Guyanese youths will be adding their voices, through consultation and mural painting to the climate change debate.

The consultation is billed for the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) today, and will continue with the involvement of 400 youths in a mural relevant to climate change.

The exercise will be undertaken through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Office of Climate Change.

The Ministry will also embark on training several youths in Region Six and Georgetown in edutainment, a strategy which will allow for the use of the performing arts to inform the masses on contemporary social ills existing in society.

With financial assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry is at present providing training for 45 youth representatives from Regions Three, Four and Five in good governance, human rights and democratic practices.

Additionally, through collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, the Ministry was able to establish 10 Adolescent Youth Friendly Spaces in Regions One, Three, Four, Six and Ten, to strengthen national support for youths in areas of emotional health and well being, HIV/AIDS prevention and control, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Yesterday marked the 9th annual United Nations International Youth Day, a day set aside by the United Nations to focus on key issues relevant and important to the social, cultural economic and political rights of youth.          

The day was held under the theme “Our Challenge, Our Future,” with the recognition that youths are an excellent source of energy, creativity, and initiative, and should embrace the challenge of sustainability in its fullness as they help pave the way forward in the 21st century and beyond.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport joined in International Youth Day celebration, highlighting the importance of creating avenues for youth involvement in every aspect of the development process, particularly at this time when Guyana is at a crucial point in its development. (GINA)