World leaders took the podium in September at the opening of the General Debate of the 72nd UN General Assembly, where 77 member states mentioned young people in their national statements. This represents a remarkable increase from last year’s General Debate, where 59 world leaders discussed the role of youth. The remarks delivered this year emphasized the importance of bolstering youth engagement in policies and movements, and of their critical roles in promoting peace and democracy, as well as upholding human rights. Below highlights and further listing provide a glimpse of what world leaders had to say about young people as they took the stage at the UN General Assembly.

As the youngest leader to take the podium, H.R.H. Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II framed his address around his belonging to the largest generation of young people in history, and the need to include this generation as active partners in shaping the world we share. “Today, I stand before you as a representative of my beloved Jordan, but also as a member of the largest generation of young people in history.(…) Too often, people of my generation are labeled as dreamers. Yet, we all know that every great deed was born a dream. We are often dismissed as idealists, but idealism is not foolish, it is fearless.”

72 General Debate Ð 20 September

 Crown Prince of Jordan, H.R.H. Al Hussein bin Abdullah II

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Ireland, H.E. Simon Coveney, emphasized the importance of listening to young people’s aspiration as an embodiment of the UN Charter and recognizing young people as the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Both President Alpha Condé of Guinea and President Arthur Peter Mutharika of Malawi highlighted 2017 as the Year of Youth by the African Union.

Secretary-General António Guterres called for meaningful action to address the roots of radicalization, including real and perceived injustices as well as high levels of unemployment that disproportionately affect young people.

H.E. Miroslav Lajcak, President of the 72nd General Assembly, emphasized the need to hear for more young voices in the important discussions happening at the United Nations.

Here are more highlights from statements made by the heads of delegation during this year’s General Debate:

Nigeria: In his statement President Muhammadu Buhari remarked “In the last year, the international community came together to focus on the need for gender equality, youth empowerment, social inclusion, and the promotion of education, creativity and innovation. The frontiers of good governance, democracy including holding free and fair elections, and enthronement of the rule of law are expanding everywhere, especially in Africa.” He then went on to emphasize Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening state institutions and cooperation in the international community to promote accountability on these fronts.

Liberia: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf shared about Liberia’s its effort to empower youth in its post conflict transformation. “We have continued to transform the healthcare and education systems, engendered the entrepreneurial spirit in our youth, our vibrant media and civil society.”

Liberia

President of Liberia,  Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Zambia: President Edgar Chagwa Lungu emphasized the importance to focus on women, children and youth, and Zambia’s role as the designated African Union champion on ending child marriage for 2017. “My government attaches great importance to the needs and welfare of all with a particular focus on women, children and youth. To this end, Zambia continues to make tremendous strides in the campaign to end child marriage, with the prevalence rate currently standing at 31.2%, depicting a 10.8 percentage drop from the 42% at inception of the campaign.”

Egypt: President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi addressed the challenges that Egypt faces in developing a reform strategy to empower its large youth population. “Egypt is encircled by the most dangerous crises in the world. It is our destiny to navigate confidently through these unprecedented dangers, relying on an ambitious development strategy based on radical and bold economic reforms. Such reforms aim at empowering the youth, who represent the majority of the population, not only in Egypt but also in most of the societies of the Arab countries and the developing world.”

Uzbekistan: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed the importance of preventing violent extremism through empowering the younger generation.“The most important task is to fight for the minds of people, especially young people. Most of the crimes linked with extremist activity and violence are committed by the people under the age of 30. Today’s youth is the largest generation in the history of mankind totaling 2 billion people. The planet’s future and well-being depend on what kind of people our children will grow up into. Our key task is to provide conditions for self-realization of the youth, create a barrier against the spread of the “virus” of the ideology of violence. We believe that for this we need to develop the multilateral cooperation in the sphere of social support of the younger generation, protection of its rights and interests.”

Estonia: President Kersti Kaljulaid underscored the importance to eliminate gender based violence, especially among girls. “Estonia continues to support actions addressing gender based violence and reproductive health needs of most vulnerable women and adolescent girls.”

Gambia: President Adama Barrow recognized the important role young people played in Gambia’s recent democratic transition. “Indeed, young people were all along at the forefront of our democratic transition and addressing youth unemployment.”

Austria: Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz addressed the importance of preventing violent extremism through local youth populations. “We also have to continue this fight within our own societies, we have to take more action to stop radicals with police measures and prevent our youth from being misled.”

