The General Assembly proclaimed the year commencing 12 August 2010 as the International Year of Youth under the theme: "Dialogue and Mutual Understanding." As 12 August is the International Youth Day, the Year will be launched on this significant day for young people.
Iraq is one of the most youthful countries in the world-nearly half of its population is less than 19 years old. Iraq's surplus in youth can be a great bounty: with the right investments, it can harness the energy, enthusiasm and creativity of youth. With education, meaningful employment, social activities and prospects to effectively participate in their community-for both young men and women-youth can be a driving force towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals and the diffusion of dialogue and mutual understanding in Iraq. Without intensive effort, however, Iraqi youth, born under sanctions, raised in violence, will inherit Iraq without opportunities, education and hope.