I believe that our young future leaders here have a lot of creative thoughts and ideas that will help them to grow, develop, and survive in this current pandemic situation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali has affirmed his support for all activities initiated in the Youth 20 (Y20), a forum for prospective young leaders from all G20 countries.

“I believe that our young future leaders here have a lot of creative thoughts and ideas that will help them grow, develop, and survive in this pandemic situation,” Amali noted during the 2022 Y20 Indonesia kick off meeting held virtually on late Saturday.

International community members, including young people, have been facing difficult global challenges owing to COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

The youth is a part of community getting hit hard by the pandemic in all aspects, such as economy, health, education, and socio-culture, according to the minister.

“We expect that the challenges will not dampen the energy of Indonesia's young people to build the competitive spirit in response to economic and welfare recoveries,” he remarked.

“The young people's roles and functions have undoubtedly drawn the government’s attention. Hence, the related ministries and institutions are urged to continue to utilize the existing potentials through youth awareness, empowerment and coaching in various areas,” he explained.

The statement was in line with the Y20 Summit, themed "From Recovery to Resilience: Rebuilding the Youth Agenda Beyond COVID-19”, due to be held in Jakarta and Bandung in July 2022.

The Y20 Summit will take up four important global issues, including diversity and inclusion as well as those related to legacies from previous presidencies: youth employment, digital transformation, and sustainable liveable planet earth.

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Indonesia’s Y20 this year is taking up the additional issues — diversity and inclusion — to promote Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) and mutual cooperation through exclusive education based on the Pancasila values as well as creative economy diversity to the G20 young generation and to the world.

By addressing such issues, Amali expressed hope that young people could explore their innovative ideas, and contribute to meet the development challenges.

They play a vital role in pursuit of the country’s independence, starting from various youth organization establishment that marked their participation in political stages to youth pledge declaration, according to Amali.

“Currently, there are over 1.8 billion young people in the world. We have witnessed how they solve problems amid the pandemic. It shows that youth is agent of change and able to offer solutions to every challenging situation,” he highlighted.

“And, we should be there to support and encourage them to develop and enhance their capacities for a better future,” he added.

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Translator: Arindra Meodia, Juwita Trisna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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