25 May 2011: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke at Africa Day 2011 in Ethiopia, where he said young people are “one of Africa’s greatest untapped resources” for promoting sustainable development.

This year’s Africa Day was held under the theme, “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.” The annual event commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the African Union, in 1963.

Secretary-General Ban noted that Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with 70% of the population under the age of 30. He said many of its young people face difficulties in finding decent jobs and participating in decision-making, despite advances in education and economic growth, and he urged African countries to empower youth as an essential step toward “sustainable economic growth and sustainable management of the earth’s ecosystems and resources.” [Statement of UN Secretary-General]