Addis Ababa, November 18 (WIC) – The Ethiopian Youth Federation said it has finalized majority of preparations for the discussion due to be held with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi next Saturday.

Federation Information, Interior and External Relations Deputy President, Wubshet Gebre-Egziabher, told WIC that more than 10,000 youth will take part in the discussion.

He said youth drawn from various schools, micro and small-scale enterprises as well as government and non-government organizations (NGOs) will participate in the discussion.

Moreover, several youth will attend the discussion through plasma television, he indicated.

According to Wubshet, the conference will help to create strong bond between the government and the youth.   

The youth are expected to raise various national issues at the conference to be held for the third time in the country, he added.   Some 500 youth and 12 youth organizations that registered remarkable outcomes in various sectors will be awarded at the conference, he said.     

Wubshet further said the federation has offered awareness raising education on youth development package to more than 13.9 million youth over the past years.   He said permanent jobs have been created to more than 4 million youth owing to the concerted efforts made by the government to minimize unemployment.   

Moreover, over 5.5 million youth have also benefited from the youth centers built across the nation, he added.

The conference will be held for two consecutive days, it was learnt.