Invest in youth to reap demographic dividend — UNFPA

The acting Country Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ms Erika Goldson, has tasked African governments, including the Ghana government, to invest in the youth to reap the demographic dividend — the benefits associated with a youthful population.

Ms Goldson made the call at a ceremony organised by the Young Diplomats of Ghana (YDG) to mark this year’s United Nations’ (UNs) International Youth Day at the British Council Hall in Accra.

Building peace

Speaking on the theme: “Youth Building Peace,” Ms Goldson noted that the needs and aspirations of the youth in matters of peace and security were development imperative, adding that it was necessary to engage young people at any given opportunity so as to ensure the achievement of a desired future.

“As we observe this day, we urge government to work on the Africa Union (AU) road map for harnessing the demographic dividend for Ghana.

“For us at UNFPA, as part of our mission, we are committed to ensuring that every young person’s potential is fulfilled and this is the most singular reason that we are at the forefront of youth issues worldwide and in Ghana,” she stated.

She pledged her outfit’s commitment to support efforts of the government and civil society to develop the country’s greatest asset — young people-- who she said could help move the world closer to the shared vision of a world free of conflict and violence.

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Other speakers

In a speech read on his behalf, a Deputy Minister of Communications, Mr George Andah, encouraged the youth to make good use of telecommunication platforms for social interactions.

He said participants should take interest in the development of content to contribute effectively as the country would be migrating from analogue to digital television next year where content development would play a key role.

According to him, the celebration of the International Youth Day was significant because it afforded the government an opportunity to address concerns of young people, share ideas and also develop initiatives aimed at getting them involved in governance and decision-making processes.

For her part, Ms Christine Evans-Clock, UN Resident Coordinator, who read a brief history of the International Youth Day, noted that the UN’s focus on the youth was the growing recognition that as agents of change, the inclusion of young people in peace and security was key to building and sustaining peace.

She, therefore, urged the government to include young people in the decision-making process of the country.

Debate

As part of activities to commemorate the day, the YDG organised a debate on the motion: “Is the Ghanaian youth well equipped to effectively participate in the governance and decision-making processes of the country?”

International Youth Day

The International Youth Day is a UN initiated annual celebration to recognise efforts of the world’s youth in enhancing a global and just society.

It also aims to promote ways of engaging the youth and people to make positive contributions and constructive criticisms to promote nation building.