Lagos – The UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki Moon, on Wednesday urged world leaders to begin to listen to the wishes and aspirations of young people in their countries.
Ban made the appeal in his message to mark this year’s International Youth Day in Lagos.
His message was presented by the Director of the UN Information Centre (UNIC), Mr Ronald Kayanja.
The theme of this year’s anniversary is: “Youth Civic Engagement”.
The UN scribe noted that the world’s young people were being faced with challenges of emerging threats, violent extremism, shifting political conditions, economic turmoil and social transformations.
According to him, millions of young people are currently protesting for rights and participation, youth unemployment, injustice and global action for people and planet.
“No one knows better than them the issues at stake or the best way to respond.
“That is why I am calling on young people to speak out, and I am urging leaders to listen to them.
“I stand with the world’s young people in calling for measures to secure human rights, economic progress, environmental stewardship and social inclusion.’’
Ban also called on leaders to support young people in creating a future where the planet would be protected for all people.
The secretary-general also enjoined young people to always demand and foster the “dramatic progress” so urgently needed globally.
Mrs Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins, President of Strategy for Mentoring Initiative, a youth development group, who jointly organised the anniversary with UNIC, called for the inclusion of youths in development policies.
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Bamgbose-Martins said that it was imperative for governments and other stakeholders’ to rededicate themselves to youth development programmes in their communities.
She urged youths to step all-out and be able to develop and harness their potential in promoting long-term and sustainable development in their communities.
Bamgbose-Martins said that her group had recently launched a support programme for young aspiring change agents in parts of Nigeria.
“Some of the youths were engaged in panel discussions that afforded them opportunities to speak out on their potential and current challenges in contributing to national development,’’ she said.
This year’s anniversary, which was held at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium, was attended by over 500 young men and women from different secondary and higher institutions in Lagos.
The UN had on Dec. 17, 1999, declared every 12th Aug. as International Youth Day, following the recommendation of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youths. (NAN)