Brussels, 01/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy has highlighted the importance of education and training for young people if greater prosperity and stability are to be brought to the continents of Europe and Africa.
Van Rompuy was taking part in the Africa-EU young leaders' summit in Brussels on Monday 31 March - an event held on 31 March and 1 April on the sidelines of the EU-Africa summit. Fostering creativity and entrepreneurship among young people is crucial since, even though the two continents do not share the same reality in economic, societal and demographic terms, young people can make a difference in the fate of their countries, stated Van Rompuy. The event was designed to highlight the entrepreneurial and professional potential of African and European countries and to discuss the factors that will bring young people prosperity and stability: good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights. It was also to discuss issues around peace and security, “youngsters (being) the main victims of conflict and war”. “We need a youth without fear, a free youth, a youth of hope”, Van Rompuy' argued. (IL)