Sports Minister reaffirms Government’s commitment to empowering youth

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum, highlighted Government’s firm commitment to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive in social, economic and cultural aspects, during a ceremony organised at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre in Bell Village, to mark the International Youth Day celebrated annually on 12 August 2026.

The Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Tony Apollon and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Mauritius, Dr Huang Shifang, were also present on the occasion.

The event brought together some 200 young people including non-Mauritian youth who are studying in local universities for a cross-cultural exchange with the aim to promote friendship and networking among people of different cultural background.

In his address, Minister Nagalingum underscored the importance of investing in youth, describing them as the country’s greatest national asset and the generation that will shape its future. Referring to the theme for this year’s International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”, he observed that, despite differences in backgrounds, cultures and experiences, young people share common aspirations for dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, quality education and a sustainable future.

The youth, he observed, are navigating a complex and fast-paced world where digital transformation, changing social structures, economic pressures and emerging global challenges are creating new opportunities, but also presenting obstacles to their growth and development.

Minister Nagalingum emphasised that the common aspiration is to build a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, participate and make a meaningful contribution to society.

For his part, Junior Minister Apollon highlighted the need to accompany, empower and equip young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to contribute actively to sustainable development. He also addressed the particular challenges faced by youth in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, including poverty, the impacts of climate change, limited economic opportunities, and unequal access to technology and digital resources.

12 August 2026

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Topics: Sports