Disna Mudalige and Nipuni Wimalapala in Hambantota
The Commonwealth Youth Council to be installed for the first time at the end of the 9th Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF9) will be a clear example of the Commonwealth coming together with a single youth voice, said Commonwealth Secretariat Youth Affairs Director Katherine Ellis.
Addressing the daily press briefing at the end of the day’s sessions of the CYF9 on Sunday at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Centre (MRICC) in Siribopura, Hambantota, she said: “I thank the people and the government of Sri Lanka for welcoming us so warmly. We have had a wonderful time so far.
“The talent of the young people in Sri Lanka was displayed in very special ways. CYF is a platform to share values, ideas and cultural experiences as it brings young people in different parts of the world together. At the same time, we are seriously looking at what should be done for the well being of the young people and how young people can contribute to the world we now live in and the world we are going to live in as we go forward.
“We have been discussing about democracy, rule of law, good governance, human rights, equity, gender equality and those aspects of commonality that brings us together”. Commonwealth Youth Task Force Co-Chair Kusala Kumara Fernando said this forum will be significant for Sri Lanka as well as for the Commonwealth as this is the first time Sri Lanka and the Asian region is hosting such a major Commonwealth youth event and also because the first general assembly of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) will take place during the CYF.
Youth Led Task Force Co-Chair Ellie Seckold commenting on the opening ceremony said the delegates enjoyed the opening ceremony for a number of different reasons.
“President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s address was a good opportunity for delegates to know how committed the Sri Lankan government and people are to youth,” she said.
Expert Advisor on Children and Youth on the UN Millennium Campaign Ravi Karkara congratulated the Sri Lankan government for organising “an absolutely historic and fantastic forum”.
“The topics discussed at the CYF are of utmost relevance and importance that need deeper focus. Inclusive development will help to make sure that no youth has been dropped or left behind,” he said .
Esther Eshiet of the CYF Youth Led Task force said after the opening ceremony they held a session on the UN post 2015 development agenda.
The keynote address on this topic showed the commitment of the Commonwealth to the inclusive development and sustainable development. The Commonwealth is facilitating the opportunity for young persons to actively involve themselves in the development process, Eshiet said.
After the opening ceremony Kusala Kumara was appointed the President of the General Assembly. The first plenary session was held under the sub theme Youth in the Post 2015 Development Agenda.
Source- Daily News
12-11-2013
