‘Youth empowerment my top priority’

@ikabirsule ecretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Ki Moon has said empowering youth has been among his top priorities ever since his assumption into office and he will continue to promote the course of youth globally.

Towards this concern therefore, the UN secretary said a campaign tagged #YouthNow was launched by the body to cater and uplift the youth programmes around the world.

Ki Moon said this last Sunday in a video message to the International Convention of CTeen, Chabad’s Flagship Teen Programme, held in New York city.

The message to the youth, released by the UN website, went thus: “A special welcome also to the 100 young people from Paris. The thoughts of us all are with those who have lost family and friends in the recent horrific terrorist attacks in that city.

“Chabad institutions such as CTeen have a strong reputation for working in the community. This year you will honour young people who have made a significant difference in people’s lives through CTeen’s social service projects.

The secretary general urged the participating youth “to continue to reach out to anyone in need with no distinction. This spirit of compassion and equality drives the United Nations.

“Empowering youth is one of my top priorities. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UN World Programme of Action for Youth. We have a campaign called #YouthNow that I hope you will all join.”

While extolling the virtues of youngsters, Ki Moon said whenever such youth programmes bring to fore certain important issues, the UN always benefit from the concerns.

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