r Ne Win, the UNFPA’s Assistant Representative, and Mr. U Aung Tun Khaing, Deputy Director General of the Department of Social Welfare in the Myanmar Government, led the discussions which were themed around this year’s World Population Day slogan “investing in young people”. 

The meeting gave participants an opportunity to provide their input into a concept paper which intends to put forward to key stakeholders such as the Department of Social Welfare, Youth Development Programme (YDP), Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA), Marie Stopes International (MSI), Department of Health (DoP) and UNFPA the case for investing in young people. The concept paper will be presented by the Department of Social Welfare at a 10 July, national level World Population Day event, to be held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar’s capital. 

“This year’s World Population Day emphasizes the importance of investing in young people. Young people need better access to higher level education, health as well as develop the skills and knowledge needed for future job opportunities so that they can contribute to the job market,” said Dr. Ne Win. 

He said this year’s World Population Day theme is relevant for Myanmar, as well as the rest of the world, especially in countries where young people constitute a large proportion of the population. This is because the country is currently in a transition period. “It is imperative that we start investing in young people so that they can have access to better education, improve their skills sets and be able to secure livelihood opportunities for the future of our country,” he added. 

One of the youth representatives said that “inequality between different groups of youth, depending on their backgrounds and social economic status, also plays a key factor which needs to be addressed.” 

Approximately 100 young people ranging from university and high school students as well as the UNFPA supported Youth Programme, are expected to participate in this year’s World Population Day which will be presided over by Myanmar’s Vice President, Dr. Sai Mauk Kham. 

World Population Day is observed globally on 11 July 2014.