Excellencies, Chairperson MDG Global Watch, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honour to participate as the international youth coordinator in the launching of the MDG Global Watch, as the exhibition is titled "Millennium Development Goals –Making It Happen".

Four years have passed since the world leaders adopted the Millennium Declaration. As it stands today, a number of countries would not be able to achieve the MDGs by 2015. The sub-Saharan African countries in particular are lagging far behind. Other regions such as the Asia Pacific, Latin American and Caribbean countries, except in some pockets, made only marginal progress.

The Millennium Development Goals, in my view, emphasizes that our children must be left with a better world, than what their parents received. I believe that the youth understand this well and have involved themselves in issues concerning their future. Some of the exhibits in this room, for example, were photographed by youth. We understand very well of the hardships in the developing world, but we also know that this world will be left to us someday.

Often youth have been at the forefront of civil society for advocacy and creating awareness. The energies and enthusiasm that are characteristic of youth can be harnessed for advancing the Millennium Development Goals. However, in a number of countries youth groups are still not aware of the MDGs and the commitments made by the member-states. Awareness creation is a must among the youth at national, regional and global levels. One of the objectives of the MDG Global Watch is to reach out to youth across nations and to build capacity to support their countries in achieving the MDGs. Many of today's youth in the north and in the south, have resources in technology and skills to wipe every tear from every eye, and to provide food, clothing and shelter for the suffering. It is unmistakable: the youth must play as an integral part of the civil society, for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. What is needed is to mobilize our energies positively and effectively to make it happen.

The youth throughout the world must also be encouraged, and integrated into the decision making process in a meaningful way. I ask that countries to reach out to the youth and include them as partners in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and they will be able to offer you their energies and enthusiasm. The youth need to feel accepted and empowered, so that they may become effective leaders for tomorrow. It is vital to include the views of the youth, as the world will be left to them someday.

The international youth have in a small measure contributed to this launching of this MDG Global Watch Exibition. By this gesture, I call upon all the youth throughout the world to work with your countries in achieving the 2015 targets for the Millennium Development.

Yes, we the youth are also there to "MAKE IT HAPPEN".

Thank you.