Friday 12 August 2011

GET ENGAGED IN DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES, WIGNARAJA URGES ZAMBIAN YOUTH


UNITED Nations (UN) Resident Co-ordinator and UNDP Resident representative Kanni Wignaraja has advised the youth to get engaged and stay engaged in the democratic processes as their country goes for the presidential and general elections.
In a speech to commemorate International Youth Day, which falls on August 11, Wignaraja urged the youth to maintain Zambia’s two-decade history of pluralism, democracy and peaceful elections.
“So get engaged and stay engaged in the democratic processes of your country. Zambia, with a two-decade history of pluralism, democracy and peaceful elections, is a role model for the region and we must keep it that way,” said Wignaraja.
Wignaraja asked the youth to demand for high quality of education and job related skills that goes with it.
“It is through this that you can take in your hands the economic opportunities available and be leaders and entrepreneurs in your own right,” Wignaraja said.
Wignaraja urged the youth to stand firm for the values and principles that would ensure a society that respects human rights and stands strong against corruption, and engage with a spirit of voluntarism.
“Put your idea, time and energy to work towards the goals of human development and make sure Zambia achieves its MDGs. This requires its young people to give selflessly in the service of their local communities,” Wignaraja said. “And recognize and promote the role and contribution of girls and women in equal measure and with equal respect. A country that ignores or disrespects more than half of its population just cannot move ahead, and will not achieve a higher human development status.”
Wignaraja said the true transformations of a country were tied to the youth’s values, dreams and aspirations to always make it a better place for each and every one, irrespective of age, colour, gender, religion or ethnic origin.
“ Stand by these principles as you go to cast your vote on 20th September, and ensure not just a peaceful, just and free election, but a peaceful, just and free Zambia for generations to come. It is in your hands!” said Wignaraja.
The global theme for this year’s International Youth Day is ‘Change Our World’.

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