McFarlane to represent Ja at UNESCO Youth Forum

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture announced yesterday that the Youth Ambassador, Paul McFarlane, will be Jamaica's representative at the UNESCO Youth Forum to be held in Paris, France, October 17-20.

A resident of St Ann, he will join hundreds of delegates from various countries in discussing several issues of importance to young people. The main theme of the forum is 'How Youth Drive Change'. Among the topics to be discussed are: youth in political and public life; countering youth exclusion, vulnerability and violence; and breaking through employment barriers.

The ideas and recommendations developed at the youth forum will be presented to the UNESCO General Conference.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange said that the ministry was pleased to be able to facilitate the participation of a Jamaican youth at the forum, as it was "of the greatest importance that youth should debate the issues and be included in decision-making".

This is the seventh UNESCO Youth Forum. Jamaica has been participating since the inception.