International Youth Day is on August 12 each year. It is celebrated in all over the world. It is meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. The day was observed and celebrated in Puntland State University in Garowe and other major towns of Puntland.
Many activities and events took place during the commemoration, in order to promote the benefits that young people bring into the world. Many people participated in the activities and events that took place during this global event, which included youth conferences on issues such as piracy, human trafficking, employment, education, HIV/Aids and others.
Other activities including concerts promoting the world's youth, as well as sporting event like football match. Among the participants were the President of Puntland, H.E. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Mahamoud Farole, Minister of Labour Youth and Sports, Mr. Abdiweli Hersi, and Minister for Planning and International Cooperation, Mr. Daud Mohamed Omar.
UNFPA staff and Y-Peer Network members were also present at the event.
The aforementioned honorable people have accentuated a lot during the conference meeting that young people today face pressing global challenges such as human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, vulnerable working conditions and marginalization from decision making processes and also face immense challenges in every aspect of their lives especially high numbers of unemployment, it leaves the youth idle and prone to illegal activities like piracy.
The president highlighted more specifically that partnerships such as governments, NGOs/UN agencies, the private sector and civil society can help increase opportunities for success by leveraging comparative advantages, resources and shared interests.