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FOR
PUBLIC DISSEMINATION
International Youth Day Celebration in
Uzbekistan Calls Young Men and Women
to Act for Sustainable Development
TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN – On 12 August 2009,
Kelajak Ovozi Youth Initiatives Centre
under FundForum, supported by the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in
Uzbekistan, joined efforts to mark
International Youth Day by conducting a
Youth Event at the National Youth Creativity
Palace.
The event brought together over 150 young
persons, representatives of national and
international organizations, NGO sector and
media. It also included the launch of a
youth photo exhibition, presentations by
active youth volunteers and recognition and
awarding of young people who have made a
significant input in the country’s
development. In addition s a concert with
participation of popular Uzbek pop stars was
organized. It should be mentioned that
Shahriyor, popular young Uzbek rap singer
became the face of International Youth Day
2009.
The theme for this year’s observance of
International Youth Day is “Sustainability:
Our Challenge. Our Future” and the event
organizers have made every effort to ensure
that the messages of the Day reach their
primary intended audience – young people of
Uzbekistan.
As part of International Youth Day
celebration initiative, the organizers have
also developed a TV public service
announcement (PSA) with participation of
Shahriyor, who added his voice in calling
youth to take the sustainability path. The
PSA has been broadcast by NTT Network
country-wide to attract attention of youth
that comprises over 60% of the country’s
population, to the issue of sustainability
and making sure young people realize that
their say is very important for the future.
In addition, youth quiz has been conducted
by Navruz and Toshkent radio
stations and the winners were awarded during
the Youth Event.
As stated by Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA
Executive Director, “Today, more than a
billion and a half people are between the
ages of 10 and 25 – the largest-ever youth
generation – and they are approaching
adulthood in a world their elders could not
have imagined. The world has been hit by the
food, financial and climate crises and many
young people are eager to help steer our
world into greater balance. It is often said
that young people are our future. They are
our present, too. It is today, and not
tomorrow, that we must invest in young
people and include them in solving the great
challenges of our times.”
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in his
statement on the occasion of International
Youth Day noted that “Young people
often
lead by example:
practicing green and healthy lifestyles,
or promoting
innovative uses of new technologies, such as
mobile devices and on-line social networks.
They deserve our full commitment –
full access to education, adequate
healthcare, employment opportunities,
financial services and full participation in
public life.
On International Youth Day, let us renew our
pledge
to support young people in their
development. Sustainability is the most
promising path forward, and youth can lead
the way.”
International Youth Day was accepted by the
UN General Assembly in 1999 and is marked in
Uzbekistan for the fourth time this year.
This day aims to attract attention to youth
activities and reminds that young people
play a great role in the future of each
country.
For additional information please contact:
Ms. Gulnoza Saidazimova, UNDP
Email:
Gulnoza.Saidazimova@undp.org
Mr. Maksim Fazlitdinov, UNFPA
Email:
Fazlitdinov@unfpa.org
* * *
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund,
is an international development agency that
promotes the right of every woman, man and
child to enjoy a life of health and equal
opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in
using population data for policies and
programs to reduce poverty and to ensure
that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth
is safe, every young person is free of
HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is
treated with dignity and respect. |
