10/08/1998

I would like to start by conveying the warm greetings and good wishes of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi and Queen Mother, the Government and people of Swaziland.

May I also extend our gratitude to the Government of Portugal for the initiative to convene this conference in cooperation with the United Nations and for hosting us. We congratulate you Mr. President, and the Secretariat for the professional and expert manner displayed throughout the preparatory process. We are convinced that much success win be achieved when we conclude our work

Mr. President,
May I recall that Governments, with the support of the international community, non-governmental organizations, as well as the public and private sectors, and also youth organizations in particular, were invited by the General Assembly to implement the World Programme of Action for Youth for the Year 2000 and Beyond by addressing the ten priority areas which were identified.

My delegation is content that the declaration we will be adopting focuses on the key areas of national youth policy, participation development, peace, education, employment, health, the problem of drugs and substance abuse and follow-up mechanisms. I would like to place it on record that Swaziland endorses this declaration and considers it a balanced app~oach which widely reflects on the provisions of the United Nations Charter and is further in line with the achievements made in the previous world conferences convened by the United Nations, particularly the Fourth World Conference on Women, the World Summit for Social Development, the World Conference on Human Rights and the International Conference on Population and Development amongst others.

Mr. President,
The implementation process of outcomes adopted at any conference or programme of action is always of key importance, and it requires coordinated efforts at all levels. In this regard, the implementation of the Youth Programme of Action and the Declaration we will be adopting is the cornerstone for ensuring that all countries formulate and implement strategies, policies, programmes and actions in favour of their youth, taking into account the prevailing economic, social and environmental conditions.

It is for this reason that Swaziland is committed to the formulation of a comprehensive National Youth Policy, which will direct Government and all stakeholders as to the current and future situation of the young Swazi women and men. Swaziland has thus far concluded the drafting process of the national youth policy which will, in due course, be presented to Parliament for consideration.

For our part, the commitment to enhance and improve the conditions of livelihood rests at the highest level. Allow me to recall His Majesty's statement on the occasion of the Commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations. He expressed that he not only represented Swaziland at that important forum, but also the youth of the world whose expectations and hopes for their own lives and for the future of humankind must form the focus of the work of the United Nations. He reflected on their need for good health, shelter, security, freedom to pursue ideas and beliefs of personal choice, education and employment, peace and equality thus ensuring harmony among all people. As such, the Kingdom of Swaziland's commitment to acquiring the aspirations of its young people can not be overemphasised.

Like in many other countries, in most areas of Swaziland, the youth is disproportionately represented among the poor and unemployed, they are exposed to acute health risks, access to resources is extremely limited, education and training opportunities are restricted, and violence including gender-based violence and neglect is not uncommon. As a result, this otherwise productive group of young Swazis is often found taking part in crime related activities, including the illegal distribution and use of drugs and psycho tropic substances.

As such it is imperative that special attention must be devoted to the planning and implementation of a strategic programme addressing the special needs of young people, their empowerment, operationalizing and strengthening of the national youth policy and the development of human resource potential.

This programme, Mr. President, will promote the well being and development of the Kingdom's youth with a number of major objectives such as encouraging and supporting active participation of the youth in the process of national development, giving due recognition to the contributions made by the youth to the economic, social and cultural development of society and promoting productive activity in its widest sense, with a view to eliminating unemployment.

This approach will also seek to meet such objectives through activities not excluding training, both formal and informal, including cultural exchange programmes, as well as the production of training materials and promotion of youth initiatives through grants, awards, technical assistance and consultancies.

In view of the fact that this initiative requires funding which regrettably is beyond the capacity of the Government, my delegation would like to reaffirm the recommendations contained in the Dakar Declaration adopted in March 1998 and subsequently endorsed by the OAU Heads of States and Governments in June 1998, and further encourage the international community to lend its financial support as requested, to the operationalization of the African Youth Fund and Programme of Young Volunteers which was initiated by the Organization of African Unity.

Mr. President,
Youth with disabilities form another isolated group from the mainstream of development and employment They experience conditions that are more severe as basic educational and rehabilitation facilities are inadequate. Information and numerous infra-structural amenities are not suited to their needs. Many live a life of dependency, with few opportunities for formal employment. Even the few that are employed, if any, ever reach decision and policy making levels.

It is critical to note that efforts made both by Government and NGOs to alleviate or lessen the problems faced by this group of equally deserving Swazi citizens, whose contribution to the welfare of the nation is limited, have been failed by lack of adequate resources.

Mr. President,
The fabric of the Swazi society is woven together by its unique cultural values and traditions. Swaziland believes that it is of utmost importance that special emphasis should be placed on the strengthening and restoration of traditional and cultural values, as this is an instrument proven to bring about united and peaceful societies. As a result, Swaziland is currently engaged in an effort to codify Swazi law and customs thus ensuring the protection of treasured customs which enhance peace and unity.

Mr. President,
May I conclude by stating that archaic discriminatory practices will not bring about development, justice and peace. The youth is more than ready to contribute and participate concretely in the transformation, recovery and development of its societies in peace-building, unity strengthening, solidarity, stability, harmony and in righting against violence. As such, there is an urgent need to have a common position to establish dynamic links of partnership and cooperation where the youth will participate as the main and central actors.

I thank you Mr. President.