UNSG envoy on Youth Ahmed Alhendawi visits Somalia
The United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Youth, Mr. Ahmed Alhendawi visited Mogadishu to discuss the role of youth in State Building and Peace Building initiatives and ways the UN can support government initiatives on youth. This two day visit consisted of series of meetings with the Speaker of the Parliament, Prime Minister, Minister of Youth and Sports, Deputy Minister of Education, Minister of Higher Education, Culture and Heritage and Minister of Health. He also met with representatives from different regional youth groups such as university students and civil society groups.
Discussions were centred on the development of the Somali Government National Youth Policy addressing different sectors such as education, employment, heath and political engagement.
The Minister of Youth and Sports said: “This policy will focus on the empowerment of young man and women and will allow them to participate in the reconstruction and the recovery process of this country. To bring change into Somalia, our youth must be the core centre for stability, social change, and economic transformation. Their involvement in rebuilding Somalia will be crucial and this policy will facilitate their integration and involvement in the decision making process. Our government is committed to give them the necessary tools through proper education and technical vocational training.”
Mr. Alhendawi said today: “I am here in Somalia because I believe that this country’s biggest assets are its young generation. I know that young Somalis suffered so long and paid the highest price during conflict. It is time to give them a voice.”
This visit confirms the commitment of the United Nations in supporting the Federal Government of Somalia to deliver tangible and executable Youth engagement programs.
Somalireport24.com
