Prepared by: Naseri
Before addressing the role and responsibilities of youth in protecting national interests, it is important to briefly shed light on the definition and essence of national interests.
What are national interests?
National interests refer to the shared benefits and values that embody the needs, objectives, and aspirations of all citizens. They are the foundation of a nation’s independence, stability, progress, and unity. These interests include defending sovereignty and territorial integrity, preserving natural resources for economic growth, protecting cultural identity, language, religion, and traditions, and ensuring public safety against internal and external threats. In essence, national interests represent the collective well-being of all individuals and social groups without exception.
Youth and National Interests
Youth, regarded as the primary source of energy, creativity, and transformation in every society, also carry an important role and responsibility in protecting and promoting national interests. With their innovative thinking, vitality, and courage, they shape the destiny of their nations and, through knowledge, intellectual ability, and national awareness, they can bring meaningful changes to different areas of the country.
Young people can safeguard national interests only when they recognize and fully understand them. To achieve this, they must acquire both religious and modern knowledge while staying informed about global developments. In this way, they can broaden their perspectives and truly comprehend the significance and value of national interests. Education is the foundation of every society, and youth must give it utmost importance, as advanced knowledge is an essential instrument for national development and social well-being.
Youth equipped with both religious understanding and modern education can contribute positively in areas such as the economy, science, politics, religion, and social affairs. Conversely, those who lack education and remain unaware of global and social realities cannot correctly identify national interests and fail to understand their duties in preserving them.
In order to protect a nation’s interests, maintaining national unity is vital. Strong and inclusive consensus is the key to safeguarding these interests. Therefore, youth should place national solidarity and cooperation above ethnic, linguistic, or sectarian divisions.
Combating ideologies that spread hatred is an important responsibility for all young people.
Youth can have a significant impact on the country’s economic development. They contribute to national progress through their labor, innovation, and dedication, particularly when they possess both religious and professional knowledge. A culture of employment should be encouraged among young people, who must also be well-versed in modern and Islamic sciences, so that the nation’s natural resources are effectively used for its prosperity.
It is widely recognized that protecting the natural environment is an essential aspect of national interests. Youth should understand the value and significance of resources such as water, forests, and clean air, work to preserve them, and develop scientific and technical solutions to environmental challenges.
In the present context, safeguarding national and Islamic values is a responsibility that falls heavily on youth. They play a crucial role in preserving language, culture, and religious identity. Young people must defend their national identity from harmful foreign influences and actively contribute to cultural development.
This goal can only be achieved when the youth are skilled in languages, humanities, and social sciences. Those who are illiterate and unaware of their cultural and historical heritage remain silent and powerless against external pressures. They lack the ability to protect national and Islamic values and interests, often acting based on emotion rather than reason.
Peace and security in a country are largely maintained through the active involvement of youth, who must be guided to commit to a life of peace and safety within society. The younger generation plays a vital role in fostering a peaceful environment and should stand firmly against all forms of violence and extremism, working actively toward peace and development. This is achievable when they are equipped with professional skills, Islamic and modern knowledge, the ability to control their anger and emotions, and the capacity to find and implement peaceful solutions to conflicts at both national and international levels.
In addition, youth must contribute to the cultivation of national consciousness. National consciousness reflects the collective awareness and understanding of a nation’s citizens regarding their identity, Islamic and national values, interests, and goals. Young people should be nurtured with this awareness, which motivates them to uphold their country’s independence, cultural heritage, language, and unity, while actively striving to advance national interests.
This entails that youth must recognize the importance of national interests, honor the sacrifices of historical national heroes, and actively engage in resolving the nation’s challenges.
Ultimately, youth are the driving force of progress and change in every society. Their responsibility toward national interests extend beyond mere symbolism and requires practical action. They must rise to protect the country’s national and Islamic values and safeguard its essential interests.