| Date: 10/08/2012 Time: 09:19:00 PM |
In a message marking "International Youth
Day" this Sunday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday called on
governments around the world to include youth into decision-making processes,
warning that if they fail to do so, a whole generation of youth could be lost.
"The global economic crisis has hit youth the hardest, and many are
understandably discouraged by rising inequalities. A large number have no
immediate prospects and are disenfranchised from the political, social and
development processes in their countries," he said, warning that "without
urgent measures, we risk creating a 'lost generation' of squandered talent and
dreams."
Today's generation of youth, the largest the world has ever known and the
vast majority of whom live in developing countries, he stated, has
"unprecedented potential to advance the well-being of the entire human family.
"
"I call on Governments, the private sector, civil society and academia to
open doors for young people and strengthen partnerships with youth-led
organizations. Youth can determine whether this era moves toward greater peril
or more positive change. Let us support the young people of our world so they
grow into adults who raise yet more generations of productive and powerful
leaders, he said.
He described youth as a "transformative force; they are creative,
resourceful and enthusiastic agents of change, be it in public squares or
cyberspace."
He said youth have energetically demonstrated on many occasions their
"capacity and desire to turn the tide of history and tackle global challenges.
We need to establish more and stronger mechanisms for youth participation. The
time has come to integrate youth voices more meaningfully into decision-making
processes at all levels." |