World Youth Day: Minister Niola Lynn Sarah Dévalis Calls on Youth to Build a Safe and Prosperous Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE.— For the second consecutive year, Haiti celebrated International Youth Day this Tuesday under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action (MJSAC). The event, organized at the Karibe Hotel, brought together representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN agencies, government members, and various actors from international organizations around the theme «Youth, Peace and Security». Youth, the Engine of Change In her address, Minister Niola Lynn Sarah Dévalis Octavis recalled that youth is recognized by the international community as an essential lever for stability and progress. «You, and you alone, embody the future of this nation! You are the hope for a prosperous, more just, more inclusive, and peaceful Haiti,» she affirmed. The MJSAC's actions fall within the framework of United Nations resolutions, with a priority given to peace, social harmony, and sustainable development. Guiding and Protecting Youth Aware of the security and social challenges facing the country, Ms. Dévalis Octavis emphasized the State's responsibility in guiding and protecting young people, to prevent social exclusion and lack of economic opportunities. «It is imperative to banish the conditions that foster banditry, radicalization, and extremism. The State must relentlessly offer social guidance and economic prospects to a healthy but vulnerable youth,» she warned. A Call for Civic Engagement As the next elections approach, the Minister urged young people to fully invest themselves in democratic and social life. «The upcoming elections must not leave you indifferent. Defend your convictions, dare to choose, and above all, dare to get involved,» she declared. She recalled that civic participation goes far beyond voting and encompasses active contribution to economic, political, and social spheres. In this regard, she highlighted the decisive role of the Presidential Council and the government in integrating youth into the public sphere. Ultimately, Ms. Octavis praised the efforts of the Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, whom she presented as engaged in what she considers a battle for the well-being of our youth. She reaffirmed that Haiti's transformation rests primarily on the commitment, creativity, and determination of young people. Jean Mapou