By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 18 December 2014:
Libyan and Tunisian youth representatives wrapped up . . .[restrict]a three-day Tunisian-Libyan Youth Forum “From Dialogue to Action: Youth Cooperation in Times of Crisis” yesterday.
Some 50 representatives form both countries attended the event in the Tunisian capital sponsored by UNESCO and in cooperation with UNDP and Civil Initiatives Libya.
“Our support for Libyan youth is not just a key investment in Libya’s future, but also a recognition that today, as we speak, many determined and courageous young men and women in Libya are on the frontline of reconciliation and humanitarian action in Libya as it endures this difficult period,” said UNESCO representative Michael Croft in his opening remarks.
Many of the Libyan attendees expressed their recognition of and honour for slain youth activists Tawfik Ben Saud and Sami Al-Kawafi during the event. Attendees observed a moment of silence to honour the two and other activist who have been killed in Libya in recent months.
Sessions included such topics as “Youth and Media”, “Youth and Political Participation”, “Youth in Transition” and “How to Integrate Youth into Civil Society”.
Participants discussed hindrances and opportunities in each of those areas, coming up with possible solutions for engaging youth more and giving them a greater voice.
Of particular interest were the contributions of Tunisian youth who played a key role in the Tunisian revolution and have now successfully participated in national elections. Many Libyan attendees said they were struck by the greater amount of freedom of press that Tunisians enjoyed both before and after the revolution.
The European Union provided funding the forum. Today, as a follow up, the UNDP and UNESCO will organise a one-day workshop for Libyan youth to discuss their views on the post-revolution transition, their aspirations, and the priorities they believe the international community should focus on. [/restrict]
