I would like to congratulate the young generation of South Africa on the occasion of the Youth Day, while I also congratulate South Africa’s leadership and all its people.
When I started my tenure as Ambassador of the State of Qatar to South Africa, I was impressed with the youth ration in the country which is very similar to the youth ration in my country: third of the population in both our countries.
Therefore, celebrating this day in South Africa is wise and objective policy in the rainbow nation country. South African youth played the essential role in liberating their country and achieving the momentum of the freedom day in 1994.
Youth are key to Development and supposed to be imperative driver of efficiency. An imperative mechanism of achieving this development would depend on enhancing the quality and efficiency of both the young individual and the institution.
Let’s remember that the right terminology of development is not only "Sustainable Development", in fact, it is called "Sustainable Human Development" and based on the international momentum to do so on a holistic approach, the UN adopted the MDGs in 2000. It also adopted the new SDGs in September 2015 at the highest political level of heads of state and government, aiming at achieving 17 goals of Sustainable Human Development by 2030.
I had the honor to serve at the UN for more than a decade where I witnessed how South Africa played essential role as an important policy maker, with focus on youth and education agendas as well.
The State of Qatar also shares the same focus and values like South Africa, focusing on youth and education as driving force for development. Thanks to the responsible leaderships in both countries, and wise policies that knew that investing in the brains of its young generation, through quality education, Can prepare our young girls and boys to protect our development gains.
Educated and competent young individuals can occupy and build real efficient and reliable institutions that countries need to deliver services for citizens. Well educated diplomats as well can definitely be well equipped with the needed spirit and qualities to build bridges between nations. Among the bridges that youth are energetic in, is sport, and I’m confident that both youth generations of Qatar and South Africa are looking forward so much to the World Cup 2022 in Doha, my home town. This historical event won’t be happening without them and without their participation.
I’m proud that both Qatar and South Africa shares these values and policies, which will enhance the bridges between our two friendly countries and instill the culture of peace in our generations, for bright and successful future.
By Tariq Ali Faraj Al-Ansari
Ambassador of the State of Qatar
Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