Okram Ibobi calls on youth to usher in positive thinking at opening of five-day youth summit

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The Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi delivering a speech at the summit
The Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi delivering a speech at the summit

IMPHAL, March 29: Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi has inaugurated the five-day `World Youth Summit 2015 India` at the City Convention Hall Imphal on Sunday.

While addressing the function the Chief Minister said that the theme of the summit `youth for global empowerment` is apt for the future of our society rests in the hands of the youth. Paying a tribute to the summit, he said youth leaders across the globe are gathered today in the interest of the humanity and environment.

He further recalled that The International Club 25 had organized the Global Youth Meet 2014 at MFDC hall Imphal in the month of February last year. In it more than 450 delegates from 40 countries took part he said. The Club 25, he said has been able to collect 2684 units of blood from the colleges, universities, Army Hospitals etc, in its two years of service in Manipur.

The Club has also been endeavouring to raise environmental consciousness amongst children and the youth. The conglomeration of so many youth representing different countries sharing the spirit and joining hands to make the world a better place to live in is indeed a very encouraging step, he said.

It is also equally uplifting to know the main objective of such summit this time is conservation of biodiversity for sustainability, he added.

Citing other objectives of the summit, including disaster risk reduction, tourism development, alleviation of poverty and its eradication, access to quality education and health to the youths, recreation, sports and culture etc, he said these are signs of a collective desire for a better world. The deliberation of such summit will go a long way in transforming the world to be a better place for all to live in, Ibobi further said.

Manipur is rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty and resources, sports talents and tourism potential which have not been explored to the fullest potential as yet. The effort like this from the youth leaders of the State can guide everybody in the effort to attain sustainable, environmental friendly development said the Chief Minister.

The summit was inaugurated by the Chief Minister with the launch of a signature campaign against crime against women and children. Other dignitaries signed after him. Later Chief Minister released a souvenir.

Guest of honour the Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, said that the rest of the world now recognises the potential and the hidden treasures of Manipur. The role of our youth in minimising the causes for conflicts in our state is vital he said. `We should take the opportunity to explore our potential before gaze of the entire globes. This is an opportunity which cannot come often,` the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He said this is the right time to grab the opportunity for a better future. Manipur`™s dream is now partially becoming reality after Manipur was declared as India`™s gateway to Southeast Asia. The state and its youth must prepare for this epochal change approaching otherwise it will not have the absorbing capacity of all the good things on offer. `Fall in love with the future not with your girlfriend (or boyfriend)` joked Gaikhangm.

While giving the welcome address, president Club 25, M Naobi Devi said that World Youth Summit 2015 focuses on seven thematic areas: conservation of biodiversity, disaster risk reduction of youth cantered urbanization, eco-tourism development in North East India and its linkage to ASEAN countries, realizing equal access to quality eradication and health, preservation of indigenous people and our heritage, youth against hunger-poverty eradication, food and nutrient security, social justice gender equality realizing people reconciliation and ending valance.

K Karnajit Singh, convenor of the summit, Prof Ram Boojh World Programme Specialist, UNESCO New Delhi, Prof. Chandal Ghosh head Geo Hazard Division NIDM Ministry of Home Affairs Government of India, Prof. N Rajmohan chairman World Youth Summit 2015 and Dr WC Singh, co-convenor World Youth Summit 2015 were present as president, special guest and guests of honour respectively.

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