By William J. Mbangula Oshakati The Governor of Oshana Region Clemens Kashuupulwa has urged young people to strive for safety and a healthy way of life. In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Councillor of Ompudja constituency Adolf Uunona at the occasion of World Population Day celebrations at Oshakati Multipurpose Centre, Kashuupulwa said young people have the ideas, determination and energy to accelerate effective action to address poverty and inequality. “Despite the positive attributes from young people, millions of them today are threatened by poverty, illiteracy, risks of pre-birth and HIV/Aids. For instance, today more than 500 million people aged 15 to 24 years live on N$12 per day, 96 million young people in developing countries do not know how to read and write, 14 million adolescent girls aged 15 and 19 years become mothers every year. Every day young people are newly infected with HIV.” Kashuupulwa pointed out that such challenges lie at the heart of goals set by the government which are to reduce poverty, ensure health and well being for all. “In order for the Millennium Development Goals to be successful, young people should be actively involved in policy making and programming, their voices and their needs met and their human rights respected. After all, investment in young people promotes social and economic growth as young people have the power to drive development forward.” The event which was mainly attended by young people was organised by the Oshana Multipurpose Centre.