Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) University selected winners of youth debates held among students of ADA University on April 11.

The winning team which will be sponsored by ADB will participate in the 2nd Asian Youth Forum hosted by ADB as the sideline event of the 47th ADB Annual Meeting in Astana, ADB said on April 14.

The best team was selected by the jury panel consisted of representatives of ADB and ADA University.

Forty students organized in ten teams have been competing since beginning of April to secure a place in final debates.

ADB recognizes young people and youth-led organizations as integral members of civil society. The upcoming 2nd Asian Youth Forum marks ADB's increased focus on youth participation in ADB programs and projects to support youth development in the region.

At least 60 youth delegates will gather for the Forum under the theme of "Partnerships Beyond Borders" from April 30 to May 1 and for the annual meeting with the theme of "New Silk Roads: Linking Asia to Changing World" on May 2-5.

The Forum will offer intensive training, planning workshops, and panel discussions on challenges and solutions in five main key areas identified as priorities in previous ADB Youth Initiative activities including governance, green growth, environment and water, gender, education and employment, and civic participation.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members - 48 from the region. In 2013, ADB assistance totaled $21.0 billion, including co-financing of $6.6 billion.