LDC youth demand inclusion, support for change at UN Conference in Doha

Doha, Qatar-Youth from different Least Developed Countries have called for inclusion and support from governments and heads of state to find ways to make meaningful change and for their countries to realize real change, writes Matiisetso Mosala.

Representing 226 million youth from all 46 Least Developed Countries at the ongoing Fifth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries in Doha, Qatar, 28-year-old Reekelitsoe Molapo from Lesotho said she has lived in the least developed country all her youthful years and like many others desired to see a different reality in her lifetime.

She said the challenges facing her country and other LDCs inclusive of energy poverty, climate vulnerability, unemployment, and conflict needed concerted efforts to be addressed for societies to be empowered and realize their full potential.

Their request is that they be led to sustainable graduation by formally, and systematically, including them [youth] in the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action because its success depends on it.

“I am not here today to pinpoint how difficult the situation is, but instead to accentuate the courage and audacity of the LDC youth. I want to speak about our aspirations, which include access to decent employment, quality education, and entrepreneurship; aspirations to live in fair, resilient, sustainable, and gender-equal societies,” Molapo said.

The youth pleaded with world leaders to recognize them as rights holders and key stakeholders in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the international programs designed to support them. Molapo argued that young people from the LDCs are dynamic, bold and innovative and continue to drive positive change in our countries.

“We do not only talk about the problems we face, but we act on them too. We are rolling up our sleeves and we are busy in the work of solving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” pointed Molapo.

Outlining some of the projects by youth across Africa which include the creation of employment for vulnerable youth, support to livelihoods initiatives, prototypes and tests solutions for the different SDGs, and clean energy projects that aim to expand energy access in Africa - Molapo urged governments to create enabling environments for youth to thrive, take heed to the Youth Declaration and to urgently invest in youth, socially and financially.