Sanniquellie–More than 100 young people from across Liberia have arrived in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, for the second Edition of the National Youth Symposium of the Liberia National Red Cross Society.
The symposium is being held under the theme, “Choose Your Future, Lead Your Community: Youth Leading Liberia Forward.” Participants will engage, explore, connect, inspire one another and commit to a better future.
The three-day symposium will discuss key contextual social issues facing young people today, including the real cost of illicit drugs and harmful peer pressure, and the misuse of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
In his Video message to the Red Cross Youth and Volunteers at the symposium, the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the Liberia National Red Cross Society, Secretary General Gregory T. Blamoh, told the young participants that they are central to the work of the Red Cross today. “You are not just the future of the Red Cross; you are an essential part of the Red Cross today,” the Secretary General said.
The Secretary General listed some of the challenges facing the countryincluding unemployment, drug and substance abuse among young people, limited opportunities, and climate-related disasters. He said these challenges must not convince Liberians that change is impossible. Young people, he said, can help lead the response through community service, health awareness, disaster preparedness and the promotion of peace.
He urged the participants to take an active part in the discussions. “Do not come here only to listen and applaud. Come prepared to ask questions, share experiences, challenge old ideas respectfully, and propose practical solutions to the problems facing young people and our communities,” he said.
The Secretary General also asked each participant to reflect on What they can contribute? What can I learn? And what will I do differently after the symposium? “If each of you leaves this symposium with one practical idea, one stronger commitment, and one clear action to take, then our time together will have been worthwhile,” he added.
The symposium is funded by the Swedish Red Cross and the Liberia National Red Cross Society. The Red Cross also extends special thanks to Jungle Water Group of Investment for its meaningful contribution.
Participants are expected to sign a Youth Commitment Declaration, in which they will pledge to take action in their communities and lead with passion and purpose