Finland: President Sauli Niinistö, highlighted Finland’s commitment to mediation efforts, especially for groups who inherit crises, such as women and young people. “Those who are marginalized must be given a voice in peace processes. Women, children and adolescents often pay the highest price in conflicts but they can also help to pave a way out of the crisis.”

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Chairman of The Presidency Dragan Cović recognized the importance of fostering empowered, educated, and active young citizens. “Young people are a constant source of change and an incubator of inventive solutions to our problems of the past. Healthy, educated, and employed, they represent the engine that drives our societies forward. Environments where young people have limited access to education, economic development and decision-making processes are subject to frustration, social unrest and instability.”

Paraguay: President Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara discussed Paraguay’s efforts to empower young people to reduce inequality and create inclusive economic growth. “We have also increased scholarships and financial aid to young people in situations of poverty, in our conviction that educating and preparing young people academically and professionally is the best investment for the future of our country.”

Netherlands: Prime Minister Mark Rutte mentioned the need to work with youth organizations in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. “We believe that the key to success in attaining these goals is our willingness to form partnerships at a national and international level, with businesses, civil society organizations, knowledge institutions, and local authorities and youth organizations. Working together across sectors is part of our countries’ tradition.”

Portugal: Prime Minister António Luís Santos da Costa highlighted the importance of the Global Platform for Support to Syrian Students created with the support of Portugal, which empowers young Syrians through education and, “allows a much needed integrated approach which addresses issues of education and employment, demographic dynamics and economic growth, gender equality and civic participation.”

Latvia: President Raimonds Vējonis underscored the need to prevent young people from radicalization. “We must continue to disrupt the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, dismantle financing networks, and counter online and offline propaganda that sets youth on a path towards radicalization.”

Namibia: President Hage Geingob focused on Namibia’s commitment to empowering young people as current and future leaders. “Another significant demographic component that we must not neglect is the youth. In Namibia, we value the empowerment of the youth. Many of the so-called older guard have been groomed and well prepared in the structures of the ruling party and Government before they were assigned higher responsibilities. This practice continues with a number of deputy ministers that are youthful, while our Attorney General is one of the youngest on the continent.”

Romania: President Klaus Werner Iohannis highlighted education as the only answer to fighting extremism across the globe: “Romania is convinced that only through quality education we can counter extremist trends which our youth is facing today.”

Malawi: President Arthur Peter Mutharika mentioned 2017 being the Year of Youth in the African Union and spoke of some of Malawi’s education initiatives for young people. “In giving the youth the focus they deserve, the African Union agreed to make 2017 the Year of the Youth. This is the year when we focus on investing in the youth. Malawi is honoured to be part of the mission for youth empowerment. We have taken decisive measures that include providing technical and entrepreneurial education to the youth who have not had the opportunity to attend university.”

Swaziland: Head of State King Mswati III recognized the need to harness the demographic dividend and invest in young people as the key to the country’s future.“The Kingdom is also developing innovation parks that will capacitate our young people with creative skills to enable them to contribute to the sustainable development of the country. We have urged our private sector to take advantage of this initiative. We believe that this initiative, coupled with many others, will help nurture a future generation that is skilled and well equipped to provide solutions to tackle the socio-economic challenges and youth unemployment facing our nation. The critical importance of the demographic dividend to Africa’s transformative development has been acknowledged by African leaders. They have recognized the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the African Union roadmap to harness the demographic dividend through investment in our youth.”

Fiji: Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama called for collective action in addressing climate change, including its youth population: “I am reaching out to governors, mayors, leaders of every sort across our societies. People of faith. People on the front line of the climate struggle. Women. And the young people who represent our future.”

Serbia: President Aleksandar Vučić highlighted Serbia’s efforts to invest in technical and digital skills for young people. “I am proud that we started to invest into creativity of our young people; that digitalization and artificial intelligence are becoming important topics.”

Ghana: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo shared Ghana’s new programme to give all Ghanaians access to inclusive and quality education. “We have just started the Free Senior High School programme, which aims to guarantee secondary education for all of Ghana’s children. The programme will ensure that all our children will be educated to at least secondary level.”

