International conference on youth and democratization in Africa: lessons and comparative experiences : Statement by Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA

Statement by Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the International Conference on Youth and Democratization in Africa: Lessons and Comparative Experiences. Mr. Lopes, on his remarks highlighted that, This Conference on “Youth and Democratization in Africa” provides us the opportunity to critically reflect and compare experiences on this important theme. Africa is a young continent with up to 60% of its population under the age of twenty-five. Growth rates in the continent have averaged nearly 6% since the turn of the century. Indeed, we are at the cusp of the African moment. It is heartening to note that the African Union has enacted the African Youth Charter and agreed to accelerate implementation of the Plan of Action for the Decade of Youth. It is also good that this Conference is part of reflections to improve the lot of Africa’s youth while taking full advantage of their existing strengths.

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Bibliographic Details
Format: Speech biblioteca
Language:eng
Published: 2012-11
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10855/36493
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Summary:Statement by Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the International Conference on Youth and Democratization in Africa: Lessons and Comparative Experiences. Mr. Lopes, on his remarks highlighted that, This Conference on “Youth and Democratization in Africa” provides us the opportunity to critically reflect and compare experiences on this important theme. Africa is a young continent with up to 60% of its population under the age of twenty-five. Growth rates in the continent have averaged nearly 6% since the turn of the century. Indeed, we are at the cusp of the African moment. It is heartening to note that the African Union has enacted the African Youth Charter and agreed to accelerate implementation of the Plan of Action for the Decade of Youth. It is also good that this Conference is part of reflections to improve the lot of Africa’s youth while taking full advantage of their existing strengths.