Kinshasa, 10 January 2011 – The first National Sovereign Dialogue of DRC Youth (in French) with participants from all the provinces and the diaspora was held from January 5 to 8. This took place within the framework of the International Year of Youth and aimed at fostering the understanding among the Congolese Youth of their role in "dialogue and mutual understanding for peace, progress and development."

The four-day forum organized by the DRC Youth Parliament with the assistance of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) was held in the Confernce Hall of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. After strong condemnation of all forms of violence and conflicts afflicting the DRC, the Youth Parliament renewed its commitment to remain "keenly aware of its responsibility in the face of history."

The gathering made the following recommendations:

- To dedicate the present session of the forum to the identification and promotion of initiatives to help the youth to better control their individual and collective destinies and make a meaningful contribution in the advancement of the international community;

- To be an example in the area of leadership at the next World Youth Forum. They should no longer be ignored and must play an active role to end the root causes of their marginalization, ensure access to all services especially those who suffer from any physical disability;

- Request the Governments, the United Nations system and the Civil Society organizations to provide substantial support to youth for the organization of large scale programs to reinforce their capacities.

Support of MONUSCO to this Dialogue is not only part of its mandate but is also in line with the Secretary General's decision to emphasise this year the role of youth in peace consolidation. In this context, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the DRC, Roger Meece, in his message called on youth to play their role "in contributing to the progress of peace, democracy and advancement."

At the end of this gathering the participants were urged to spread this message to other youth in their provinces through debriefing sessions and to encourage others to join the project, named, "Congolese must be the first architects of their peace". MONUSCO stands ready to lend its support.

Fathya WABERI / MONUSCO