Seychelles: President Danny Faure spoke about national reform and access to free media as means to empower young people as partners in development and economic growth. “We are empowering our citizens, especially our youth, giving them equal opportunities to play important roles in the development of our country and the growth of our economy.”

Bostwana: Vice President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi outlined Bostwana’s national plan to improve quality of life, including eradicating extreme poverty and resolving unemployment among youth. “To address youth unemployment, the Government introduced youth empowerment programmes such as the Youth Development Fund, the National Service Programme, and the Internship Programme. For the past two decades, more than 25% of the total Government’s annual budget has been invested in education and skills development.”

Croatia: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković called on adjusting education systems to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in the digital era, “especially of our youth who is, in the age of modern technology, absorbing knowledge and acquiring skills in a faster and more open manner. Thus it is our global task to adjust our educational systems to form the future responsible citizens, to give them job opportunities and fit the real needs of our labour markets.”

Slovenia: Prime Minister Miroslav Cerar welcomed the reforms of the UN Counter Terrorism architecture and called for strategies that make violent extremism less attractive to young people. “Violent extremism and crimes committed by terrorist groups continue to plague the world. We must do all we can to prevent and stop them, in particular by providing viable alternative opportunities for youth.”

Russian Federation: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey V. Lavrov spoke of its upcoming World Festival of Youth and Students as a means for cultural education. “It is necessary to educate, first of all, the youth, in the spirit of respect for cultural and civilizational diversity of the modern world. We invite everybody to the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students that will be hosted by Russia in Sochi in less than a month.”

Indonesia: Vice President Jusuf Kalla echoed many other world leaders, calling on tackling youth unemployment as a way to counter violent extremism. “The key to tackling terrorism is to address the root causes. Addressing extreme-poverty, illiteracy, and the massive youth unemployment.”

Jordan: Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II proposed solutions to unemployment among young people. “We need to drastically improve our investment climate; enhance integrity and accountability; advance our education system and support young entrepreneurs.”

Georgia: Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili spoke of Georgia’s efforts to enhance innovation to break further into the global market and allow young people to thrive. “Having an innovative society is a key to success for our talented young people.”

Mauritius: Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth recognized young people as the torchbearers of Africa’s vision for sustainable development. “This vision of Africa will be carried by its people and its youth. Today Africa is home to a growing youthful population, and is experiencing increased urbanization.”

Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted her country’s effort to make quality education accessible to every segment of society with a “special emphasis

[…] being given on promoting technical and vocational education and training for young people.”

72 General Debate Ð 20 September

Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina

Guinea Bissau: Prime Minister Umaro Sissoco Embaló shared Guinea Bissau’s achievements in education on environmental issues. “In this regard, I can say without hesitation that one of our most important educational achievements has been the development of a vigilant ecological awareness, of an increasingly sharp and active sense of environmental responsibility, especially among the youth in Guinea-Bissau – the foundation of our future.”

Kazakhstan: Minister for Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov called on the United Nations to prevent radicalization via the Internet. “The United Nations needs to take concerted action to prevent use of the Internet for recruitment, spread of terrorist ideology and radicalization of the population, especially amongst the youth.”

Spain: Minister for Foreign Affairs Alfonso Dastis Quecedo called for collective action to “work against inequality, promote prosperity and provide job opportunities to young people, in order for our planet to remain habitable for future generations.”.

Denmark: Minister for Development Cooperation Ulla Tørnæs reenforced Denmark’s commitment to youth development. “Too many young people today face a lack of opportunities and poverty. We have the largest youth population in history. Denmark is committed to helping youth get the means and skills required to be drivers of development.”

Cameroon:  President Paul Biya recalled the founding of the United Nations as an institution to secure peace for future generations. “Peace is our most precious asset. Without peace, we cannot take any sustainable and effective initiative in the interest of our youth and our peoples.”

Moldova: Prime Minister Pavel Filip shared Moldova’s reform efforts, including promoting youth empowerment. “We have also undertaken reforms of the public administration and the public services, while ensuring gender equality and the promotion of youth.”

Malta: Prime Minister Joseph Muscat called for greater formal political participation, particularly through “recent initiatives to increase youth participation by lowering voting age in general and European elections from 18 to 16.”.

Cabo Verde: Prime Minister José Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva focused on strengthening institutions and partnerships for work better for Cabo Verde’s people. “Although intangible, these are our greatest assets, and are the foundation of our development process. Our only option is to value these assets, to make them distinctive and focused on those who truly are development actors and beneficiaries: the children, youths, women and men of any country.”

