Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane is attending the pre-conference for the African region in preparation for the World Youth conference to be held in Mexico in August 2010.

The conference is hosted under the auspices of the African Union in Abuja in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and took place from 3 to 4 of June 2010. The pre-conference is aimed at bringing together African Ministers of Youth and experts to share views on the different thematic issues in preparation of the World Youth conference.

Each continent is expected to organise a pre-conference in order to brainstorm on youth development and related issues ahead of the world conference.

The Abuja meeting will therefore consider the African position on the priorities for youth development and review the draft declaration of Mexico in preparation for the conference. The World Youth conference seeks to achieve the following objectives:

* A declaration by consensus by governments identifying key actions for youth and development policies to be presented at the 65th United Nations General Assembly.
* Promote the establishment of a mechanism that will provide specific follow-up for the youth agenda in the United Nations System.
* Encourage dialogue between civil society organisations and governments on youth and development policies to better understand the priorities and needs of world youth.
* Share experiences and knowledge

The meeting takes place at the time when South Africa celebrates youth month and prepares to host the celebrations for the Youth Day on 16 June 2010. The main event will take place in Thulamahashe in Mpumalanga.

The conference is expected to be attended by African Ministers of Youth; members of the COMY 5 Bureau, African Ambassadors based in Nigeria, civil society organisations, international organisations, United Nations agency dealing with youth development and the African Union Commission amongst others.

Minister Chabane is accompanied by senior officials from The Presidency.

Enquiries:
Harold Maloka
Ministerial Spokesperson
Cell: 082 847 9799

Issued by: The Presidency
3 June 2010