Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has celebrated the International Youth Day, which is observed every year on 12 August.
Under the theme of 'Safe Beaches', QRCS's Volunteers Section and Al-Khor Branch held a diverse sports and fun programme, ending with an event to clean the Eraida beach.
Attended by many volunteers of different ages, the event was supported by Soul Soul Jeepers, who staged a parade to raise awareness about the cause of environment protection.
The group was accompanied by a police car, and the municipality cleaning team was present to help the volunteers with garbage collection.
In his remarks, head of QRCS Volunteers Section Ahmed Ali al-Khulaifi said, "As usual every year, QRCS shares local and international organisations in celebrating the International Youth Day, a UN observance marked since 2000. This year's celebrations involve events around the world to emphasise the right of young people to have their own space to attain their potential and practice their cultural, sports, fun, and community activities". In conformity with the approach of Qatar towards a stronger role of youth in society, al-Khulaifi pointed out, QRCS gives top priority to this important segment of society.
"We have numerous educative, qualification, training, and volunteering courses/programs for young women and men.
We help them gain knowledge and skills in various areas, adopt a culture of charity and volunteerism, develop themselves, and serve their society," he noted.
Under the global theme of "Safe Spaces for Youth", Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, issued a message: "The hopes of the world rest on young people. Peace, economic dynamism, social justice, tolerance all this and more, today and tomorrow, depends on tapping into the power of youth. Yet more than 400mn young women and men live amidst armed conflict or organised violence. Millions face deprivation, harassment, bullying and other infringements of their rights.
Young women and girls are particularly vulnerable".
