WAY IS MAKING HISTORY AT THE 17TH MELAKA INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DIALOGUE
The last day of the 17th Melaka International Youth Dialogue was filled with many remarkable moments. The day began with the presentation of the 17th MIYD Draft Declaration which was later adopted for implementation by all participants present. Everyone participated well proving that they, indeed, paid attention to the advice and feedbacks given by various speakers from the past days and their peers during the workshop.
Later on in the day, the participants were divided into two groups, the females went to the Tunas Bakti School, while the males went to Henry Gurney Telok. It was an experience that touched everyone differently and gave everyone a different perspective of juvenile delinquency as we know it. Afterwards, we all participants went to the Melaka Prison Museum. It was an overwhelming experience for the participants and volunteers to see and learn about the history of Melaka Prison Museum.
The farewell gala dinner and closing ceremony was held later that night at the MITC Ballroom. Guests included the Chief Minister of Melaka cum President of the World Assembly of Youth, Hon. Datuk Seri Utama Ir. Idris Haron and his wife, Datin Seri Utama Datuk Wira Fadilah Abdullah, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Datuk Wira Dr. Abu Bakar Mohammad Diah, the Deputy State EXCO for Youth Development and Heritage, Hon. Datuk Norpipah Abdol, the Chairperson of Commonwealth Youth Council, Mr. Kishva Ambigapathy and the Secretary General of Malaysian Youth Council, Mr. Ahmad Saparuddin Yusof.
Secretary General, Ms. Ediola Pashollari initiated the evening with her speech, where she welcomed and thanked all respected guests, speakers, sponsors, participants and volunteers. She stated that “Youth should now take ownership to this declaration… they should take it to their peers, organisations and other stakeholders, in their respective countries, for implementation”. She went on to appreciate all the participants for their efforts in making the 17th MIYD a fruitful and memorable dialogue.
Remarks were also given by the Secretary General of Malaysian Youth Council and Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council, both partners to this dialogue. The pulpit was later left for Hon. Datuk Seri Utama Ir. Idris Haron, the Chief Minister of Melaka cum President of World Assembly of Youth. He gave a touching closing speech on different matters that youth face and how we can all come together to play a role in solving Juvenile Delinquency.
At the end of the gala ceremony, the sponsors, and partners were awarded with tokens of appreciation. Besides that, the MIYD volunteers were later thanked and awarded with certificates for their hard work and dedication, without them the 17th MIYD could have not been a great success. The celebration was concluded with a photo session with partners, speakers, volunteers and sponsors. The night ended with many tremendous cultural performances, magnificent band show, exciting dances and a lot of laughter.
A night to remember, successful and entertaining!