Saint Lucia: Prime Minister Allen Michael Chastanet made a strong appeal to take urgent action against climate change, not least for future generations. “Let us acknowledge the fact that Small Island Developing States have repeatedly warned the international community that the failure to adequately respond to climate change would betray our children and condemn future generations to certain doom.”

Cuba: Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla shared his country’s concern about the inequalities spread by digital networks among younger populations. “The governance of digital networks is dictatorial and discriminatory and, despite appearances, the digital divide between rich and poor countries is increasing. The opportunities and rights of youths, migrants and workers are curtailed and their human rights are openly and systematically violated.”

Thailand: Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai underscored that transformation begins from within, especially for young people. “Last but not least, focusing on the people is not only about working on external conditions. The first step of a successful transformation is to work on the mindsets, especially of children and youth. We must not forget them. Their voices must be heard. The future belongs to them.”

Sweden: Minister of Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström highlighted feminist policy as a vehicle towards equality for women and young people. “Sweden has sought to strengthen the protection of children in conflict zones. Protection of children today, prevents conflicts tomorrow. Sweden’s feminist foreign policy is an agenda for change aimed at increasing rights, representation and resources for all women and girls, based on the reality of their lives. We urge all countries to form their own feminist policy and to ensure that everyone, women, men, boys and girls are treated equally.”

Tonga: King Tupou VI recalled a partnership under the SAMO Pathway to empower young members of Tonga’s government. “Tonga has thus benefitted through projects related to renewable energy, water, capacity-strengthening of young Government officials and more recently, marine protected areas.”

Solomon Islands: Prime Minister Manasseh Damukana Sogavare reaffirmed its support for the responsibility to protect women and children in armed conflict, and asked others to do the same. “Sadly, the majority of these displaced people are women and children. They are the most vulnerable to the evil designs of fellow human beings. They must therefore be protected. The protection of people is in the DNA of this organization.”

Somalia: Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire highlighted the importance of investing in young people as a solution to countering criminal networks and promoting peace. “Across the world, disillusioned youth are at heightened risk of exploitation by criminal networks, including terrorists. The urgent need to invest in education, skills building and livelihood opportunities for our youth is crucial. (…). Similarly, youth are vital to peace-building and state-building.”

Lesotho: Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas Thabane reaffirmed the need to include young people as active and equal partners in development and democracy. “It is an indisputable fact that the youth are a thread that holds together the fabric of every nation and can, at the same time, be eminent agents of change. It would be unwise and a serious miscalculation not to recognize the youth as partners of today and leaders of tomorrow. In this regard, we emphasize the importance of the youth’s participation in decision making at all levels.”

Barbados: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Maxine Pamela Ometa McClean shared Barbados’ commitment to youth inclusion in formal processes, including at the UN. “Barbados wishes to participate more fully in the international community on issues of inclusiveness and youth representation. We are pleased, therefore, to present the candidature of Her Honour Senator Kerryann Ifill for membership of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), for the term 2019-2022. She is the youngest President of the Senate ever appointed in Barbados, the first female and the first person with a disability ever to hold that position.”

United Arab Emirates: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan linked development to preventing violent extremism. “If we are to restore security in the region and protect its peoples from conflicts and extremism, then we must make development, in both its human and strategic dimensions, our top priority. We must create opportunities and hope for young generations looking to a tomorrow with optimism and confidence.”

Brunei Darussalam: Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Dato Seal Setia Lira Jock Seng emphasized the need for quality education to foster a brighter future. “This calls for an inclusive approach, with a priority to focus on youth development. In today’s increasingly competitive environment, Brunei Darussalam firmly believes that quality education is the key to building a new generation of highly-skilled, innovative and confident young people.”

Sierra Leone: Minister of Foreign Affairs Samura Matthew Wilson Kamara shared Sierra Leone’s success in creating decent jobs for youth: “We have established a more stable and regulatory environment for investment and wealth generation, which in the medium and long term will create employment opportunities for inclusive socio economic development of the youth, the disabled, and women.”

South Sudan: First Vice President Taban Deng Gai emphasized the future of South Sudan can only be ensured through young people embracing peace. “It is in this area that I would like to highlight the role of young South Sudanese as either agents or detractors of peace.”

