The participants are here to attend the YPFDJ conference for the fourth consecutive year to re-enforce their commitment and support for a viable and strong Eritrea, as well as to build a solid network of enlightened, capable, and motivated Eritrean youth in the Diaspora who not only will inspire each other, but are also the future leaders and torch bearers of the Eritrean struggle for independence in the 21st century and beyond.
 
The forth Eritrean Youth Conference is taking place from the 21st to 23rd of March 2008.  Last year, the conference was held in the UK.  Within a year’s time, the conference has attracted a record number of participants, with more than 380 people attending this year.
 
The conference is being attended by the People Front Democracy & Justice (PFDJ) head and political advisor to Eritrea’s President Mr. Yemane Gebreab, the Eritrean Ambassadors to the Netherlands and European Union, the head of National Union of Eritrean Youth (NUEY) as well as other invited guests.

The opening ceremony began a with welcome speech by the chairperson of the Eritrean Youth in the Netherland follwed by the singing of the national anthem, one minutes remembrance silence for Martyrs and followed by diverse cultural shows. The keynote speech by Mr. Yemane Gebreab gave a brief introduction highlighting the achievements of this youth movement so far and reiterated the aim and objectives of the conference. He also included a brief outline of the programme for the coming days, and set future agenda proposals that will be dealt during the three days. The afternoon session saw the lively and engaging presentations by individual country youth members on their annual work progress and the upcoming plans for 2008.  

The day concluded with another keynote speech by Mr.  Sultan Said who highlighted the importance of the next generation’s responsibility to  build a sustainable and viable Eritrea. He also pointed to the challenges the Eritrean youth is facing and needs to tackle. Mr. Sultan Said concluded by noting the conference is a symbol of the youth shouldering its responsibility and reassured the older generation that their endeavor will be sustained.

Day one was successfully completed with high level of  patriotic zeal and dancing to several Eritrean music.

In Pictures:

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