This theme aims to raise the public awareness to the opportunities and risks associated with youth migration, to share knowledge and information from research and recent analyzes on this subject and to involve young people in discussions on their migration experiences. 

The official celebration of the International Youth Day organized by the Ministry of Youth and Recreation and its partners whose United Nations System was held Monday at the Palace of Sports and Culture and Recreation of Mahamasina in the presence of the Minister of Youth and Recreation, Mr Ulrich Andriatiana and the Resident Coordinator of the of the United Nations in Madagascar, Mrs Fatma Samoura. 

More than 2000 young people attend this cultural and sensitization event. 

The youth danced to the rhythms of carnival and singers. They encouraged participants in the basketball and rugby tournaments and applauded the participants in the dance competitions. Conferences on "Migration of young people for work, study, vocational training" and on "Youth employment and the migration challenge" also provided an opportunity for young people to obtain information and advice on these themes with the specialists present.

The International Youth Day 2013 is under the theme "Youth Migration: Advancing Development". The objective of this theme is to raise public awareness of the opportunities and risks associated with youth migration, to share knowledge and information from research and recent analyzes on this subject, and to involve young people in discussions on their experiences of migration. 

Refusing poverty, finding decent jobs, fleeing fighting areas, the dangers of global warming, aspiring to a dignified life or respecting their rights are pushing millions young people to build a better future beyond their borders. Young people now account for more than 10% of international migrants out of an annual total of 214 million. They contribute to bringing people closer together, both culturally and socially. Their work contributes to the betterment of the lives of their families and communities that have remained in Canada. Young migrants represent a considerable asset to economic activity. On their return, they often apply the skills and knowledge acquired abroad to contribute to the development of their country

However, young migrants face immense challenges. Far from their environment, they also face risks and may be victims of exclusion, poverty, exploitation or discrimination. Thus, when they are poorly educated or poorly prepared, this only increases their vulnerability. 

Madagascar is not spared the phenomenon of migration of young people. Every year several thousand young people continue their studies in another city of the country or abroad and sometimes do not return; and young women leave to work in the Middle East. However, we know too little about what they live or against what they have to fight on a daily basis. National statistics do not yet allow us to know the exact realities of migration. Migration movements both within the country and internationally exist and evolve with increasing poverty and the search for a better horizon for young people. It is essential to know the complex realities of migration in order to be able to design better and more effective public policies so that migration could be a real factor of development. 

"This phenomenon represents both stakes and challenges that should be considered for the country both in terms of respecting labour standards, guaranteeing social protection and structuring institutions if we really want young people to play a key role in the development of Madagascar, "said Mrs. Fatma Samoura. 

Women and men are the decision-makers of tomorrow. It is essential to pay particular attention to them insofar as they represent an asset and a force for lasting and positive change. Young people have become aware of the power they represent and demand from their leaders that the decisions concerning them are now taken with them. Involving them in the development process is the most judicious choice that a nation can make. 

The Ministry of Youth and Recreation and the United Nations System through its agencies have been implementing concrete actions for several years and respect for the right of young people to access quality health services, education, employment with international labour standards, better participation of young people in social life and to better respond to the concerns of young people in Madagascar.