Adolescents and young people are under-represented in the global policy-making process. There has to be role for youth in policy- making as they can bring about a change for the better if empowered with required skills, health, and decision-making capabilities.
This was the sum up of the declaration that was worked out by about 160 youths from over 30 countries who came to Visakhapatnam for the four-day Global Youth Meet (GYM) on youth, health, and development.
The meeting concluded on Wednesday. The declaration was read out by youth ambassadors — Roopika Nahar, a student of Std. X from Pollock’s School, and Ferdinant Sonyuy from Cameroon.
“The Visakhapatnam Declaration is in tune with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and we have drafted 17 goals,” said Roopika.
“The declaration will be submitted to the UN, major international NGOs, departments concerned in various countries, and all stakeholders,” said Mr. Ferdinant.
The youth ambassadors said that based on the declaration, governments in various countries, international agencies, fellow youth, civil society and the media would take decisive action to promote inclusive development and protect the large youth population from being exposed to inequitable conditions.
The declaration pointed out that a major segment of the youth population come under the middle and low-income groups and lives in conflict zones without access to proper health care.
M. Bhaskara Rao, Chairman of the Organising Committee of GYM-2015 said that the meeting was organised not only to connect the youth from different countries but also empower them with skill sets so that they become agents of change in their respective countries.
Organising secretary Monika Arora said that apart from health issues, the meet also focused on climate change, environment protection, and preserving the ecosystem.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Satish Soni, in his valedictory address said that youth can play a major role in changing society, especially in areas such as health and education.
He also urged the young minds to think of joining the Defence sector as a career.
The declaration is in tune with UN Sustainable Development Goals and will be submitted to the UN and all stakeholders
Roopika Nahar & Ferdinant Sonyuy
Youth ambassadors
