« The involvement of Ivorian youths in activities to promote social cohesion and national reconciliation" - this was the theme of a sensitisation and discussion session between the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), and youths in Bingerville, a sous-préfecture situated 18 km from Abidjan, on Wednesday, 18 September 2013.



The representative of UNOCI's Public Information Office who led the Mission's delegation thanked local authorities for the involvement in the activity and reaffirmed UNOCI's interest in the youths of Côte d'Ivoire and the support they could provide to the crisis-resolution process. She expressed the hope that the youths in Bingerville will become models and examples who inspire others and who work to promote social cohesion and end the spread of rumours which may lead to problems in their communities.



The deputy prefect of Bingerville, Georges Gnahoré Siaba, for his part, urged the different youth leaders to become the main actors in the reconciliation process and to fight against any attempts by political leaders to use them for their own gain. Earlier, representative of the Mayor, Célestin Koffi, who is in charge of youth issues, had expressed his gratitude to the United Nations for the work it was doing to bring peace to Côte d'Ivoire as well as organising a sensitisation and information activity in their town. He also wlecomed the huge turnout of youths at the event and called on them to become adept at non-violence and social cohesion in their respective communities.



Speaking on behalf of the youths of Bingerville, Aimé Tohoua, said that he and his colleagues were interested in the type of activity that the UN Mission had organised. He reaffirmed their willingness to do all they can to promote national reconciliation.

Some 30 youth leaders were sensitised on the need to respect human rights, the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS and child protection by representatives of the different UNOCI sections during the session. The UNOCI officials also responded to concerns raised by the youth leaders and made recommendations to them on how they can contribute to the peace process.



At the end of the encounter, the head of the social and cultural service of the Mayor's Office, Hélène Kouassi, expressed the hope that the sensitisation session was the beginning of a partnership between the United Nations and the town of Bingerville.