The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban ki-Moon has appealed to young people all over the world to join forces with the United Nations in the formation and implementation of the new sustainable development goals.
Moon made this call at the United Nation’s International Youth Day Celebration organised by Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (SMILE) and the United Nation Information Centre, (UNIC), held yesterday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos.
The programe tagged: “Youth Civil Engagement brought together thousands of youths drawn from across Nigeria, professionals, experts, civil society groups, officials from the United Nations agencies, government officials and the private sector. It also featured a roundtable discussion by experts and other stakeholders, insightful teachings, documentaries, panel discussion, comedy and question and answer session.
According to the UN Secretary young people are the major drivers of change in any society and policies and programmes targeted at their wellbeing and their survival must include them.
Moon, who was represented by the Country Director, UNIC, Mr. Ronald Kayanfe said that 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.
He said: “I stand with the world‘s young people in calling for measures to secure human rights, economic progress, environmental stewardship and social inclusion.”
He noted that emerging threats, violent extremism, shifting political conditions, economic turmoil and social transformations are combining to heighten the challenges facing the world’s young people.
He went on: “No one knows better than the young people at stake or the best way to response. That is why I am calling on young people to speak out- and l am urging leaders to listen.
“As the world changes with unprecedented speed, young people are proving to be invaluable partners who can advance meaningful solutions”, he said. In her goodwill message, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. OLURANTI ADEBULE reinstated the commitment of the state government towards constant engagement of young people as development partners.