I wish to bring to your notice the United Nations International Youth Day slated for Wednesday August 12, 2015 at Main hall UNEC. The theme for this year's celebration is "Youth Civic Engagement". It is aimed at promoting a multi-dimensional approach to enhancing youth participation at political and public levels. It has been observed that young people do not access the political space for involvement in decision-making. It is worse in Nigeria where many young people are involved in political gangsterism and thuggery.
The role of young people in shaping the future by positively channeling their abundant potentials is on the front burner of the UN. While alluding to this, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Kin-moon said, "I place great hopes in their power to shape our future. They are the part of the first generation that can end poverty and the last that can avoid worst impacts of climate change." I am aware that the Vice-Chancellor shares the view that our young people are super endowed to transform the society and contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals.
The United Nations has called on its agencies, governments and Universities to commemorate the International Youth Day. It would be worthy for the students of our great University to participate in this epoch making global event which conforms with the Vice-Chancellor's strategy of promoting students inclusive participation in matters affecting them. It would be the first time the University will be officially marking the Day.
I regret the short notice which was due to the late information which I received personally from the United Nations about the event.
The Student Affairs Department at UNEC hopes to invite the Commissioner for Youth & Sports Development, Enugu State, Zonal Coordinator of Department for International Development (DFID) and the media to the event if the Vice-Chancellor gives his approval to this request. Also, we intend to hold a panel discussion by 4 of our students on the "Power of Youth as Global Citizens" as suggested by the United Nations in its bulletin on the Day. In addition, it would be an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to engage the students as we hope he would graciously attend.
Please, accept the assurance of my esteemed regards.
Dr. Edith Nwosu
Associate Dean
Student Affairs Department, UNEC
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