Youth participation central for development - Deputy Minister

Ruwini Jayawardana in Rio de Janeiro

'We must consider the youths as assets in the development processes worldwide. Partnerships with youth will be key to successful implementation of beyond-2015 global agenda," Youth Affairs and Skills Development Deputy Minister Duminda Dissanayake said at the 'Enabling Youth participation in bridging Rio+20 outcome Beyond 2015' at Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development at Rio Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Giving voices, opportunities and leadership to youth should be the guiding principles for developing the beyond-2015 agenda. The focus needs to be on the most marginalized young women and young men in urban and rural areas that are often left out of the development discussions.

"The event was organized by Sri Lankan National Youth Council in collaboration with the Environment Ministry and the Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry, Government of Sri Lanka," Deputy Minister Dissanayake said.

The panel 'Enabling Youth participation in bridging Rio+20 outcome Beyond 2015' was also aimed at mobilization and empowerment on UNCSD/Rio+20 and beyond process as the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY).

It was directed at to create a platform for youth participation and bridge the gap between the global north and the global south youth.

Over 200 participants from youth-led civil society participants, NGOs, private, government and UN organizations representatives attended the event to create a meaningful session for strengthening youth participation in developing the beyond 2015 agenda. Youth leadership is central to developing a youth centered preparatory process and ensuring youth perspective to the development of beyond-2015 agenda.

Participants concluded that youth partnership as central force for the implementation of the beyond-2105 agenda.

"The government of Sri Lanka has encouraged youth participation in decision making matters by establishing a youth Parliament and Federation of Youth Clubs which have over one million youth members at grassroot level. The Emerging Young Leader Award (EYLA) and Top 20 award brought young leaders representing diverse sectors to national and international level. NYSC also introduced a national sport festival and reality show, Sihinaya (Dream) for disable young people," the deputy minister said.