“Youth means Action”, is a common disposition that most of us are acquainted to throughout our lives, at its most basic interpretation being young means that you form the essential building blocks for society, a foundation from which to grow and develop. But what it truly means also is the enormous responsibility the young has not just to himself or herself but to future generations. Those who will become dependent on us just as were dependent on those who blaze the trail before us.
It is this deep sense of responsibility that gives us true meaning in life, value, respect and leadership, all critical, for the development of the human society. On this occasion of International Youth Day the United Nation has seen it fit to celebrate this significant moment in human history with a theme that speaks volume for all concern. Which is “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Production and Consumption”.
It is stated that “This year’s Day is about achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It focuses on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable production and consumption.
Sustainable consumption entails the use of products and services that meet the basic needs of communities while safeguarding the needs of future generations. The development and promotion of individual choices and actions that increase the eco-efficiency of consumption of all and minimize waste and pollution is critical to achieving equitable socioeconomic development.
Dominica in many ways has an even greater responsibility in ensuring that these goals are achieve. Our youth population is ideally suited now to take on the challenge for Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Production and Consumption. Our recent spike in investments with relation to education and the development of the human capacity has positioned us to show leadership in ensuring that primarily our needs are met and subsequently the preservation of resources for future generations to come,
This cannot be achieved individualistically and as we witness the global task force on sustainable development, it means that we must have a multi sectorial approach to our development. It is no surprise that currently a youth policy is being reviewed for the benefit of the young, but more so society as a whole. It is important therefore to get it right at this conjunction in our development.
We praised the efforts of all the relevant authorities implementing development initiatives on behalf of the young. We want to appeal to you further to be all inclusive and to develop our future with “us” rather than for “us”. It is our needs, our innovation, our desires and our creativity that will ensure that long after we have lived, Dominica, the Region and the World will be a beautiful place to live in.
The National Youth Council takes the privilege to wish every young person in Dominica, the Region and the World, Happy International Youth Day” may your dreams and aspirations be fulfilled for the benefit of yourselves, your families and your community. God Bless You
Who finances the NYCD? Cone on mr. Skerrit tell us since you are so transparent!