I stand here to address you on behalf of the UNDP/UNFPA Resident Representative, Mr. C. P. C. Metcalf who could not be with us at this moment because of engagement in other important duties.
May I take this opportunity to say a few words on the workshop which we are about to conclude.
I have sat partly through this interesting workshop and am pleased that in those few instances I learnt a lot about the population situation in Swaziland and how it affects various aspects of development in the country - least to mention the conclusion that the present high rate of population growth has had and continues to have a negative effect on development efforts. We have also heard how little knowledge on the part of a majority of people on this issue will perpetuate the situation and hence the need to devise suitable strategies to fight this ignorance - namely through education and enlightenment.
I with to thank you, dear participants, for the time you have sacrificed in order to come and educate yourselves and for your valuable contributions during the workshop proceedings. Most important, I hope that what you have learnt here will, through your contacts with youth of your various areas, not only lay a foundation for a future detailed population education programme but will also start making youth in rural areas aware of the importance of minding about population.
I wish also to thank Mr. Harry Dlamini and colleagues for the excellent way in which they have assisted in organizing the workshop. Again, many thanks and good luck to you all.