The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, highlighted on Friday the Government’s commitment to young people and their prospects, stressing that the State provides them with the tools to become even more active and productive citizens for the benefit of all, in his address at the 20th Annual Conference on the United Nations Mediterranean Model (MEDIMUN) organised by the English School in Nicosia.

He added that the Republic of Cyprus has always been and will continue to be a champion of multilateralism, while also referring to the National Youth Strategy and other youth initiatives promoted by the Government, such as the EKFRACY and the Citizen’s Voice platforms, as well as its decision on the right of young people to vote from the age of 17.

In his address, the President said that his presence at the conference is a recognition of the younger generation, “a generation that can and should have a vital role in shaping the future”.

Referring to the conference, his said that since its inception, it has grown into one of the most prestigious Model United Nations conferences in the Mediterranean region, bringing together over 350 students from 30 nationalities annually in Cyprus.

“By fostering debate and providing hands-on experience with international diplomacy, MEDIMUN exemplifies the values of multilateralism and diplomacy, of supranational dialogue and intercultural encounters. At the same time, it positions Cyprus, at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, as a bridge-builder between different perspectives, aspirations, needs, and desires”, he continued, adding that through these efforts, “MEDIMUN strengthens our shared commitment to global cooperation, which has become essential in an era of profound transformation and serious challenges”.

“In this context, I strongly believe that this year’s MEDIMUN theme, ‘Adapting to today’s tomorrow: Diplomacy in a divided world’, could not be more timely. As you are well aware, we live in a world marked by a multitude of challenges that require urgent responses and cohesive cooperation. The number of conflicts is at its highest level since the Cold War. Humanity is faced with the dominant threat of climate change. Rapid technological advancements present both opportunities and threats. At the same time, the principles of international law and human rights are often overlooked, and geopolitical competition leaves our diplomatic landscape divided”, he noted.

“In light of all of this, this year’s MEDIMUN themes, including international peace and security, environmental development, artificial intelligence, cultural heritage protection, and gender-based violence, are both pertinent and well-timed. And I must also underline that these themes, these international and essential priorities, also resonate with Cyprus’ role as a newly elected member, for the first time in its history, of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027. A role that we proudly take on in our principled and consistent effort to promote and preserve human rights in our country, in the region and worldwide”, stressed President Christodoulides.

“The Republic of Cyprus has always been and will continue to be a champion of multilateralism. This is a difficult and a collective endeavour, achievable through unwavering resolve and shared purpose. And in order to achieve this endeavour, we need primarily our Youth. We need all of you. With your actions you can be trailblazers in building bridges, creating synergies, championing human rights, initiating climate action, and advancing peacebuilding efforts to create more just, sustainable and inclusive societies”, he further noted in that regard.

Last September, as we gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly in order to adopt the Pact for the Future, we made a clear commitment in the Declaration on Future Generations to create a better future for those yet to come, continued the President.

He added that this year “offers us further opportunities to reaffirm our dedication towards our youth as we commemorate two very significant and very important milestones”.

The first, according to President Christodoulides, is the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, which, as he said, continues to provide a framework for national, regional, and international actions aimed at addressing the multiple challenges the youth is facing, thereby improving their well-being and ultimately enhancing their role and participation in public affairs.

The second is the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2250, “which urges us to explore ways to give youth a greater voice in decision-making at local, national, regional, and international levels, including in peace processes and conflict resolution”, he added.

He also underlined that at national level, the Government is also committed to ensuring full, meaningful, and effective participation for young people at all levels of decision-making.

“We aim to provide a safe, empowering environment to address challenges in a coordinated, human rights-based, and gender-responsive manner. This commitment is clearly articulated in our 2025-2030 National Youth Strategy, which is currently under development. A strategy that prioritizes the inclusive participation of all young people, including those in vulnerable and at-risk situations, ensuring their equal involvement in decision-making processes, educational opportunities, employment policies, and cultural activities”, he explained.

He gave as an example several Government decisions with the aim to promote and support youth interests and to strengthen their role within the society, such as the online platform “EKFRACY”, an interactive digital tool that allows youth participation in shaping policies, while offering the opportunity for a constant dialogue with the Executive Power and for the submission of their own proposals on issues that affect their everyday lives and not only.

In the same spirit, the online platform “Citizen’s Voice”, a key tool for participatory democracy launched early last year, allows the two-way communication with the Government every day, he continued, adding that the Youth Culture Card, launched in 2023, stands for the active engagement and interaction of young people with the country’s culture, rich history and the realm of art.

He added that in the context of showcasing the State’s trust in youth, the Council of Ministers recently approved the participation of citizens as young as 17 years old to vote in elections and to be automatically included in the electoral rolls, “a landmark decision that echoes our commitment towards you, our children, our future”.

“Our actions and decisions represent our strong political commitment, our belief to you and your potential, but also our expectation that these tools will help you to become even more active and productive citizens for the benefit of all”, he noted.

“Before closing I would like to once more encourage you to embrace your roles as bridge-builders and innovators. I want to ask you to use your resilience and creativity to inspire all of us to remain focused and persistent in pursuing the goals of the United Nations; in formulating a better future for all, a future where dignity, justice, and peace prevail. And I wish to assure you that in your efforts, you will always have my full support”, concluded the President.

In her address, MEDIMUN’s Senior Director, Christina Papadopoulos, said the conference has been more than just a simulation of the United Nations, but “a classroom beyond walls, teaching the art of negotiation, the power of collaboration and the importance of informed decision making”.

Addressing the conference’ delegates, she said they are the voices of the future and their dedication to understanding international relations and problem solving will make an impact in ways they cannot imagine.

“In a world which is filled with wars, conflict, natural disaster, famine and displacement, you give me hope that a better world lies ahead”, she stressed, thanking everyone for their “passion, dedication and belief in the power of diplomacy and dialogue”.

The conference’s proceedings will take place on 8 and 9 February at the European University’s premises in Nicosia and will conclude on Sunday afternoon with the closing ceremony.

Source: Parikiaki.com