Nepal: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba condemned terrorism and expressed concern about the radicalization of young people. “Violent extremism and religious fundamentalism have undermined peace and security in different parts of the world – with more youths being radicalized, with more lives being devastated, societies turning intolerant.”

Papua New Guinea: Prime Minister Peter Paire O’Neill shared his country’s focus in promoting education as one of their core policies. “These are policies that are changing lives of our eight million men, women and children for the better. We have introduced free education that is available right across our country, leading to a doubling the number of children in school, most of the new students being girls.”

India: Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj shared one of India’s best practices developing youth skills and reducing gender inequality. “Our “Save the girl, Educate the girl” campaign is reducing gender inequality. (…) Unemployment spreads despair. Through Skill India, Start-Up India and Stand-Up India poor and middle class youth are being trained to match their honed talent with bank credit and become self-employed or small-scale entrepreneurs.”

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas: Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Allen Henfield highlighted that his country is walking the talk when it comes to youth political participation. “The new administration is one made up almost exclusively of new members – one as young as 21 years of age.”

Singapore: Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan focused on creating equal opportunities for all through education. “The transformation caused by the digital revolution will only be positive if we find ways to share the benefits widely and reduce inequality. In Singapore, we have invested heavily in education and skills training for our people, for both the young and old, to give everyone an opportunity to build a meaningful life.”

Ireland: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Ireland Simon Coveney underscored the need to listen to young people aspiration as an embodiment of the UN Charter and recognized young people as the key to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. “In practice this means listening to and heeding the voices of women, the voices of young people, the voices of the marginalised. (…) A similar strategic approach must also be taken in engaging youth, in all our countries. Young people must have a role in shaping a future that they will ultimately inherit. We have a phrase in Irish, “mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” which, broadly translated, states “praise the youth and they will come”. I can’t think of any continent where this is more relevant today than in Africa. Young people are key to achieving the SDGs and we must find ways to encourage their active participation in shaping the solutions to current challenges, it’s their future and we have to involve them in shaping it.”

72 General Debate Ð 20 September

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Ireland, Simon Coveney

Suriname: Minister for Foreign Affairs Yldiz Pollack-Beighle highlighted Suriname’s commitments to youth participation at all levels. “I wish in the final analysis, to underscore and reiterate the utmost importance of youth involvement and participation at the highest levels. In this regard, my Government has made it a priority to create the conditions for youth to be part of decision making processes. I refer to young people among others, as Innovators, Members of Parliament and Cabinet and as CEOs within what we refer to as the “youth-adult partnership”. In fact, in 2010 our Government established a special Ministry responsible for Youth and Sport Development. It gives me pleasure to announce that this year; youth representatives are part of my official delegation to this 72nd session.”

Marshall Islands: Minister for Foreign Affairs John Silk called to double down on climate action and building sustainable infrastructure in order to give “our youngest and future generations every ounce of effort to leave with them a legacy worthy of their trust”. 

Trinidad and Tobago: Minister of Foreign Affairs Dennis Moses spoke of a recent policy change to end child marriage. “With regard to the advancement of girls, the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago recently passed the Miscellaneous Provisions (Marriage) Bill. This Bill provides for outlawing child marriage in Trinidad and Tobago by raising the legal age of marriage to 18 years.”

Jamaica: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith emphasized Jamaica’s commitment to enhancing youth participation on the national level. “Jamaica is committed to the empowerment of women and girls, as well as young people. We have revitalized our National Youth Parliament and have created the National Youth Advisory Council to ensure that young people have a voice at policy-making levels in our country.”

Maldives: Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Asim shared his country’s vision on fostering a better environment for young people as the future of their nation. “We are also investing in our young people – the future of our nation. Caring for the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of our young people – the largest portion of our population – is a cornerstone of the Government’s policy. We are focused on creating an enabling environment where they will thrive, where they will shine. Including through the promotion of unity, cultural values and national identity and national spirit, through programmes such as “Tharika” launched earlier this year.”

United Republic of Tanzania: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Augustine P. Mahiga mentioned giving soft loans to young people as a means for economic growth. “Tanzania has set a target growth from an average of 7 percent in 2015 to 10 percent by 2020 in order to reach a middle income status by 2025. (…) This growth can be achieved by, among other things, increasing employment in both rural and urban areas; providing financial support through soft loans to youth and women[…].”

