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Unleashing youth potential crucial for Africa's development: AU official

Xinhua, January 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

The African Union (AU) emphasized on unleashing the potential of youth towards sustainable development on the continent.

Martial De-Paul Ikounga, AU Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST) made these remarks when addressing a press conference organized in the framework of the 26th AU Summit in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

The commissioner hailed the ongoing 5th Intergenerational Dialogue that has assembled over 200 hundred youths, delegates, ministers and heads of institutions.

The dialogue kicked off on Wednesday in Addis Ababa under the theme: "Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Africa towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063."

With youths coming from five regions of Africa present at the meeting, the dialogue aims to build a platform for improved contacts between youths and key policy makers to deepen understanding and strengthen solidarity.

Ikounga underscored that to fully unleash the potential of youths, both girls and boys, is crucial for Africa's development and transformation.

"The potential of our youth must be unleashed for the sustainable development of Africa," he highlighted.

He called upon the youngsters attending the meeting to not only express themselves, but also focus on taking ownership of Agenda 2063 and make their voices and concerns taken into account in Africa's policy-making process.

Ikounga also asked these young people to be concrete and pragmatic in their decision-making processes.

"View yourself in the proper context, there are many youths out there who did not have the privilege of attending this meeting. You should therefore align your interests with them and make solid decisions that will transform the lives of all African youths," he concluded. Endit