São Tomé and Principe – The Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, reiterated on Sunday in São Tomé the important role of young people for the progress of the Member States of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), as well as for the growth of the organisation.
Speaking at the political debate on “Youth and Sustainability”, the Angolan President advocated greater investment in education and technical and vocational training for young people for a healthy society and resilient nations.
The event held during the XIV Summit of the CPLP, João Lourenço pointed out that the above-mentioned assumptions make it possible to preserve national cultural values, identity, history, independence and sovereignty.
"The homeland is our mother, so we have a responsibility to constantly prepare our young people for the need to defend its symbols, the flag, insignia and national anthem and the main bodies of sovereignty," he said.
He added that it is everyone's responsibility to educate, form and prepare the younger generations, such as families, schools, the community, governments and the Church.
The Angolan statesman urged countries to create more jobs, especially for young people completing their academic and professional training.
The President of the Portuguese Republic, who also took part in the debate, advocated greater attention to the inclusion of young people in all areas of state life.
For him, it is urgent to support young people and he praised the Summit's commitment centred on sustainability, education, health, as well as social solidarity in favour of climate action and biodiversity.
The President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema said that youth can play a crucial role in the development of the future of the Member States.
He argued that the CPLP should be open to other cultures, as he believes that cooperation between peoples is a world heritage.
However, most of the heads of state who took part in the meeting emphasised the attention paid to youth, stability and the consolidation of democracy in the community.
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