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Minister for Foreign Affairs Mark Anthony Brantley highlighted a need to focus on young people in education, entrepreneurship, employment, and development. “The youth, Mr. President, are not just our future. They are our present. Globally, Governments must do all they can to provide institutions and opportunities for learning and development; create employment as well as to prepare and to steer the youth towards entrepreneurial endeavours. But Governments cannot do it alone. We therefore use this forum to call upon the business community as well as non-Government agencies and actors provide our youth with viable options and opportunities for gainful employment and social-economic advancement, Mr. President, we cannot speak of attaining the Sustainable Development Goals without a focus on our youths.”

Mozambique: Permanent Representative to the UN Antonio Gumende reaffirmed Mozambique’s commitment to leave no one behind. “Particular attention is given to policies and strategies aimed at the protection and the full enjoyment of human rights, the promotion of gender equality and equity as well as the empowerment of women and youth who constitute the majority of our people.”

Timor-Leste: Permanent Representative to the UN Maria Helena Pires presented new initiatives strengthening education for young people in Timor-Leste. “We consider Education, as is the case with Healthcare, a key priority. The enrolment rates in primary education stands at nearly 100% of school-age children and youths.”

Dominican Republic: Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Vargas Maldonado called for collective action to combat climate change for the good of all people. “I appeal to you, once again, on behalf of all the children, women, men, and old people who at this moment face the most absolute helplessness.”

Guinea: President Alpha Condé acknowledged the spirit young people to embrace new opportunities and emphasized on African Union’s commitment to dedicate the year 2017 to youth. “Africans yearn for prosperity, this yearning is energetically embraced by our young population and it’s been tackled head on by African leaders. They have decided to dedicate 2017 to youth in the African Union and to proclaim the 2018-2027 the African Decade for youth training and employment in the technical vocational and entrepreneurial sectors. The African Union has resolutely undertaken to find lasting solutions to the numerous challenges confronting young people in order to make this “charter” of society which represents 70% of our population the real driving force of development in our continent. It is this which guarantees stability, security, peace, and the harmonious and sustainable development of our planet.”

Guinea

President Alpha Condé

Côte d’Ivoire: President Alassane Ouattara called on developed countries to support developing countries in solving economic migration. “Mobilize investment and resource to finance development in the country of origins and transit of migration and so that their economies will be able to offer jobs and opportunities to young people”.

Ecuador: President Lenin Moreno Garcés emphasized the need to equip young people with opportunities for education and entrepreneurship. “The next stage of life calls for central support to boost young people with quality higher education with the ability to develop their enterprises, project, and their dreams.”

Argentina: Vice-President Marta Gabriela Michetti Illia reaffirmed Argentina’s commitment to creating decent jobs for youth and encouraging others to do the same. “My country will be the host of the IV Global Conference on the Sustained Eradication of Child Labour in November, where we will deal with the issue of elimination of force labour and the promotion of quality jobs for young people.”

Haiti: President Jovenel Moise shared Haiti’s efforts to foster a new generation of civil servants. “We are creating decent jobs for our young people. The Human Resource Management Office is a part of the state reform process has begun to recruit following a public exam 12,000 young civil servants in order to lead new momentum to the growth and development of the public administration. These young people will replace civil servants who are currently on the brink of retirement.”

Burkina Faso: President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré called on a paradigm shift to fostering meaningful action to create a better future for every country. “For we cannot forget that every day in my country in Africa, in other countries, men and women are dying because of lack of care, lack of food; children are not getting basic education; young people are being reduced to facing the rage of the seas and the ocean seeking a better future.”

 Togo: Prime Minister Komi Selom Klassou shared Togo’s efforts to revamp its education system and social and medical coverage for students. “After making all school free of charge as of 2018 and progressively extending cafeteria services to all school, all children, and all students in the public school system, the government then decided to implement a system of social coverage and medical coverage for all students.”

Tunisia: Minister of Foreign Affairs Khemaies Jhinaoui shared Tunisia’s vision to create employment opportunities for young people through foreign investments and tourism. “We are aiming to achieving comprehensive development and meeting the needs of our young people with regards to employment and decent life.”

Burundi: Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Alain Aimé Nyamitwe called on international cooperation in solving the root of waves of migration. “We must work together to find the solution for the deep underlying causes for population movement young people for the most part, from countries from the South to the North.”