CM opens World Youth Summit 2015
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 29 2015: The future of a society rests in the hands of youth and the youth must be empowered in every possible way, stated Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at the inaugural function of World Youth Summit 2015 at the City Convention Centre here.

The summit was organized by Club 25 International and International and Youth Committee (IYC) under the theme 'Youth for global empowerment' .

CM O Ibobi, Prof Ram Boojh, National program specialist, UNESCO, New Delhi, Prof Chandan Ghosh, Head Geo Hazard Divison NIDM, Ministry of Home Affairs, Deputy CM Gaikhangam; Prof N Rajmuhon, Chairman World Youth Summit 2015 and Dr WC Singh, Co-chairman World Youth Summit 2015 attended the opening function of the summit as presidium members.

Convenor of the summit K Karnajit was the functional president.

Chief Minister O Ibobi lighting the inaugural lamp

Youth delegates from various parts of the globe and India are participating in the five day long summit.

The summit has been endorsed by the Government of India, Government of Manipur and various other National and international organizations.

As suggested by its theme, the summit is aimed at empowering youths and at the same time highlight different global and regional issues such as conservation of biodiversity for sustainability, disaster risk reduction and youth centered urbanization, eco-tourism development in North-East India and it's linkage to ASEAN countries, realizing equal access to quality education and health, ensuring inclusive recreation, sport and culture, preservation of indigenous people and heritage, social justice, gender equality, realizing peace, reconciliation and ending violence.

Speaking at the inaugural function, O Ibobi added that the youth should be given proper education and empowered to face the challenges the world throws upon them.

He appreciated the works taken up by Club 25 International in various parts of India including Manipur and abroad.

He stated that the youth have all the potential and such summit would surely open up those hidden ideas and talents locked inside them.

Prof Ram Boojh said that youth are the major catalyst in bringing changes to a society.

"They are the future leaders and we must work to give the youth a chance to share their ideas and experience in an international platform like such summit", he said.

He asserted that the North East part of India has all the required raw materials to be developed as an eco-tourism epicentre and the place has been declared to be home to two biodiversity hot spots.

Commenting on the importance of youth in society, Dy CM Gaikhangam said "The uniqueness of Manipur in various areas like arts and culture, sports, tradition has brought such summit to our humble State.

The significance of Manipur has been felt by the world" .

He further said that everyone should have empowerment in various fields and it is the right of every citizen to demand such empowerment.

"But we should also have responsibility towards our society, Nation and fellow human beings" .

He proposed that the theme of the summit should have topics on 'responsibilities' of youth as both empowerment and responsibility should go hand in hand.

"The huge tourism potential of Manipur has been acknowledged by the world and the State now has many opportunities in hand, but we should know that opportunities never come twice", said Gaikhangam.

"We must be well prepared to change and adapt to the changing world else we would be left behind", he added.

He appealed to all the youth present at the summit and others to be proud of where they belong and shun all forms of violence for a better world.

Prof Chandan Gosh exhorted the youth to bring changes in the coming years.

The summit also witnessed launching of a signature campaign on crime against women and children by the presidium members as part of the inaugural function.