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By Sibeso Nalufu, Derrick Sinjela and Fulman James Mukobeko Nico, New Government Complex, Lusaka
Dr. Mary Otieno
THE United Nations International Youth Day (UNIYD) is commemorated globally on an annual basis to promote critical development issues requiring attention and actions meant to improve the potential and well-being of young people.
The United Nations Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Youth Day on the 12th August 2017,on the theme “YOUTH BUILDING PEACE”.
Flanked by United Nations Fund for Population (UNFPA) Resident Coordinator, Dr. Mary Otieno and Youth, Sport and Child Development Ministry Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alfonso Banda, National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Rev. Godfridah Sumaili, described the 2017 theme as providing an opportunity to promote and engage on the provisions of the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 adopted in December 2015, as a groundbreaking resolution on the positive role young people play in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.
National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Reverend Godfridah Sumaili with UNFPA Resident Representative Dr. Mary Otieno – Picture by Derrick Sinjela
A forthright, Rev. Sumaili told a youthful gathering dominated by tertiary students said that the UNIYD is meant to draw attention to a set of cultural, economic and legal issues surrounding the youths across the globe as well as Zambia.
Rev. Sumaili restated that theme is timely for Zambia as the country is actively promoting and enhancing National Unity as well as Regional and International Peace.
Reverend Sumaili argued that the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 equally underscores the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development known as the 17 Sustauinable Development Goals (SDGs), which is construed to foster peaceful and inclusive societies, reaffirming a viewpoint that “sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security”.
“It is a well-known fact that during times of civil strife and unrest, young people and children are not only victims but also u
National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Reverend Godfridah Sumaili with UNFPA Resident Representative Dr. Mary Otieno – Picture by Derrick Sinjela
sed as tools of violence. Inadequate human capital investment and high unemployment rates among the youth create a breeding ground for such vices. Let me take this opportunity to encourage the present generation of our youth to rise above Political, Religious and Tribal affiliation and continue to be agents of peace and unity in our great country, Zambia,” stressed Reverend Sumaili, in an apparent reference to poverty, income inequality and unemployment, viewed globally as a teething tripartite woe (burden).
“Zambia will continue to promote Dialogue, Responsibility and Solidarity as well as mutual respect among Political, Cultural, Ethnic and Religious Groups. Our National Values and Principles, which include morality and Ethics and Patriotism and National Unity, are truly our foundation that encompass inclusive and sustainable development. Let us remember that peace will not happen on its own, Peace depends on us all, especially the youth who constitute a larger proportion of all our societies,” prodded Rev. Sumail
National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Reverend Godfridah Sumaili with UNFPA Resident Representative Dr. Mary Otieno – Picture by Derrick Sinjela
i.
In conclusion, Rev. Sumaili urged the United Nations systems in Zambia to continue with the role of fostering Youth Development and participation in our country.
Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Janet Rogan added that, guided by these agreed global frameworks and instruments, the United Nations System in Zambia acknowledges the sustained effort Government in providing similar enabling frameworks at national level through the Vision 2030, 7th National Development Plan, National Youth Policy and its Action Plan.
In a speech read by UNFPA Representative, Dr. Mary Otieno, Ms Rogan restated that the UN believes in the potential of Zambia’s youth bench-marking the UN family collective programme with transformation measures of success that are linked to the development and governance.
“To this end, we have established a UN Youth Partnership Platform to promote effective participation and engagement of the youth,” said Ms. Rogan.
The United Nations system in Zambia is headed by UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Janet Rogan
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