Dear Honorable Guest, Friends and Colleagues
Let me begin by expressing my thank to the Government of Rwanda ,the UN agencies, Volunteer organizations, Youth Association and everyone who has participated in making this event possible. I also want to thank every one who is working hard to achieve the 8 objectives of MDGs.
Let me first address my youth colleagues like me,
It is amazing to get this incredible opportunity for us young people to sit, learn and discuss our future. As we are here, we are from different parts of Rwanda and different backgrounds but we have one objective in mind which is making this country a better place: each of us here represent young people from our communities who have different visions, dreams, even backgrounds but all of us, we want a better future.
I believe we have a big role to play in the development of our communities and in the future of this country. We are ambassadors for the young people from our schools, hometowns and families who believe that we can make great decisions for them.
Today we face many problems in our world such as climate change, poverty, unemployment, violence and we always tell us that the Secretary General of United Nations or our Country Politics the are the ones who have to find solution or who need to deal with that! But let me tell you the true the government and their partners have their role to play but we also have our part specific in a country like Rwanda where 60% of the population is made up of young people.
Our responsibility is to positively impact the present and future of this country and that all begins with us right now!
The elimination of poverty or the productivity and economic growth of this country depends on us. It is time to go back in our communities and use what we learn here today, opportunities or energy to make the 8 goals of MDGs reality and to contribute in communities.
If people like Nelson Mandela, Gandhi or other heroes we know chose to a make a difference, we can also do it.
Youth was used during the genocide in 1994 to destroy the country, I am sure that we can be used to re-build our nation.
I believe that if we join our efforts and have the determination to make a difference in our communities, this country will a great place and we will be proud of it.
The future of this country is in our hands!
Also let me take this opportunity to address Politicians, International and National NGOs, Civil Society and every one…
Youth are one of the great treasures of society, not only for their countries but also for the world. There has never been a better time to invest in young people than today. They are like treasures that have never been discovered. Countries, NGOs and Civil Society, need to seize this window of opportunity to invest in the future.
A House is strong because of his foundation. Building a capacity early for young people and ensuring that you leave us with enough knowledge to take over from you is the best thing you can give us .The sad thing a country can do for his people is not preparing their youth to become good leaders, businessmen or parents; the right thing to do is make sure they are well prepared to face the future.
Let me finish with this word as I address young people here again
“Don’t ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”
Thank you
