Monrovia – Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), and the Young Ambassador for Peace (YAP), organized activities over the weekend to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day. The event aimed to empower youth with knowledge, skills, and resources to drive positive change in their communities.
By Francis G. Boayue
This year’s International Youth Day carried the global theme: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.” The group kicked off the event on Friday, August 12, 2023, with an indoor activity at the University of Liberia Auditorium. The event attracted an enthusiastic audience of young minds eager to learn about green living, clean water, sanitation, affordable energy, and creating cleaner cities and communities. Distinguished speakers took the stage, focusing on promoting green skills among the youth.
In his remarks, Mr. Jim Wright, USAID Mission Director, reiterated the importance of the global theme for this year’s International Youth Day. He emphasized the need for Liberia’s young people to live in a sustainable and environmentally friendly world, especially considering the existential threat of climate change. Mr. Wright highlighted the crucial role youth must play in effectively addressing this threat and creating a more sustainable world.
However, Mr. Wright also used the occasion to express concern about recent violence between supporters of the Unity Party and the CDC ahead of Liberia’s general and presidential elections. He called on Liberians, particularly the youth, to commit themselves to a peaceful and violence-free election. Mr. Wright stressed that the future of Liberia rests on the shoulders of its youth, and it is their responsibility to ensure the preservation of peace both before and after the election.
One of the event’s highlights was a panel discussion featuring green entrepreneurs, environmentalists, religious leaders, and government officials. They shared their experiences and expertise in working towards a sustainable world. The ideas presented during the discussion inspired the youth, showcasing the potential each individual has to contribute to a greener future.
Reflecting on the event, CRS Country Manager Abena Amedormey stated, “At CRS, we firmly believe in the potential of Liberia’s youth. We are pleased to provide young people with the necessary tools and opportunities to become positive agents of change in their communities.”
On the morning of August 12th, the celebration continued with an outdoor beach clean-up activity at Sophie Beach in Congo Town. Young volunteers from the community and various organizations in Liberia came together to contribute to a healthier living environment, demonstrating their dedication to environmental protection. As volunteers donned gloves and picked up rakes and shovels, the beach echoed with laughter, symbolizing their commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment.
During a community green pledge to promote a cleaner and healthier environment, Mr. Ridley Fomuso, CEO of Hysaa Liberia Inc, a prominent waste management company, reiterated their commitment to supporting the community’s efforts. “We recognize the potential of the community youth, and we are excited to collaborate with them,” Mr. Fomuso affirmed. “Our company is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with various community youth to purchase plastic waste from them. This initiative will not only empower the youth economically but also aligns with our shared goal of creating a cleaner, healthier environment.”
Upon concluding the clean-up exercise, Catholic Relief Services generously donated waste bins to the community and other partner organizations. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by these organizations underscored the significance of collective efforts in protecting the planet for future generations. This year’s International Youth Day celebration serves as a remarkable demonstration of the power of youth engagement in building a sustainable world.