By Albert Futukpor
Tamale, Aug 23, GNA-The United States Government has collaborated with the Government of Ghana’s Youth Employment Agency to host a youth forum to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day in Tamale.
The youth forum attracted over 200 attendees including young agricultural practitioners and students, youth groups and leaders, government and NGOs supporting youth, community leaders, agribusinesses, transaction advisors, financial institutions, representatives of academia/research institutions, and development partners.
The forum, on the theme: “Youth Using Digital Innovation and Platforms for Sustainable Food Systems”, recognised young people’s contribution to society and showcased youth-led digital innovations in sustainable agriculture.
It also provided valuable information and engaged the attendees in discussions on the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) transformative and inclusive initiatives.
The initiatives, implemented in partnership with government agencies, aim to create opportunities for youth participation in agricultural decision-making processes, value chain activities, and contributions to food security, employment, and income.
The event, organised through USAID/Ghana’s Implementing Partners under the Feed the Future Initiative – Mobilizing Finance in Agriculture, Policy LINK, Market Systems Resilience, Ghana Trade and Investment, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Platform, featured plenary presentations, breakout sessions/stakeholder consultations, a panel discussion, the sharing of success stories, and an exhibition of agriculture products.
International Youth Day, celebrated annually since August 12, 2000, is designated by the United Nations to draw attention to cultural and legal issues affecting youth and to promote their engagement in global issues.
This year’s global theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”, reflected the world’s transition into a digital era where innovative technologies were being employed to enhance productivity and efficiency in daily activities.
However, the digital divide between rural and urban areas is a pressing global challenge threatening efforts to reduce poverty, hunger, and food insecurity and to promote gender equality and well-being under the Sustainable Development Goals.
GNA