“History has shown that young people are the drivers of transformative changes and it is our responsibility to create conditions to help them…”
The young people of the world are the drivers of change.
As such, they should be encouraged to voice their opinions, contributing to meaningful policies that benefit people.
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So said the United Nations Under Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs, Wu Hongbo, during the Official Opening of the Small
Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) T.A.L.A.V.O.U Forum yesterday evening at the TATTE Building, Apia.
The Forum is bringing young people from across the globe, from different backgrounds and networks, to Samoa to learn about key issues affecting S.I.D.S.
“Young people may lack resources but you are very resourceful in bringing your views to the government,” he said.
“History has shown that young people are the drivers of transformative changes and it is our responsibility to create conditions to help them…”
He added: “As we all know children and youth have a special place in sustainable development. We must include young people in the decision making process rather than keeping them out.”
Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, welcomed all the participants to Samoa. He highlighted that the name of the Conference, T.A.L.A.V.O.U, speaks about a bright future and hope, which is what Samoa hopes will become the legacy of the 2014 S.I.D.S Conference.
Tuilaepa said that about 40 per cent of Samoa’s population are youth and to date “many of our young people are facing similar challenges” which include employment, social issues among other things.
The Youth Forum theme is “S.I.D.S Youth for Sustainable Development.”
Representing Samoa at the Conference are:
• Molly Homasi from the Samoa National Youth Council.
• Brianna Fruean from Future Rush.
• Fa’atino Utumapu from Nuanua o le Alofa
• Neil Tiatia a young Savai’i migrant worker
The acronym T.A.L.A.V.O.U. stands for “Towards a Legacy of Achievement, Versatility, Opportunity through partnership and Unity.”
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