Iran Youth Minister Honors Victims of Attacks, Cites Youth Challenges at International Festival
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Alireza Rahimi, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth and head of the Supreme Council of Youth, began his address at a meeting of ministers and youth officials from countries participating in the International Youth Festival (IYF) in Yekaterinburg, Russia, by remembering children and students who perished in recent attacks.
Rahimi specifically referenced the female students of Shajareh-ye Tayyebah elementary school in Minab who were killed during an attack on their school. He also noted casualties in Lamerd and Kouhestak, highlighting the deaths of children, adolescents, and other civilians in these incidents.
The Iranian deputy minister condemned the military attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly those targeting civilians, children, schools, and public gatherings. He emphasized that no political differences or military and strategic objectives can justify the loss of children and civilians.
Rahimi stated that the message from Iranian youth is not one of hatred but rather a defense of independence, territorial integrity, and national dignity, alongside calls for just peace, sustainable security, and dialogue based on mutual respect.
He identified youth unemployment, the gap between the education system and labor market needs, inequality in access to opportunities, and limited youth participation in decision-making processes as the most significant challenges facing the younger generation.
Rahimi stressed the necessity of shifting from policy-making “for youth” to policy-making “with youth,” asserting that young people should not merely be recipients of services but active partners in shaping the future.
He also proposed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s initiative to establish a “Youth Joint Action Network” among participating countries at the festival. This network could commence its activities with three working groups focusing on future skills and artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and social innovation, and volunteerism and youth diplomacy.
Referencing recent discussions between Iran and Russia on youth affairs, Rahimi underscored the importance of strengthening their joint youth platform and developing a shared action plan between the two nations. He suggested this experience could pave the way for expanded multilateral cooperation among countries present at the festival.
Concluding his remarks, the Iranian deputy minister highlighted the role of youth in the future of nations, stating, “The future does not belong to countries that merely talk more about youth; the future belongs to countries that trust young people sooner.”
The International Youth Festival is being held from September 11 to 17 in Yekaterinburg, Russia, with the participation of representatives and youth from various countries.
