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Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini says there is need to strive and break the barriers that hinder youths from participating in the political arena.
Speaking during the official opening of the 3rd Youth Parliament of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Youth Parliament Auditorium in Lusaka today, Dr. Matibini says throughout history, young people have played an active role in shaping major social and political advancements.
Dr. Matibini states that despite youths being in the majority, they are not represented adequately in formal political institutions and processes such as parliaments, political parties, elections and public administration.
He says there is need to support young people’s participation in inclusive political processes and democratic practices.
Dr Matibini says parliaments in the CPA Africa Region should effectively play their legislative roles to ensure that their respective governments provide enabling conditions for youth participation in National Affairs.
Speaking earlier, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Chairperson, Lindiwe Maseko, says there is need to offer the youth an opportunity to experience democratic decision making and learn more about their rights and powers as citizens, with long term benefits for society as a whole.
Ms Maseko adds that holding of youth parliaments entails that the CPA Africa region is successfully implementing some of its programmes pertaining to young people.
Speaking at the same event, Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili emphasized the need for government and concerned stakeholders to inclusively engage young people in decision making and development in order to achieve the greater empowerment and full integration of the youth in national development.
And UNICEF Country Representative, Dr. Hamid El Bashir Ibrahim, says young people have a challenge of making Africa a better place by actively involving themselves in developmental agendas.
( Monday 25th August 2014 )
QFM NEWS
