Jamaicans encouraged to play active role in youth empowerment

Jamaicans are being encouraged to play a more active role in shaping the next generation of citizens by actively engaging in mentorship programmes that inspire and empower the nation’s youth.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge renewed his call for youth empowerment during the United Nations Jamaica Partnership Forum, held at the Summit, in New Kingston, on Wednesday, November 27 under the theme: ‘Powering Private Sector Partnerships for Jamaica’s Youth and the SDGs’.

“There can be no national development without empowering our youths. When we empower our youths, we empower our nation. As we approach the critical milestone of Vision 2030 [Jamaica], we must re-energise efforts towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“In my parliamentary presentation, I also noted the importance for more Jamaicans to go into our schools and have direct mentorship programmes coming from not just civil society, but also members of Parliament, councillors, members of various fraternities, as well as members of the business/corporate sector. It makes a difference when we play an active role in the daily lives of our young kings and queens, and with this added element of the private sector providing a sort of business mentorship, then we can see more Jamaican businesses growing,” he said.

Terrelonge also supported the call made earlier during the forum for members of the business community to provide more mentorship opportunities for young people.

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“Jamaica and the United Nations (UN) share a strong commitment to youth empowerment and the enhancement of the voice of young people in the discussions about sustainable development. We are pleased, therefore, to collaborate with the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and our youths in hosting the National Youth Dialogue in August as a precursor to the United Nations Summit of the Future, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in September. The event, [held] under the theme: ‘Let’s Be Future Ready’, provided an excellent opportunity for our young people to articulate their views on [their] importance … to the UN agenda,” he stated.

Meanwhile, UN resident coordinator, Dennis Zulu, said the forum aimed to, among other things, facilitate connections, as well as leverage partnerships for a more sustainable future.