Executive Council
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
August 12, 2016
Supporting Youth
Provincial Government Recognizes International Youth Day
Together with countries around the world, the Provincial Government recognizes International Youth Day today. This year's theme is Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production. Activities for young people and families, including games, music and presentations, will be celebrated in communities throughout the province.
"International Youth Day recognizes the contributions made by young people worldwide. Our government, through the Office of Public Engagement, is supporting young people through the 34 Community Youth Networks that encourage learning, skill development and civic engagement; the grants to youth organizations that strengthen youth-based organizations working to improve their community, region or province; and the Getting the Message Out Program that educates youth about entrepreneurship, career opportunities, and the importance of civic engagement in the province."
- The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
This year's International Youth Day focuses on achieving the United Nation's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the role young people play in ensuring the eradication of poverty. It also focuses on the role of youth in achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production.
"The youth of our province are strong, passionate and offer innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for our province. Part of this this year's International Youth Day theme is eradicating poverty which helps to ensure more equal opportunity is available to all citizens, particularly our youth. Our government is committed to preventing, reducing and alleviating poverty, which is why we are investing more than $250 million this year in initiatives to support people with low income."
- The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Established in 1999, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed that August 12 as International Youth Day as a way to raise awareness about the situation of youth in their countries.
"The Forestry and Agrifoods Agency supports many initiatives that contribute to food sustainability, including research and development, seed potato and canola programs that are critical to the future of the industry. We also support the Young Farmers Initiative which inspires would-be farmers to pursue their dreams, and the Agriculture in the Classroom program that encourages school children to learn about the importance of local food production."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
For a complete list of International Youth Day activities taking place at Community Youth Networks throughout the province, please visit www.nlyouth.ca/ProgramsServices/CYN.html 
QUICK FACTS
- In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared August 12 as International Youth Day.
- International Youth Day gives an opportunity to celebrate young peoples� views and initiatives.
- This year's International Youth Day theme is Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.
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Media contact:
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Brian Scott Manager of Media Relations Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 725-9201 brianscott@gov.nl.ca |
Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
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Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development Forestry and Agrifoods Agency 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
2016 08 12 2:45 p.m.