Youths resilient, innovative in confronting COVID-19 crisis - Ahmad Faizal

Youths all over the world should be applauded for showing their tremendous strength in weathering through the storms of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

He said they have proven to be resilient, innovative and resourceful in confronting the unprecedented global crisis.

"They have participated and championed various social causes from distributing food or personal protective equipment to frontliners, assisting the underprivileged groups and addressing climate change.

"These are all the efforts contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals," he said in his recorded speech at the World Youth Development Forum held in conjunction with International Youth Day 2022, hosted by All-China Youth Federation (ACYF).

The inauguration ceremony was held today in Beijing.

Ahmad Faizal said despite the difficult time, many youths have risen to the occasion and played exemplary roles in the betterment of society, whether as healthcare workers, social and environmental activists, youth volunteers, entrepreneurs or educators.

He also said that the joint effort to organise the forum is a testament to the shared commitment in advancing youth empowerment, by working closely with civil society, think tanks and youth organisations.

The virtual forum is jointly organised by ACYF, in partnership with United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Economic Forum.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent a congratulatory letter to the World Youth Development Forum, calling on the youth to promote the Global Development Initiative with concrete actions, and facilitate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

With the theme "For A Shared Future: Promoting Sustainable Development With Youth And For Youth", the forum is being held from July 21 to 23, with nearly 2,000 youth representatives from over 100 countries around the world attending the conference, where they will discuss global development issues and advocate actions for youth development.

-- BERNAMA