It is with great pleasure that I am with you today, in this very special place, in order for all of us, through creative processes and methods, to co-create tangible actions on critical issues that concern today's youth.
Just a few days into the New Year and with the pandemic still affecting economies and societies around the world, I am confident that we all have the same determination - the same tenacity, I would say - to emerge victorious from this ordeal. To recover, to grow and to make up for lost ground. All the opportunities lost in this difficult period. While creating new opportunities, a better, healthier, more resilient and more sustainable future for our planet.
You young people are an inspiration on this journey. Inspiration to move forward boldly and quickly, building on our greatest asset: the quality, skills and mental strength of our youth. Always starting with dialogue. Which, of course, should not be an end in itself, but should lead to concrete objectives and actions. This is the purpose of today's meeting.
The strong will of the State to protect the future of young people should be taken for granted. It is also reflected in the presence of all of us here today. In particular, the Deputy Ministry intends to launch targeted actions within the framework of the European Year of Youth, and beyond, during the course of the year. Actions that we want to shape together with young people themselves, so that they respond to their own ideas, interests and aspirations. Actions to co-design policies and widely disseminate the importance of digital transformation for a new development model that our country needs so much. A model that lays the foundations for a thriving, competitive economy and a prosperous, inclusive society, for the Cyprus of tomorrow. As we have envisioned it and as we have designed it in the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, in which €282 million, in addition to 23% of total investments, are dedicated to digitally-enabled actions. Actions that aim to equip you with all the guarantees, tools, knowledge and skills for personal, social and professional development, and to enhance your active participation in society.
Today is a special day. It launches an exciting effort in which we are all invited to participate and contribute. I do not want to make a long story short, this conference is dedicated to you, and we are here to listen to you and to lay the foundations for a structured dialogue and constructive cooperation.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Commissioner for Citizens for this important initiative, and to assure you that the State is and will continue to stand by young people, helping and supporting them in their efforts. Because you are the future. Through the personal development of each individual, we are building the collective development of our country and of the European family.
(EK/EXP)
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