile, in light of this auspicious activity, the General Secretary of the United Nations issued his statement in relation to International Youth Day 2015.
“In this landmark year, as leaders prepare to adopt a bold new vision for sustainable development, the engagement of youth is more valuable than ever. At this critical moment in history, I call on young people to demand and foster the dramatic progress so urgently needed in our world,” said Ban Ki-moon.
He further noted that, he applauds the millions of young people who are protesting for rights and participation, addressing staggering levels of youth unemployment, raising their voices against injustice, and advocating global action for people and the planet.

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