Kabul, 12 August 2012 - The Deputy Minister to Youth Affairs of the Ministry of Information and Culture celebrates the International Youth Day 2012 at the Radio Television Afghanistan Hall in Kabul with young Afghans coming from across the country. The celebration takes place with the support of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
"The theme chosen for International Youth Day 2012 - Building a Better World: Partnering with Youth, is a call to action for all of us to develop and engage in partnerships with and for youth. The Deputy Ministry of Youth Affairs is committed to partner with young men and women to address the challenges faced by young people in Afghanistan. "I ask all to get involved, to have your say and to partner with and for youth", said Mr. Timur Shah Ishaqzai, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs.
According to the Central Statistics Organization Statistical Year Book 2011-2012, with an estimated population of 26.5 million, Afghanistan is characterized by a large percentage of young people. 46.1 % is under 15 years of age and 68% is under 25 years. These numbers emphasize the fact that the future of Afghanistan depends on how the country will be able to realize the potential of its young population.
Increasing education and employment opportunities, is the call coming from over 300 youth attending the Ministry of Information and Culture celebration for the International Youth Day 2012. Showcasing and celebrating how youth contribute to the societies in which they live and how everyone, through partnerships with and for youth, can build a better world is the aim of the celebration taking place in Kabul today (August 12, 2012).
"Ensuring that every young person's potential is fulfilled, is the United Nations Population Fund priority. To celebrate young men and women of Afghanistan, UNFPA states the importance to end gender discrimination against girls" said Dr. Laurent Zessler, UNFPA Afghanistan Representative.
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