Johannesburg, Saturday 5 October 2013 – As the 2013 One Young World Summit draws to a close, Brand South Africa wishes all delegates to the Summit 2013 well, they travel to their respective countries. Around 1,500 young people from over 180 countries participated in this year’s Summit.
Brand South Africa CEO Miller Matola said, “As the delegates travel home, we wish them all the success in their efforts to make their countries better. We also thank them for the energy and enthusiasm they have brought to the conference and we look forward to welcoming these young leaders back to South Africa in the near future. We will be watching with interest, as so many of them make a positive impact on our world”
Brand South Africa on Friday hosted a One Young World breakout session at Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg. As the country gears up to implement the National Development Plan, the session was held under the banner of Youth’s Role in Long-Term Planning.
The panel that interacted with approximately 35 youth at the session was made up of Brand South Africa’s Head of Research Dr Petrus de Kock, the Police Ministry’s Head of Communication Zweli Mnisi, the National Planning Commission’s Zama Ndlovu, the head of NGO 35 Maveris, Bokang Seritsane, and Tebogo Ditshego from Read A Book SA.
“This is a platform that brings young people from around the world together, to share ideas, perspectives and projects. Our role as Brand South Africa, at this breakaway session, is to focus on long-term planning, in the context of South Africa’s National Development Plan, and to deepen the discussion about youth’s involvement in that process,” said Dr de Kock.
Brand South Africa ambassador to the Summit, Aslam Levy said, “One of the quotes that has stuck with me from this conference, is that we have an opportunity to think globally and act locally. This was something that Kofi Annan left with us on day one, and that really struck a chord with me.”
The discussions focused on issues that affect competitiveness in South Africa and other nations and is critical since young people in all countries of the world will drive their nations’ developmental agendas that will impact on the lives of all citizens.
On Thursday evening, Mr Matola participated in a panel discussion on Sustainable Development at the One Young World Summit, at the Sandton Convention Centre, during which young people from Croatia, Uzbekistan, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and South Africa shared success stories related to their work in the fields of sustainable water management, farming, literacy, medicine and energy efficiency in the corporate world.
“Hearing about the work these young people are doing in their various countries, gives us hope and inspiration. They are truly playing their part – they’re not waiting for their governments to do things for them, they’re using their initiative and in so doing, they are making positive changes in their communities and beyond. It is exactly this type of initiative that will see us, here in South Africa, reach the goals outlined in our National Development Plan. As a nation we must harness the energy of these young leaders, to implement Vision 2030,” said Mr Matola, following his interaction with the youth.
Brand South Africa has sponsored five young people to attend the Summit, namely, Zanele Mabaso, Luvuyo Mandela, Raelene Rorke, Thembi Graham and Aslam Levy.
The One Young World 2013 summit closing ceremony will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre at 19h30 on Saturday.
About Brand South Africa
Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation, in order to improve its global competitiveness abroad. Its aim is also to build pride and patriotism among South Africans, in order to contribute to social cohesion and nation brand ambassadorship.
Further resources from Brand South Africa
Media are invited to visit www.southafrica.info for further resources which can be reproduced without any copyright infringement. Kindly attribute to Brand South Africa.
For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:
Nadia Samie-Jacobs
Public Relations Domestic
Tel: +27 11 712 5007 Mobile: +27 (0)72 777 9399
Email: nadias@brandsouthafrica.com
Visit brandsouthafrica.com
Ends