The Guyana Public Service Union’s (GPSC) Youth Committee announced its activities in observance of International Youth Year at a reception held at Duke Lodge.
The United Nations (UN) has declared August 2010- 2011, International Youth Year, which is to be observed globally under the theme ‘Dialogue and Mutual Understanding,’
The year aims to encourage dialogue and understanding across generations and to promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and freedoms, and solidarity.
Executive Council Member of the GPSU, Ms. Samantha Fedee, in her address, pointed out the importance of the chosen theme, which suggests an appreciation for dialogue between youths of different cultures.
She said, “The young members of the GPSU are proud of the UN’s resolutions.”
Fedee indicated that the GPSU’s activities for the year long observance will be done in three phases which will include Public lectures, Health Sessions and Climate Change Discussions, among other things.
“To continue to build ourselves we must respect ourselves,” Fedee imparted.
“The dedication of an entire year to young people across the world and Guyana is necessary as young people are the future,” Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud stressed.
Persaud pointed out that Guyanese should be proud of the fact that there has been a dedicated emphasis on young people’s development across the nation.
“It is now their responsibility and the obligation, as young people, to utilize the opportunities presented,” he said.
In addition, the Honorable Minister of Agriculture encouraged all the young people across the nation to take up the mantle, become leaders and to render support to those groups that are still vulnerable.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue in times of global conflict, saying, “As young people we need to stand up, we have to break down barriers and present ourselves as role models to demonstrate that we live in a society where dialogue is encouraged.”
Senior Member of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, Ms. Dwenette Eversley congratulated the GPSU on the “important Initiative” they have undertaken to commemorate the occasion.
She said, “It is good that you are sharing with the young people of Guyana your plans for the year as this will give them the opportunity to make their voices heard to advance advocacy platforms.”
Ms. Eversley pointed out that the Commonwealth Youth Programme has addressed several issues affecting young people in Guyana in their strategic programme, as part of the celebrations of International Youth Year to increase and enhance young people’s participation in all aspects of decision making.
“This is critical,” she said.
On 18 December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/64/134 proclaiming the year commencing on 12 August 2010 as the International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding. The Year will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the first International Youth Year in 1985 on the theme Participation, Development and Peace.