Youth Hailed as Key Force for National Development, Brighter Future
Youth
should refrain from actions that could undermine the development and dignity of
the country and its people, while upholding their responsibilities as
responsible digital citizens.
IT is very important to systematically
approach effective assistance and investment to initiate the goals and
opportunities of youths who play a key role in the future of the State and help
those youth successfully overcome difficulties they face, said President of the
Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing at the ceremony to mark the
International Youth Day 2026.
The commemorative ceremony took place
at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I (MICC I) in Nay Pyi Taw
yesterday morning.
At the ceremony, the President recalled
that there are approximately 1.3 billion young people aged between 15 and 24
worldwide today. More than half of them live in low-income and lower-middle-income
countries, according to the United Nations’ key findings on the world’s
population in 2026,
He noted that the UN findings also
underlined the need to invest in improving the health and socioeconomic
well-being of youth, provide quality education and decent employment
opportunities, and create opportunities for youth to participate fully in
society.
The President stated that the United
Nations has designated “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” as the theme
for International Youth Day 2026. The theme highlights that, despite
differences in the countries, social conditions and backgrounds in which young
people live, they share common aspirations to promote their dignity, rights
and opportunities for meaningful participation, and to build a sustainable and
prosperous future.
The President explained that countries
around the world are also placing emphasis on ensuring youth have access to
education and learning opportunities, which serve as fundamental building
blocks for their holistic development, and on promoting their physical and mental
well-being as they work to support and enhance the prospects of youth. In
addition, they are focusing on creating more employment opportunities and
enabling youth to acquire 21st-century
skills.
In line with the ASEAN Community Vision
2045, he said that the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth (2026-2030) has been adopted
and is being implemented to create greater opportunities for the youth in the
ASEAN region to participate in climate change responses, disaster prevention
and preparedness, peacemaking, and development processes.
Regarding the 2024 Population and
Housing Census, the President unveiled that Myanmar has a total population of
more than 51.37 million, of whom approximately 16.78 million are youth, making
Myanmar a country with a large youth population. More than 8.4 million people
aged between 15 and 24 account for over 16 per cent of the country’s total
population. They represent an invaluable human resource for the nation’s
development and serve as a key driving force in shaping a better future.
He underlined that youth need to develop
critical thinking skills to distinguish right or wrong when using technology,
and to be mindful of AI ethics and cybersecurity. They are also urged to
refrain from actions that could undermine the development and the country’s
and its people’s dignity, and to uphold their responsibilities as responsible
digital citizens.
The President urged the youth to
continue striving to cultivate patriotism and proficiency in using modern
technologies, while valuing their traditional cultural identity and promoting
the country’s dignity and standing on the global stage.
At the ceremony, the President awarded
the outstanding youths who won awards in international competitions.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs Dr
Maung Thin read out the message delivered by the United Nations Secretary-General
to the 2026 International Youth Day celebration.
The President and distinguished guests
watched a video clip on the comprehensive development efforts for youths to mark
the 2026 International Youth Day.
After the ceremony, the President
visited exhibition booths set up by young entrepreneurs from regions and
states as well as ministries and associations.
Also present at the ceremony were
Vice-Presidents U Nyo Saw and Nan Ni Ni Aye, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi,
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services General Ye Win Oo, Union ministers and
Union-level dignitaries. — MNA/TTA
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