It is with great enthusiasm that I release this statement to the Forum’s Member Parliaments
and partners in view of celebrating the International Youth Day on this 12th August 2022.
Since its inception, the SADC Parliamentary Forum has always been a welcoming platform which eagerly accommodates youth participation and activism. In particular, the Forum believes that the youth should actively contribute to decision-making processes, especially on topics such as gender mainstreaming, the consolidation of democracy and climate change action. While it is imperative that adequate voice be given to the youth, the synergies that prevail between all age groups can act as a powerful catalyst to spearhead democratic advancements.
In this vein, the Forum associates itself with the theme of “Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a world for all ages”, adopted by the international community this year, which emphasizes the need for all age segments of the population to support and assist one another in reaching common objectives for the greater good. The Forum also encourages SADC national Parliaments to encourage youth empowerment and participation in all spheres of socio- economic life, in a spirit of equal opportunity, solidarity and patriotism.
Today is also a day to commemorate the African Youth Charter which provides for the basic human rights and safeguards that can guarantee youth empowerment and promote their skills, education and culture. The SADC-PF reiterates that the youth of today represent the promising assets of tomorrow. Programmes supporting the youth thus constitute secure investments for the future.
Youth involvement is therefore key to unlock the region’s potential and to attain noble objectives just as those under Africa Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular to ensure that “No one is left behind” by achieving intergenerational solidarity.
Happy International Youth Day 2022! Yours sincerely,
Ms Boemo M. SEKGOMA SECRETARY GENERAL
SADC Parliamentary Forum 12th August 2022
