The communications sector and wider business world were challenged by a senior executive at a conference held recently in Costa Rica, to reach out to the next generation more effectively .

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, chairman of Qatari telecom operator Ooredoo, spoke at the BYND2015 Global Youth Summit, a major event that brought together more than 4,000 young people from 30 countries to draft the ‘BYND2015 Global Youth Declaration.’

The declaration is a document setting priorities for governments to develop ICT-related goals that will empower youth and ensure they have a say in the decision-making processes.

Costa Rica’s President Laura Chinchilla will present the declaration to the United Nations General Assembly later this month.

Sheikh Abdullah said: “Young people all around the world are ambitious and want to ensure that their society becomes a better place. We must be bold in finding new ways to empower the next generation. Being proactive is not enough – we must listen to youth, and partner with governments and civil society groups in order to develop technology solutions that are accessible, affordable, and scalable, so everyone can benefit.”

He led a delegation of young people of 27 leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from nine countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Indonesia, Algeria, Tunisia, Yemen, and Palestine.

The delegates participated in a diverse range of activities, including a special ‘hackathon’ contest, which saw teams from different nations strive to develop social mobile applications in the fields of education, health and environment in just 24 hours. - TradeArabia News Service