Emine Erdoğan Advocates for Inclusive Youth Solutions at Burundi Forum

Turkish First Lady Addresses Burundi Forum on Youth Challenges

Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan recently delivered a video message to the 6th High-Level Forum of Women Leaders in Burundi, urging for inclusive and multifaceted strategies to address the complex challenges faced by the world's youth. The forum, held in Bujumbura, was hosted by Angeline Ndayishimiye, the wife of Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye, and focused on women's leadership and youth development amidst global inequalities and emerging social risks.

Emphasizing Shared Responsibility and Holistic Approaches

In her address, Erdoğan underscored that solving today's pressing issues requires collaboration across sectors and a holistic approach beyond traditional solutions. She highlighted the significant demographic reality that nearly 2 billion children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 represent the largest generation of young people in history. This places a profound responsibility on societies worldwide to ensure these youths have access to educational opportunities and safe living conditions, which will shape not only their individual futures but also global progress. Erdoğan stated, 'Providing children with the right to education is no longer about constructing schools alone. To fully realize this right, it is imperative to simultaneously address environmental degradation, ongoing conflicts and widening economic inequalities.'

Addressing Global Disparities and Emerging Threats

Erdoğan painted a stark picture of global disparities that have intensified in recent years. She pointed to an alarming digital divide, noting that more than 1 billion school-age children lack internet access necessary for modern education, while others suffer from excessive screen time, up to seven hours daily, resulting in social media and video game addictions. Nutritional challenges also remain starkly polarized, with childhood obesity driven by diets high in processed foods in some regions, while 181 million children experience severe food insecurity and hunger in others. Furthermore, Erdoğan highlighted new threats such as climate change-induced disasters, forced migration, environmental degradation, and the psychological impact of 'climate anxiety.' She also warned about the risks of online exploitation and cyberbullying in an era of uncontrolled digital growth.

Call for Value-Based Education and Collective Effort

The Turkish First Lady asserted that cultivating a healthy generation demands more than merely alleviating hunger; it involves fostering sustainable practices like supporting clean agriculture, promoting modern nutrition, and enhancing the quality of education and social environments. She stressed the importance of a balanced, value-based education system that emphasizes ethics, compassion, and respect, values she noted are increasingly marginalized amid rapid technological advancements. Erdoğan expressed optimism that the forum would 'open new horizons' for humanity and extended her gratitude to First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye for her leadership and efforts on behalf of children.