Categories
Speech

Czech Republic – 2018

Delegates: Ms. Barbora Antonovičová, Mr. Patrik Plavec

104. Ms. Antonovičová and Mr. Plavec (Czechia), speaking as youth delegates, said that Czech and Slovak youth had always been at the forefront of resistance and independence movements, advocating ideals of democracy and respect for human rights in 1939, 1968 and 1989. For those young people, self-determination, human rights and political participation were not just hollow terms but essential values for a stable, democratic society. The rigorous engagement of young people in public affairs and an inclusive high-quality education were prerequisites for a continually evolving, sustainable society. Young people in the Czech Republic were demanding a significant change in the educational system in favour of critical thinking and honest debate and the opportunity to learn relevant skills for their life and employment. They aspired to an inclusive educational system that did not unfairly discriminate.

105. The horizontal exchange of knowledge and of diverse experiences between young people from different social or other backgrounds was a precondition for an inclusive sustainable society where each individual could reach his or her potential. Young people should have the opportunity to take part in peer-to-peer mentoring, non-formal education or interactive youth-focused events. By openly discussing their projects and ideas with a peer who had experience in their field of interest, they could make sure that such ideas were not lost. Well-rounded education and intergenerational dialogue would reduce inequalities in social capital.

106. Young Czechs were worried about lack of interest in local and national affairs. The opportunity to express their opinions in school parliaments, municipal boards and youth groups and councils would enable young people to become active citizens in public forums. Such efforts were crucial for the establishment of just democratic institutions and for addressing the adverse effects of globalization on peripheral areas.

UN Doc.: A/C.3/73/SR.3

Original Records

Cite as:
UN Doc.: A/C.3/73/SR.3, 3 October 2018, p. 15, Youth Delegate Search: https://youthdelegatesearch.org/czech-republic-2018/, doi: 10.17176/20221018-192139-0.

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