Tashkent, 11 August 2017 – International Youth Day is celebrated within the framework of the “Young families and girls” First National Forum. Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) joined hands in organizing the celebrations of this annual event.
International Youth Day is marked annually on 12 August. This observance, celebrated by thousands of young people, activists, and youth organizations worldwide, brings public attention to important issues related to youth, in particular the need for better addressing youth concerns in international development efforts.
The theme of International Youth Day 2017 is “Youth Building Peace”. Since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2250 in 2015, there is growing recognition that as agents of change, young people are critical actors in conflict prevention and sustaining peace. International Youth Day 2017 is dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.
International Youth Day in Uzbekistan is celebrated within the framework of the “Young Families and Girls” First National Forum which took a place in all regions of Uzbekistan during 7-12 August 2017. Within this initiative, UNFPA supported a number of activities, including swimming competition among more than 130 girls and young women (15 – 30 years old) at the National Water Sports Development Centre in Tashkent city and Concluding Assembly of the Forum where the National strategy on working with Young Families and Girls was presented as well as Memorandum with Youth Union on enhancing efficiency of the youth policy had been signed.
«Today, there is a need to help young people, who comprise a majority in most of the countries, and especially girls, to promote their preparedness for family life, participation in decision-making as well as ensure access to quality health care, education, and basic services – which in its turn promotes their role as active contributors to society and affords young people with opportunities to reach their potential and achieve their goals. Therefore, the recent Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On enhancing the effectiveness of the state youth policy and supporting the activities of the Youth Union of Uzbekistan" highlights such need for supporting the youth.» - marked UNFPA Representative, Ms. Mieko Yabuta, in her opening Statement for International Youth Day.
The events supported by UNFPA are aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among young people, focusing not only on the activities of the most active and progressive girls, but also their achievements and the motivating factors for the youth development, stabilization of the socio-cultural environment in young families. Promoting access of young people to sports, education, healthcare, including reproductive health and family planning information and services – is a key for sustainable development and healthy future generation.
UNFPA and Women’s Committee have been working together throughout the years, on promoting healthy lifestyle among the young people in Uzbekistan. Both partners share similar visions on strengthening the rights of young people and enhancing their potential to increase their role in society.
