Message by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Hon. Charles Ramson Jr.
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
International Youth Day 2020
Each year, on August 12, Guyana joins the United Nations and its 193 member states in observance of International Youth Day (IYD), which aims at celebrating and furthering the contributions of young people worldwide. This day was first endorsed by the UN General Assembly in the year 1999, following recommendations made at the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth. This year’s theme, “Youth Engagement for Global Action”, focuses on the need for youth involvement and engagement within the global policymaking framework.
Young people, here in Guyana and around the world, are not just the future but must shape the future. The reality is that the world has changed, and the pace of change will only accelerate as human civilisation advances. That reality is being driven mostly by young people who simply want a better way of life, a better world, and a better future. These changes present immense opportunities, but it will also present significant challenges which are not isolated to young people; it is a challenge for humanity and civilisation as we know it. Over the course of human history, however, solutions to challenges have always been found through our collective engagement. It is for this reason that youth engagement for global action is not only important, but it is also critical.
Guyana, like many other developing countries in the world, has over 60% of its population below the age of 35. This is an enormous resource for a country rich with natural resources. Harnessing these resources for the benefit of all Guyanese is a top priority for Guyana and simultaneously becomes a benefit for the world. Young people have once again have taken the leader roles in driving change in Guyana and finding the solutions to the consequential challenges. This is something we are proud of and should be proud.
Recently, Guyana overcame a grave threat to our democratic foundation. This fight was led by young national leaders, and manifestly demonstrated the infinite possibilities of collective engagement and collective action.
We are happy to be a part of this Global Action.