The World Conference on Youth on May 6:

WCY, the blossom of the youth

by Rupa Banduwardena

The youth the greatest wealth of the nation, the backbone, the lifeblood, the most worthy human capital, the cream of the intelligentsia to take the country forward, the leaders of tomorrow to guide the destiny of the country, form the most important segment in the social strata.

They form a major part of the country's manpower, human resources the most vital to an upcoming developing country.

The strong and sturdy youth complete in all aspects with all the requisites would be the most appropriate, most relevant the most ideal and the most fitting for a developing nation. Today it is calculated that youth represent 1/5 of the world's population and in Sri Lanka the youth comprises 26 percent of the total population.

Sri Lanka's strong commitment to brighten the future of the youth by providing the best of the best for the youth progress will be well seen by the World Conference on Youth (WCY) to be held on May 6, 2014. The conference to be attended approximately by 1,500 participants representing 196 countries will definitely be one of world standing, certainly a proud moment and an important milestone in our history. The conference hopes to see the participation of 750 youth delegates including two delegates from each country and 152 from Sri Lanka. Several Heads of States, youth Affairs Ministers and UN officials are expected to partake in the proceedings.

WCY will be one of the most significant and exciting events in youth life. All arrangements have been made for the youth, to rejoice their arrival in high spirits.

The venue is not anywhere else, but one time Ruhuna with ancient splendour. It will be ceremoniously inaugurated at Hambantota by President Rajapaksa. Hailed as a marvellous youth gathering, the ideals of intrinsic value the most interesting and best known to suit the time forms the theme of the forum reflecting a very moving human quality for the betterment of humanity through the magnanimous global organisation the United Nations. "Mainstreaming youth in the past 2015 Development Agenda". The main theme indicates the global enthusiasm to involve the youth in the work of the United Nations.

True to it's theme, unity and harmony are well depicted in its quest for achievement of its aims. The discussions will bring into focus the validity of the theme of the WCY, enabling the youth to make their contribution to socio economic development in the Post 2015 development agenda.

The conference would bring together the youth from across the globe to share their expressions and views and coordinate their efforts to achieve its targets. Their participation will be with only one aim in their minds to reap the highest benefit from the esteemed gathering, exchanging views which could be made use of for the enhancement of the youth progress. It is simply the capability to adhere to a code of ethics which will be carefully instilled into their minds to encourage the youth in progressive activities.

No matter, what the immediate impact will be, it will put them on the track to face life's challenges. Further, the essential factors leading to youth empowerment will also be discussed.

The burning issues of the youth due to inequality and also the existing social pattern and what the modern day youth expect for a better life will be considered to do justice to the youth, while preference will be given to global matters affecting the youth.

Sri Lankan youth are indeed privileged to participate, enjoy and make the best use.

The essential factors for the smooth running of the youth in the global network and the voice of the youth will be made to be heard by the global leaders.

Finally, the WCY will remain an outstanding unique event which will make history written in golden letters in the history of the island. I feel there is a great future for the global youth as it will be blessing them with the promise of a better and prosperous future.