Pre-summit: Elnari (Head of Government)

Young South African, Young African, Young Global Citizen?

We live in strange days indeed. Days full of wonder and potential, but strange days.

Threats of chemical warfare, concerns regarding the governance of cyberspace and questions arising from tax havens feature on the same agendas as poverty, the eradication of hunger and the provision of basic quality education. Equity, equality and development are “nice” words mentioned by many claiming to be concerned about society and the world at large. But still signs of oppression and a lack in development scar communities across the globe. Unfortunately, it is more often than not the innocent who have to deal with the atrocities of our day and age which shape their everyday lives – and it seems like nobody really cares, but for a few.

Maybe it has something to do about where we belong (whether it is a cause, community, town, country, continent or the globe at large). I, for example, am a young South African by birth. I am also a young African and a young global citizen. I have many national, regional and international concerns, but it is often what is happening closest to “home” which hits the hardest. And is this not what we each uniquely can contribute? Is this not what international dialogue and discussions are for? To hear what hits “home”, what has been done to address this, what can be done, what should be done, who can do what needs to be done. Is it not about finding common ground, despite (and also because) of differences in order to make people not fear that which they cannot condone, but rather address that which they cannot condone?

The old saying will have it that with ability follows responsibility. I would like to add that with opportunity comes a great load of responsibility as well. With the coming Y8 summit we have more than just an opportunity to engage…we are more than just a bunch of capable young bright minds coming together to talk. We have the responsibility to contribute constructively to an enabling environment which fosters the path to a responsible and inviting future.

I look forward to representing South Africa at the summit – not only because it is my country of birth, but because I know that the South African team has something unique to add to the greatly anticipated discussions. But most of all, I look forward to engaging and learning from various mutual young global citizens who realize that the time has come to dare enough to ask questions. I look forward to meeting young thinkers who listen to unique story and insights of every delegate and to grasp this opportunity to not only write another position paper calling for action, but to be stretched and motivated by the plight of those who grapple with the consequences of an able world who has forgotten to take responsibility for those who belong.