The political, economical and social involvement of the young people demands state willpower to empower this key sector for the future of humankind, warned today Cuban youth leader Yuniasky Crespo.
In remarks to Prensa Latina, the First Secretary of Cuba's Young Communist League (UJC) backed the compliance with agreements and programs oriented to the youth, as well as the government boost to initiatives that allow young people to demonstrate their full potential for development.
"We certainly see sometimes that in some places the policies needed to confront poverty and the lack of access to health care, education and other rights are not implemented, said Crespo, who attended an event in the UN General Assembly to mark the 20th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth.
In her opinion, it is very important for the United Nations to discuss the youth-related issues, above all as UN members shape the sustainable development agenda that will follow the millennium goals set for the period 200-2015.
The Cuban youth leader said this agenda should include the young people's priorities and it must be based on the principles of the UN Charter and Internacional Law, without preconditions, focused on inclusion and on the solution to structural problems of the economies of the South and the eradication of poverty.
Crespo shared Cuba's experiences in supporting young people, showing how far a country can go when there is political willpower, despite difficulties caused by the imposition of the U.S. blockade for over fifty years.
"All our young population, very educated, broadly employed and represented in power structures in my country, was born and is living under this absurd regime of restrictions. The blockade is not past history for the Cuban youth; it is everyday present," she denounced.
Crespo is taking part in bilateral meetings with delegates of countries and organizations, and is scheduled to speak in another General Assembly forum on Monday, to be devoted to demographic and youth employment-related topics.