December 2, 2020
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) launched the National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020-2035 (DBNS 2020-2035) and Volunteer Guidelines books at the Youth Centre in the capital yesterday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin was the guest of honour.
DBNS 2020-2035 Steering Committee members; MCYS strategic partner; Legislative Council (LegCo) members; permanent secretaries; deputy permanent secretaries; heads of departments, education institutions, youth associations and movements; as well as private sector representatives also attended.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by Religious Development Assistant Muhammad Khaizuran Amali bin Haji Kamsani.
Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the MCYS and event committee Chairman Pengiran Mohammad Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud said that the launch marked yet another historic moment in the youth development agenda in Brunei Darussalam, as the National Youth Policy (first issued in 2002 and a reference for youth development) has been reviewed according to the current needs, in meeting the palate of the youth and national needs, which will help achieve the Brunei Vision 2035 objectives.
The National Youth Policy Review was first launched in November 2018, in collaboration with the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS), through the implementation of the National Survey 2018, which also covers the Youth Development Index Study 2018.
“Findings from the study were applied in the formation of this policy review, with the youth as the main contributors towards the review,” he said.
In the Review of the DBNS 2020-2035, there are four core strategies to achieve four goals. Sixteen policy initiatives were identified to support the core strategies, which will be the guidelines in formulating the Action Plan Implementation to achieve this policy.
“The result of this Action Plan Implementation came from cooperation of parties from the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and youth leaders,” he added.
Pengiran Mohammad Amirrizal explained that the Volunteer Guidelines were first initiated in 2019 following a recommendation by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad during the LegCo Meeting last year.
“This book will later serve as a guide and reference for youth who wish to become volunteers, and any agency (from the government, private sector or NGOs) wishing to organise programmes that require volunteers as auxiliary personnel,” he said.
The guest of honour later delivered a speech, following which came the official launch of the DBNS 2020-2035 and Volunteer Guidelines books, as well as a handover to the Main Leaders of the DBNS 2020-2035 and MCYS Strategic Partner.
The DBNS 2020-2035 details the youth vision, youth policy goals, strategies and policy initiatives as well as the mechanism and roadmap in implementing the policy.
The improvement of the youth policy also takes into account youth challenges at the global level, social demands, and the development of information and communication technology that is becoming more sophisticated and widespread.
It is designed inclusively, especially in addressing youth issues, and contains planned strategies, initiatives and programmes to form youth who are competitive, credible, dynamic and progressive. This whole-of-nation approach is guided by policies and strategic plans at the national level, including Brunei Vision 2035; Digital Economy Master Plan 2025; Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy; Action Plans under the National Council on Social Issues; Manpower Planning and Employment Council Strategic Plan; and the Supreme Council of Malay Islamic Monarchy.
The Volunteer Guidelines book provides a comprehensive guide and explains the rights and privileges of volunteers who participate in activities and volunteer work.
Source: https://borneobulletin.com.bn/2020/12/another-feather-in-mcys-hat-with-launch-of-two-books/