Visakhapatnam: With the release of red heart-shaped balloons to the sky from an open stage set at the Vuda Park, the four-day Global Youth Meet-2015 on youth, health and development kicked off to a vibrant and colourful start in the city on Sunday morning.
The opening ceremony of the summit witnessed speeches from the guests on how youth, health and development are closely related to each other and on how only healthy youth could be the torch-bearers of the sustainable development, the world is eyeing.
As many as 96 young delegates from 31 countries are taking part in the summit to plan strategies that could aid the sustainable development of the world and mitigate serious health hazards looming over the youths. The aim of the meet is to transform the youth by inculcating leadership and advocacy skills to become change agents and global health advocates. The meet also empowers youths to initiate and contribute to public health action in their countries.
The event is being orgnaised by HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemina-tion Amongst Youth) in partnership with Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and Visakha HRIDAY SHAN (VHS).
Union Minister for Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, said for the success of any programme and for the development of the country, healthy young people were vital.
“However, according to WHO reports, about 2.6 million young people suffer from illness in behaviour which hinders their ability to grow and develop to full potential,” he added.
The minister further spoke about how the sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical exercise was leading to major health ailments in youths and indicated the old education system of India that followed holistic approach laying utmost importance on morals and health.
“The GoI spends about Rs 90,000 crore on schemes targeted at development of youth in areas of education, health and skill development,” he said.
PHFI president Dr K Srinath Reddy urged the gathering to use all resources and guard the planet to fight climate change.
“Environment must be protected for the health of citizens and future generations living in the country and on the earth. It is time to promote good health,” the PHFI president added.
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