Republic of Mauritius- Young Mauritians called upon to contribute in the country’s progress

The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, was speaking, today, at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute Auditorium, in Moka, during a Youth Dialogue.  The event was organised in the context of International Youth Day, which is observed each year on 12 August. The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Christine Umutoni, and other personalities were present.

This International Day, highlighted Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun, is an opportunity to recognise the contribution of young people in redefining change and promoting innovation. Youth, she emphasised, symbolise hope and courage, and epitomise the capacity to stand for values that define humanity. It is thus important, she added, that young people take a stand in supporting values such as peace and care for others.

According to her, the 2020 theme Youth Engagement for Global Action, seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes. It also encourages to draw out lessons on how the representation and engagement of young people in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced, she indicated.

Moreover, the Vice-Prime Minister underlined that the aim of Government is to bring equitable opportunities to all youth so that no one is left behind. She further recalled that there are ten years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Consequently, young people have the ability to change the world with new ideas, she emphasised.

For her part, the UN Resident Coordinator encouraged young Mauritians to share their views on the world as the present time is very opportune for them to build the future they want.

It is clear, Ms Umutoni pointed out, that sustainable development and peace cannot be achieved unless young people are involved and conditions that allow them to reach their full potential are not created. “Your views and ideas will be presented to UN high officials and to the UN Secretary-General and will be taken into account in the decision-making process”, she stated.