UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Wednesday called on the youth to play a major role in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and shaping up actions beyond the 2015 MDGs deadline to ensure a sustainable future.
Addressing hundreds of young people gathering at the UN headquarters to attend the 12th International Youth Assembly, Ban said the meeting came at momentous times when "the clock is ticking on the Millennium Development Goals and much remains to be done."
The Youth Assembly, under the theme of "On the Road to Actions: Moving Beyond the MDGs, post 2015," is aimed at providing an opportunity for the youth to engage in the accomplishment of the MDGs and discuss actions beyond the deadline.
Mentioning that UN member states were working on a blueprint for a post-2015 development agenda, Ban told the youth that "world leaders are responsible to ensure your sustainable future. But you have a major role to play."
He encouraged the young people to exercise influence, provide momentum through their ideas, and work on many challenges "for jobs, for opportunity, for social justice and environmental sustainability."
"We must stand for what is right and act on our convictions," Ban said. "When we work together we can create the future we want. "
In the coming three days, the assembly will host several forums on youth leadership, employment and global development, youth partnerships and technology, among others. The Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi and leaders from youth organizations around the world will also attend the meeting.
