Sports Ministry joins hands with UNICEF; Know why-

New Delhi, July 21: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports signed a statement with YuWaah (a multi-stakeholder platform formed by the UNICEF) to promote volunteerism among the youth of India. This will also help them transition from education and learning to productive work, skilling, and being active citizens.

 

 

 

 

This decision cames as a step to realize the vision of Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju to mobilise 1 crore, youth volunteers, in India and contribute to Prime Minister’s call for Atmanirbhar Bharat. The partnership was launched by Usha Sharma, Secretary, Youth Affairs and Dr.Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF Representative in India in the presence of Union Sports Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju.

 

Speaking about the importance of the partnership, Kiren Rijiju said, “This partnership is very appropriate in these challenging times. I am confident that it will give a strong focus to our existing policies. The Prime Minister has laid out a clearly-charted roadmap for the youth of India and given a clarion call for Atmanirbhar Bharat, which the youth of India will have to drive. India being such a young country with a huge population, the contribution of the youth in any sphere can make a huge difference, not just in India but at the global platform.”

 

Further, he added that the government is committed to listening to young people’s opinions and ideas. "These new ways of thinking are what we need to address many of India’s persisting and upcoming challenges. Towards this end, the MYAS can be an effective bridge between young people together with partners like YuWaah and the Government machinery," he said.

 

This partnership will boost both the Ministry and UN efforts in order to work with young people to co-create and implement solutions at scale tackling education, skilling, and unemployment challenges for young people in India. It will include collaboration on supporting young people in entrepreneurship, upskilling young people, creating linkages with aspirational socio-economic opportunities.

 

The collaboration also includes civic participation among young people, providing career guidance support to young people, supporting direct dialogue and the establishment of a feedback mechanism between young people and policy stakeholders, and building the capacity of the NSS and NYKS cadre and volunteer force on sustainable development goals.

 

Meanwhile, the UNICEF representative said, “The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, a key stakeholder of YuWaah, has spearheaded youth development and youth participation for several decades. YuWaah, through this partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and UN agencies in India will support young people of this country to build, lead their own agendas and thrive. This especially relevant today as we need to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world, to involve them in decision making and amplify their views on issues/matters that concern their lives, inspiring them to take action.”