Secondly: Media is Libya have to become more independent. I would like to encourage more investment in the training of journalists and the use of social media so that youth can be equipped with the knowledge of how to report and communicate information objectively and effectively.
Thirdly: And this concerns the OSCE. I would like to encourage the OSCE to increase its efforts to forge links between youth across the Mediterranean. Libya is a unique country. We sometime tend to forget that the overwhelming majority of Libyans are living on the coastal belt.
Historically, Libya has oriented also toward the power centers north of the Mediterranean – Rome and Athens. The OSCE thus is best positioned to reach out, to link their member states youth organisations to their counterparts in Libya. One possibility may be the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE can organise and sponsor a Mediterranean youth parliament, bringing together youth from across the region to work on issues that affect them all.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Peace and security will not occur without real investment in our next generation of leaders. Their enthusiasm, energy and creativity must be supported so that it can help create a reality that reflects their ideals and principals.
The challenges in Libya are enormous and state building will take time. But this process must start today - now – and the young people must be fully involved. Libya’s youth are its greatest asset and we should ensure that they are given the opportunities needed to contribute to their country’s future.
(Source: UNSMIL)