Governor keeps faith in youth to meet SDGs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 12 2025: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Tuesday called for empowering youth at the community level to help India achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, while describing them as key agents of change in addressing pressing global challenges.

Attending the state-lev-el International Youth Day 2025 celebration at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, here, AK Bhalla said that India is among the leading countries working toward the SDGs, which aim to create a better future for the world.

In his address as chief guest, AK Bhalla cautioned that communities across the globe face common challenges such as climate change, inequality, high unemployment and health crisis.

Governor keeps faith in youth to meet SDGs

The Governor stressed that solutions require active participation from all members of society, with youth playing a pivotal role.

Youth are not just beneficiaries of development but catalysts for change and transformation, he said, expressing that while governments are responsible for framing and implementing policies, their success ultimately depends on community-level participation.

AK Bhalla also urged the young people to gain knowledge, share innovative ideas and take a leading role in mobilising the public.

If the people work together with awareness, the society can move forward on the path of change and development, he said.

Highlighting India's commitment to meeting the UN's 2030 deadline for SDGs, the Governor said that youth empowerment must be a priority.

To bring about a better future, youth must be empowered to act locally and think globally, he added.

Turning to the IEC Campaign, the Governor said that the nation is at a crucial stage in its fight against AIDS.

He noted that Manipur ranks third in the country's HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, after Mizoram and Nagaland, and called for intensified awareness efforts, particularly among youth.

He also encouraged the use of social media to reach the wider audiences.

The Governor also inaugurated a two-month Intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

The event, held under the theme "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond", was organised by Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) under the guidance of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) .

The programme was presided over by health and family welfare commissioner Sumant Singh, with chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel as guest of honour.

Senior state government officials were also present.