iciHaiti – OIDG: Speech on International Youth Day

As part of the International Youth Day celebrations, the International Observatory on Democracy and Governance (OIDG) sent a message of solidarity and encouragement to all young people around the world, and especially to Haitians.

OIDG message excerpt:

“On this special day dedicated to young people, we invite you to take an active part in the life of your respective communities and become central players in them.

Today’s young people, full of potential and energy, are often faced with a critical choice: to conform to existing structures or to become agents of change.

(…) OIDG encourages young people to participate in citizen monitoring through independent media, civil society organizations or social networks in order to promote greater transparency and accountability of public actors (…)

It is also important that young people become politically active, run for office, and hold leaders accountable. Youth participation in decision-making processes is essential to building a society where young people are not just beneficiaries and observers, but also important actors in change.

(…) This day reminds us of the importance of providing young people with the means to express themselves, receive training and actively participate in the decisions that will determine their future.

So we call on all young people to seize the opportunities before them, to participate fully, and never underestimate their power to make a positive difference in the world. Together, we can build more just, more equal, and more democratic societies.

IH/iciHaiti