PM Participates in the 3rd Summit for Democracy

Baghdad-INA   
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani joined the 3rd Summit for Democracy, hosted by the Republic of Korea on Wednesday, alongside representatives from over a hundred countries.
 
During the session, which centered on youth empowerment and support, Prime Minister Al-Sudani was among the eight speakers, representing Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Paraguay, Malawi, Latvia, Nepal, and Moldova.
 
Key points from Prime Minister Al-Sudani's address at the summit via teleconference include:
 
The text has been revised for clarity and conciseness:
 
 We are committed to uniting our efforts to achieve our fundamental goals of progress and prosperity for all.
 
 Our nation has faced significant challenges, missing out on numerous development opportunities.
 
 The dictatorial regime led Iraq into senseless wars, severely impacting the youth of our society.
 
The Iraqi society is among the youthful societies, with youth constituting up to 60% of its population. This necessitates commitments to harness these youthful energies.
 
 Since the inception of our government, we have devised plans and programs to integrate youth and utilize their potential in rebuilding Iraq after years of combating the terrorist gangs of ISIS.
 
Last year, for the first time, we established the Higher Council for Youth, tasked with developing plans, designing programs, and harnessing youth energies in our country.
 
 I have taken on the responsibility of leading this council, which comprises ministers, heads of organizations, and advisors in its executive structure.
 
 The Higher Council for Youth has made numerous important decisions and initiatives aimed at providing productive opportunities for youth.
 
 We initiated a scholarship program to send 5,000 students to prestigious universities worldwide, enabling them to gain expertise in modern science and technology while keeping abreast of advancements across various scientific disciplines.
 
 Last month, the first cohort of the scholarship program departed, consisting of 400 students, both male and female, from different regions of Iraq.
 
 The National Education and Training Strategy, which extends until 2031, has been activated. It is a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing all aspects of the educational process.
 
 Our government has implemented numerous reforms to enhance the private sector, providing it with incentives, resulting in increased job opportunities for young graduates.
 
 We have launched a series of youth employment initiatives, such as the Riyada Initiative and the Initiative of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, which focuses on youth innovation and skills.
 
 The scourge of drugs and psychotropic substances has devastated millions of young people around the world.
 
 We call for the formation of a global alliance to combat these harmful substances that plague societies, particularly targeting the young demographic.
 
 We also underscore the catastrophe faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza, where youth endure deliberate killings and acts of genocide, necessitating a serious and responsible ethical stance from the international community.