Chennai: Policymakers across the globe must address challenges that come in the way of the youth from turning into contributors for nation’s progress, said Yogida Swamynaden, Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation in Republic of Mauritius.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the second edition of Chennai International Youth Fest (CIYF) here yesterday. “We need to understand their capabilities and enable the youngsters to lend a hand in driving the nations towards prosperity.”
Currently, about 20 percent of the global population (about 1.1bn) is in the age group of 15 to 24 years, if children are taken into account, the population would go upto 40 percent.
Most of them (youngsters) reside in Asia and Pacific regions of the globe, host of challenges like poverty bother them, he reminded. About one quarter of the youngsters live in poverty, many do not have access to education. There is a need to equip them with the right skill sets also.
Today’s young are the leaders of tomorrow and we need to engage them, he said. Tamilnadu Health and Family Welfare Minister C Vijaya Baskar said youth are the wealth of the nation. About 45 percentage of the people in the country are in the age group of 15 to 30 years.
They need to be turned capable, their ability determines the future of the nation, he said.
Dewan to Prince of Arcot Mohammed Asif Ali said there is a need to prevent youngsters from falling prey to false stuff being preached based on religion, caste. He also stressed the need to acquaint the youngsters with the rich culture of this country that always preached peace, tolerance.
CIYF is a 15-day event where a lot of programmes on the competitive and non-competitive front will be organised in the field of technical, management, cultural events, sports, martial arts and others.
Talents recognised in this event will be awarded medal, trophies, cash awards. CIYF chairman Amar Prasad Reddy welcomed the gathering.