News Releases
Government of the Northwest Territories Celebrates International Year of Youth
YELLOWKNIFE (August 12, 2010) – The Government of the Northwest Territories is celebrating the importance of young people today, August 12th, with International Youth Day and the beginning of the International Year of Youth. Designated by the United Nations, the International Year of Youth was created to draw attention to the rights and potential of young people around the world.
In the Northwest Territories, Premier Floyd Roland spoke of the role that young people will play in the future of our territory – and the work that the governments must do to ensure that the territory we leave them is one that reflects their values, goals and hopes.
“In the Northwest Territories, our young population gives us reason to be optimistic about the future of our territory,” said Premier Roland. “It also means that we must work all the harder to ensure that our young people have every opportunity to succeed. As part of the GNWT’s Creating Our Future initiative, I will be holding forums with young Northerners throughout this month to discuss what they want for their future, and how today’s governments can help to realize those goals.”
The Minister Responsible for Youth, Robert C. McLeod, also encouraged residents to bridge the gap between generations on International Youth Day and throughout the Year of Youth.
“To create vibrant communities, we need to work with our youth and encourage them to participate in economic, social and cultural development with energy, enthusiasm and creativity,” Minister McLeod said. “During the Year, we need to listen to our youth so that we can understand their needs and concerns, and recognize that they can contribute a great deal towards improve our communities.”
The United Nations declared August 12 International Youth Day in 1999 to help focus attention on the needs of young people and recognize their contributions to society. The International Year of Youth marks the 25th anniversary of the first International Youth Year, held in 1985, with the theme Participation, Development and Peace.
Investments in children and youth are a major component of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Building Our Future Initiative. Over four and a half million dollars of new funding is in the 2010-2011 budget to expand programming for children and youth in support of the 16th Assembly’s goal of health educated people.
For more information on youth programs in the Northwest Territories, visit www.proud2bnwt.ca
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Alty
Communications/Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Tel: (867) 920-3092