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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

International Youth Day, 12 August 2004 - Message by Secretary-General Don McKinnon

12 August 2004

International Youth Day
"I want them to do better than myself" Nelson Mandela
When Nelson Mandela was asked what he wished for the youth of South Africa, he said: "I want them to do better than myself". On International Youth Day, we all have the opportunity to renew our commitment to young people and find practical ways to help the next generation do better than the previous one.

Young people are a driving force for change, innovation and progress and must be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Through its Youth Programme (CYP), the Commonwealth helps young people develop leadership skills in governance, corporate and social sectors.

The Commonwealth Youth Credit Initiative, a micro credit and enterprise development training initiative is designed to promote youth employment and poverty alleviation in more than 15 member countries. CYP has created more than 3,500 businesses to date, providing micro-credit to young people to start or expand their own businesses.

We need to invest in young people through formal and non-formal education, and assist those in transition from the school to the workplace. This will open up opportunities for advancement. CYP promotes youth leadership through the Diploma in Youth in Development, run in partnership with 24 universities in more than 45 Commonwealth countries.

HIV/AIDS continues to have a huge negative impact on the economies of developing countries by affecting young people in the 16-40 age bracket -- the most productive sector of the economy. The Commonwealth's Ambassadors for Positive Living Programme empowers young people with HIV/AIDS through training and resource support, enabling them to act as peer educators and counsellors.

Through its programmes the Commonwealth helps young people to play a positive role in their communities. On International Youth Day, it is crucial to remember that investing in young people and finding solutions to the problems they face, are vital if we want them to make a difference and contribute to a better world.

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