Chandigarh: In an attempt to boost the youth power, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Regional Centre (Union ministry of youth affairs and sports) in collaboration with Yuvasatta organized the second SAARC youth leadership summit under 10{+t}{+h} Global Youth Peace Fest at RGNIYD Regional Centre Campus. The summit was attended by over 60 delegates from SAARC countries.
Vijay Dev, adviser to the administration, UT, Chandigarh was the chief guest on the occasion. Dev launched “Yuva”, a quarterly newsletter of RGNIYD, which highlights initiatives and impacts of its programs across the region, The Times of India reported.
Dev, while addressing the delegates, said “Ours is a region of thriving democracy, rich inheritance and the unmatched strength of youth. We can capitalize demographic dividend provided our youth are physically fit, mentally sound and skillful, hence we need to invest in youth development. This summit will facilitate and strengthen trust, optimism and friendship among young people from SAARC.”
The summit resulted in significant outcomes that include broader understanding about young people’s contributions to democracy and development and the challenges of youth leadership in the region, and young people’s contribution to policy and decision making at national and regional level. It also enhanced knowledge about youth initiatives in the region, improved leadership skills of the young leaders to influence youth-related programmes and in creating an enabling environment for youth participation.
Stanzin Dawa, regional coordinator, RGNIYD said, “In the last year, we have benefitted over 17,567 people that include young professionals, NSS POs, NYK officials, NCC officers, academia, government officials and civil society organisations from 22 states and 13 countries by developing partnerships with over 30 organizations and implemented 47 innovative programmes.
” He affirms that this year RGNIYD aims to reach more people, touch more lives, strengthened more organisations, develop more partnerships, so that young people can have a future by choice not by chance.