BY TEWODROS KASSA
Different politicians and economists accentuate the irreplaceable contribution and active participation of the youth towards the development of any country. Engaging the youth is vital to succeed in any fields. Countries that promote the youths to be more concerned; and actively participate in their national agendas could reap more and realize their socio-economic development.
Former South African leader and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela once said that the young people must take it upon themselves to ensure that they receive the highest education possible so that they can represent us well in the future as future leaders. Thus, youths should be educated’ and serve as bedrock for their country’s socio-economic development through actively taking part in decision making.
In Ethiopia youths are encouraged to actively participate in various social, political, and economic affairs. Recently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) held a discussion on various issues with numerous youths gathered from different parts of the country. Experts also loud the Premier’s discussion with the youths as encouraging move that should continue in the future as the young peoples’ active participation in nation’s peace efforts and development plan is important.
Recently, Netherlands Ambassador to Ethiopia Ambassador Henk Jan Bakker said that the young people’s voice, their issues and concerns as well as their dreams are particularly important for the future of Ethiopia, whoever they are; they should definitely be part of country’s overall endeavours.
He made the above remark while opening the annual Leadership and Conference and Competition (LCC-2022) that was held by the Safe Light initiative for the voice of the Abay Hydro-Dam.
“In today’s age of globalization, the decision of nations affects our lives as individuals, countries as well as the world as a whole. This type of conference offers young people a valuable opportunity to learn how to have a constructive dialogue and engage in important issues nationally as well as globally,” the Ambassador said.
As to him, the participation of the young people in the overall country’s affairs helps them to learn how to collaborate and compromise and address issues that affect the society. “Listening to each other, understanding what drives other people, what their concerns are, is the foundation of diplomacy,” the Ambassador remarked.
Public Diplomacy Director- General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Dina Mufti said on his part that the youth as an energetic and less conservative part of the society, is entitled to be the anchor of public diplomacy. This sector of the society can contribute a lot to forge understanding at global level by promoting peace and prosperity. “The ugly faces of our globe like wars, backwardness and ignorance can be overcome through efforts by youths at creating mutual understanding that can bring stability, cooperation and prosperity to our globe”
The 21st century diplomacy is proactive, innovative and multidimensional. It needs strong analytical, organizational and leadership skills. The major functions of the 21st century diplomacy are representation, protection of national interest and promotion of friendly relationships with the rest of the world, the Director-General further elaborated.
The Safe Light Initiative aims to transform the mindset of the youth and the community by inspiring and empowering with the right attitude, skill and knowledge.
Moreover, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) underscored the role of youths in nation building. Addressing the questions of youths in the national youths’ discussion forum held under the theme of “The role of youths”, the Premier indicated that, with the support of anti-Ethiopia foreign forces, anti-peace elements like terrorist TPLF and Shene groups have been using all options to dismantle Ethiopia.
According to him, as the government is well aware of the negative impact of war, it is very committed to the peaceful resolution of all problems that happen in the country. Currently, the terrorist TPLF group is misleading the international community after commuting massive genocide against the people of Amhara and Afar. This terrorist group’s heinous attacks on women, children, and elders should be condemned and never be repeated in Ethiopia.
Moreover, there are numerous active youths echoing the voice of the motherland to create a candid awareness among the international media and international community through exposing the human rights abolishment of the terrorist TPLF group through Twitter.
Therefore, the youths should not be negligent in the matters of the country and expose evil acts and conspiracy by the internal and external enemies of the country to the international community through utilizing various online platforms.
In sum, the active engagement of youths in different countries witnessed an outstanding contribution towards solving problems and motivates them to be productive throughout their future endeavours. Falling to do so and watching the country’s political, social and economic activities from outside will not be helpful to the youths in the efforts of nation building. More importantly, the youths are expected to represent voice of the new generation and contribute their part in the country’s swift economic growth.
The Ethiopian Herald September 29/2022
