“Investing in Youth is investing in the future of the DRC”

Kinshasa, 12 August 2015 – “I welcome the International Youth Day as a manifestation of the international community and the Government’s commitment to promote youth involvement in all processes leading to the improvement of their political and socio-economic environments. I also encourage the Congolese youth to step up their efforts as a driving force in mobilizing society in order to reach the post-2015 sustainable development goals through responsible political and economic leadership”, declared Martin Kobler.

An overview of statistics reveals that 60 per cent of the Congolese population is between 15 and 35 years old. This largest social group in the Congo is at the same time among its most vulnerable. Exposed to high unemployment, poor living conditions, limited access to quality education and an acute lack of perspectives for professional development, many young people become an ideal target for recruitment by armed groups and criminal organizations. MONUSCO is convinced that young people need particular attention and support geared toward promoting their education, health, development, civic engagement and non-violent political participation. Provision of quality education, more inclusive policies such as the enrolment of youngest voters in voter registers, as well as creating better employment opportunities, will pave way for the involvement of the Congolese youth as enablers for effective and sustainable development of the DRC.

“Investing in youth is investing in the country’s future. On the occasion of the International Youth Day, I call on the Government of DRC to put more focus on youth political participation and civic engagement and to make the improvement of their social and economic conditions its top priority”, concluded Mr Kobler.

Notes to editors:
On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day.

The theme of International Youth Day, 12 August 2015, is “Youth Civic Engagement.” The engagement and participation of youth is essential to achieve sustainable human development. However, often the opportunities to engage politically, economically and socially are low or non-existent for youth.

MONUSCO’s SRSG Mr Martin Kobler has designated two Youth Ambassadors to serve as his links to the Congolese youth who, in the past year, have been instrumental in reaching out to thousands of people, building through dynamic public relations and media campaigning strong networks with youth associations and other partner organizations.

Increased attention has been observed by the UN agencies, governments, regional and multilateral organizations, youth and civil organizations with a focus on youth civic engagement. As part of its celebrations for International Youth Day, the Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development, led by the co-chairs, DESA and UNDP, is running an online campaign in the lead up to International Youth Day 12 August 2015.