‘Young leaders are only hope for future of Sudan’: EU Ambassador

The head of the EU Delegation in Sudan, Ambassador Tomas Ulicny, has called on the Sudanese youth to set aside their differences and conflicts, and create a future for the country, free from extremism and prejudices.

In the context of the Europe Week and the European Year for Development, the EU Ambassador hosted a reception for youth representatives from various political parties, civil society organisations, community movements, and the media, to celebrate the end of the 2015 cycle of the Sudanese Young Political Leaders Programme.

12 young leaders representing different Sudanese political parties and civil society organisations visited Brussels this year. They met with members of the European Parliament, policy and decision makers, as well as civil society representatives

In his speech at the reception, Ambassador Ulicny emphasised the important role of youth, saying that in just a couple of decades they will be the ones leading Sudan, the EU Delegation in Sudan reported in a press statement on Monday.

“As young men and women, I want you to make full use of your time. Choose to help each other out. Work hard to create a reality of unity in a sea of disagreements and divisions. As youth, remember you are the only hope for tomorrow's Sudan,” he said.

The EU Ambassador stressed that apart from knowledge, skills, and education, “to connect with the world”, youth needs space to be able to act.

The Sudanese Young Political Leaders Programme was launched in 2013. The programme invites Sudanese youth from various political and regional backgrounds to visit the European Parliament in Brussels. The one week visit aims to inform the youngsters about the EU and to strengthen relations between Sudan and Europe. The visit is organised with the support of the Sudanese European Friendship Association.