Mbabane: The United Nations UN Resident Coordinator in Eswatini Nathalie Ndongo-She has stated that you are part of a society that shall play a critical role in the recovery of the world from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ndongo-She made the remarks in her statement for the celebration of International youth day celebration.
She said the Youth day is a day for recognizing the immense dedication, bravery, skills, creativity, innovation, and great potential demonstrated by our young people, who continue to fight on a daily basis for a better future for all. He said it was evident that the youth aged under 25 – who accounted for 42 percent of the world’s population in 2018, saying that they are an essential group in the societies and as such, they shall play a critical role in the world’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
She said it was time to work with youth as equal partners in the recovery efforts from the covid-19 Pandemic.
This year’s youth day theme is Transforming Foods Systems, which highlights the importance of innovative solutions developed by young people to overcome obstacles within food systems. This is also in line with the Food Systems Dialogues that are currently ongoing across the globe, including in Eswatini, and which will feed into the UN Food Systems Summit that will be held next month.
In the Kingdom of Eswatini, Ndongo-She said young agri-preneurs are finding local and sustainable solutions to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the nation’s food systems. With an estimated 29 percent of Emaswatiyouth participating in agriculture, their contribution to the Eswatini economy is immense; yet, opportunities must be provided to further this impact.
She said however, it is not only in agriculture that our youth are making a significant difference but also in education, gender equality, social empowerment, environment, science, arts, technology, and in many other areas, thereby making contributions towards shaping the future of our nations.
Ndongo-She highlighted that in 2020, as the UN celebrated its 75th anniversary, young people and other vulnerable groups across the world, including more than 7,000 persons consulted in 23 groups in Eswatini, voiced their aspirations about the future they want.
As emphasized by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, “young people cannot do it on their own. They need allies to make sure they are engaged, included, and understood.” She said the United Nations stands in solidarity with young people across the world and in Eswatini and is working to ensure that they are prioritized and empowered in all areas of life.
The Secretary-General has therefore called for “everyone to guarantee young people a seat at the table as we build a world based on inclusive, fair and sustainable development for all”.
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