Youth Hailed as Key Force for National Development, Brighter Future

 

It is very important to systematically approach effective assistance and investment to initiate the goals and opportunities of youths who play a key role in the future of the State and help those youth successfully overcome difficulties they face, said President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing at the ceremony to mark the International Youth Day 2026.

The commemorative ceremony took place at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I (MICC I) in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.

At the ceremony, the President recalled that there are approximately 1.3 billion young people aged between 15 and 24 worldwide today. More than half of them live in low-income and lower-middle-income countries, according to the United Nations’ key findings on the world’s population in 2026,

He noted that the UN findings also underlined the need to invest in improving the health and socioeconomic well-being of youth, provide quality education and decent employment opportunities, and create opportunities for youth to participate fully in society.

The President stated that the United Nations has designated “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” as the theme for International Youth Day 2026. The theme highlights that, despite differences in the countries, social conditions and backgrounds in which young people live, they share common aspirations to promote their dignity, rights and opportunities for meaningful participation, and to build a sustainable and prosperous future.

The President explained that countries around the world are also placing emphasis on ensuring youth have access to education and learning opportunities, which serve as fundamental building blocks for their holistic development, and on promoting their physical and mental well-being as they work to support and enhance the prospects of youth. In addition, they are focusing on creating more employment opportunities and enabling youth to acquire 21st-century skills.

In line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, he said that the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth (2026-2030) has been adopted and is being implemented to create greater opportunities for the youth in the ASEAN region to participate in climate change responses, disaster prevention and preparedness, peacemaking, and development processes.

Regarding the 2024 Population and Housing Census, the President unveiled that Myanmar has a total population of more than 51.37 million, of whom approximately 16.78 million are youth, making Myanmar a country with a large youth population. More than 8.4 million people aged between 15 and 24 account for over 16 per cent of the country’s total population. They represent an invaluable human resource for the nation’s development and serve as a key driving force in shaping a better future.

He underlined that youth need to develop critical thinking skills to distinguish right or wrong when using technology, and to be mindful of AI ethics and cybersecurity. They are also urged to refrain from actions that could undermine the development and the country’s and its people’s dignity, and to uphold their responsibilities as responsible digital citizens.

The President urged the youth to continue striving to cultivate patriotism and proficiency in using modern technologies, while valuing their traditional cultural identity and promoting the country’s dignity and standing on the global stage.

At the ceremony, the President awarded the outstanding youths who won awards in international competitions.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs Dr Maung Thin read out the message delivered by the United Nations Secretary-General to the 2026 International Youth Day celebration.

The President and distinguished guests watched a video clip on the comprehensive development efforts for youths to mark the 2026 International Youth Day.

After the ceremony, the President visited exhibition booths set up by young entrepreneurs from regions and states as well as ministries and associations.

Also present at the ceremony were Vice-Presidents U Nyo Saw and Nan Ni Ni Aye, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services General Ye Win Oo, Union ministers and Union-level dignitaries.

MNA/TTA

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