The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) has called on the government to make the youth the centre of discussions around the green revolution and other opportunities available for the youth.

The appeal comes as they mark International Youth Day today.

The day is celebrated under the theme "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World, which the SPYL says is befitting as Namibia pursues the path towards the green revolution.

SPYL says that in the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals, the focus must be guided by the realities of the youth population and that a deliberate strategy is needed to train youth in skills that will help them find economic emancipation.
 
It says the empowerment and engagement of youth in Namibia remain a missed opportunity for many, while a lack of quality education, youth-friendly health services, and employment opportunities increases their vulnerabilities.

Attempts should therefore be made to provide seed capital for the revitalization of businesses that were affected by COVID-19.

The statement calls on the youth to be responsible citizens and display a high level of discipline, commitment, and dedication to their purpose.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service says there is a need to equip young people with skills to navigate the green transition as changemakers in community development and environmental protection.

The ministry will organise an event in the Oshana Region, which will entail a host of activities aimed at building awareness of green skills and climate change and capacitating youth and youth workers.

In 1999, the UN General Assembly endorsed International Youth Day, and since then, the day has been celebrated annually.