UNION Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Myanmar Youth Affairs Committee, yesterday presided a round-table discussion marking the International Youth Day, which falls on 12 August.
The Union Minister, Deputy Minister U Soe Aung, delegates from the Myanmar Youth Affairs Committee, and relevant government officials attended the discussion on “Youth Cooperation”. Young people from across the country, officials from international organizations including the UN organizations, and delegates from Civil Society Organizations also participated in the discussion via video conferencing.
The theme of International Youth Day 2020 is “Youth Engagement for Global Action”.
The Union Minister said that “Global Action” means responding to the world’s problems including man-made disasters, natural disasters and widespread pandemic. “Youth Engagement” means active inclusion of young people in taking actions to resolve the world’s problems.
The Union Minister also pointed out that 2020 is a year that has many serious problems including ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19, which highlights the weaknesses of political, economic, and social infrastructures of the world. The world is confronted with problems such as inequalities, and extremism, he said. About one billion of young people are estimated to live in the world today, which equals 18 per cent of the world population. So, young people have very crucial roles in creating great future and resolving the current world’s problems.
The Union Minister continued that young people in Myanmar took part in drafting a youth policy of Myanmar, and currently a related strategy to implement the policy has been developed. There are youth networks in all states and regions.
Moreover, there are many youth organizations and civil society organizations working for youth affairs, so Myanmar already has a foundation to create a better future, said the Union Minister.
He also urged the young people to work hard to enhance their capacities in order to make the world a better and peaceful place.
The Representative of UNFPA Myanmar extended greetings on videoconference to mark the event, followed by video clips on message of the UN Secretary- General’s Envoy on Youth.
Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye led a panel discussion on the topic of ‘Youth Engagement in National Action’ which was taken part by Ko Htet Paing Soe from Yangon Region, Ma Bauk Mai from Kachin State, Ko Wai Yan Aung from Magway Region and Ko Saw Kalyar Tun from Rakhine State.
The topics in discussion included youth policy in Myanmar, COVID-19 response works, economic opportunities in post- COVID-19 period and the role of youth in peace-making process.
The Union Minister, the Director-General and youth representatives answered the questions of audience in the discussions.
Participants discussed en encouragements to the youth to actively participate in respective role in implementing youth policy and strategic plans, budget allocation of relevant ministries, negotiation with respective region/ state governments for youth centres, active role of volunteers in COVID-19 control measures, formation of township level groups to give helps, coordination of Disaster Management Department and the UN WFP in supplying foods to the quarantine centres, recovery for economic impacts, creation of suitable jobs amidst the pandemic, the works of ministries to create employment opportunities through relief plans for the returnees from abroad, relief supplies of Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement to the vulnerable groups and IDPs, the crucial role of youth to address economic impacts from the pandemic, participation of youth in peace process and studying for building a peaceful and prosperous country. The ceremony was concluded with creening a documentary video that presents participation of youths in development asks.
MNA
(Translated by Maung Maung Swe)
PHOTO: MNA
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