The five-day long, World Youth Summit-2015’ is successfully concluded at City Convention Centre in Imphal, Manipur, India. The conference was ranged, from March 29 to April 2, 2015 under the theme of ‘Youth for Global Empowerment’.
Club25 International Manipur and International Youth Committee (IYC) organized the consequtive summit , followed by Global Youth Meet-2014. More than 500 delegates, from both India and International areana joined the mega event this year.
Chief Guest of the function, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, India Shri Okram Ibobi Singh and Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Gaikhangam, ‘World Youth Summit 2015 Chairman, Prof. N. Rajmuhon Singh, Chairman and WYS 2015 Co- Chairman, Prof W.C. Singh were present at the inaugural ceremony of the grandiose summit. Besides, UNESCO National Program Specialist, Prof. Ram Boojh and Head Geo Hazard Division India, Prof Chandan Ghosh were also present as special guests at the event. Finally WYS 2015 Convenor, Shri K. Kanarjit Singh graced the ceremony as the President.
Two Bangladeshi delegates joined the prestigious youth summit this year, despite around 15 Bangladeshi deleghates represented in the year of 2014. These year delegates include ‘Global Youth Award-2014’ recipient, Rakibul Hasan and ‘Right Now’ founder President, Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf Hossain.
Welcoming the dignitaries, delegates and everyone, Ms MutumNaobi, President Club25 International Manipur highlighted the work done by the organization and also briefed about the World Youth Summit 2015 India.
‘It is a great joy that the World Youth Summit 2015 India is being held in Manipur. The future of a society rests in the hands of the youth. You are the future. And youth should be empowered in every possible way’, CM of Manipur, Shri O. Ibobi Singh.
‘Everyone is asking for empowerment, rights etc. but no one talks about responsibility that comes with these big words. So, I would like to make a suggestion about the theme. The theme of this summit is “Youth of Global Empowerment”, however, I would like to add a word “Responsibility” to it. Certainly, youth are the pillar of future. But, if you miss today, tomorrow you won’t get the chance. So, youth should grab the opportunities today itself’, said Shri Gaikhangam, Deputy CM of Manipur.
World Youth Summit 2015 Convener, Kanarjit Kangujam Singh remarked, “In the global view, the role of the youth is important in any kind of empowerment, sustainable development, poverty eradication or any other issue. However, due to lack of mutual understanding and negotiations process, (the desired level of) global progress is lagging behind. So we generally focus on the world programs on action for the youth, developed by United Nations Youth Assembly in 1991.To make people aware on these points, we are organizing this youth summit (every year). We are also focusing on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the United Nations and also to achieve the post-2015 agenda.”
Addressing the young delegates, Prof Ram Boojh said that this is a stage wherein global youth will have a chance to deliberate their ideas and issues related to them. It will certainly help them in becoming leaders of tomorrow. He further said that he was truly overwhelmed with the effort. “They are future leaders and we must work to give the youth a chance to share their ideas and experience in a summit like this,” he quipped.
On the similar note, Prof Chandan Ghosh asserted, “In our times, we did not have such summits, we were so occupied with our academics. It is very fortunate that today’s youth have a larger platform to discuss their issues.”
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Prof Rajmuhon said: “I would like to extend a hearty welcome to all our young delegates. As 60-70% of the population is youth, they are the barometer and nerves of the society. Youth are making positive contribution to the society.”
In his speech, Prof W.C. Singh asserted, “Empowerment is fulfilled with educating youth. Delivering good to the society, we are going to share lots of knowledge in this summit, I am glad.”
Expressing his condolence over the bomb blast that occurred in a Pakistani School last year, Shri K. Kanarjit Singh said, “I am pleased to be with you all, the young delegates. I am delighted that this summit will bring a positive change to the society. The summit will discuss lots of issues under the seven themes concerning biodiversity, youth and social justice, hunger and poverty among others.”
Proposing the vote of thanks and expressing gratitude to everyone, Mehnaz Nasreen, Founder Editor, Youth Street News said, “Thankfulness is such a small word to actually thank the dignitaries, organizing committee, sponsors, partners, delegates, invitees, donors, media fraternity and volunteers. Without them, the event would have been incomplete.”
The ceremony also witnessed a signature campaign on crime against women and children. And the campaign was initiated by the Chief Guest of the event. As a part of the inaugural ceremony, cultural programmes such as Manipuri folk dance and an unplugged session by a band called “Gravity” were also held. The function concluded with a formal dinner at the venue. All in all, the World Youth Summit 2015 India inaugural ceremony was a grand success.
By Rakibul Hasan, a recipient of ‘Global Youth Award-2014’. Can be reached at worldyouthsummit2015@gmail.com )
