The National Information Officer of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) has advised Ghanaian youth to maintain their rich identity and African culture.

Addressing a youth forum as part of activities marking this year’s African Union Day in Accra, Ms Cynthia Pra said it was imperative for the youth not to go against their rich African culture, which has nurtured them into responsible people.

?Do not go against the African culture. Present yourselves in ways that would be appreciated by the society and the world at large,? she said.

She said the African culture had the capability of instilling a high degree of discipline and knowledge in the youth.

African Union Day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the signing of one of the founding documents of the African Union, also known as the Sirte Declaration.

On September 9, 1999, African heads of state gathered at an Organisation of African Unity (OAU) conference in Sirte, Libya, agreeing to establish the African Union.

The 49th Africa Union Day falls on Friday, May 25,2012.

This year’s AU Day is being commemorated on the theme: ?Boosting Intra-African Trade?, in line with the commitment to fast track the creation of an African continental free trade by 2017.

The AU aims, among others things, at promoting the unity and solidarity of African States; co-ordinating and intensifying their co-operation and efforts to achieve a better life for the people of Africa.

Ms Pra underscored the need for the youth to possess attitudes that would generate peace and ensure unity among African countries.

?Attitude is everything; change your attitude and you will change your life,? she said.

In a press statement delivered on his behalf, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, said Africa had to be united to chalk up great success in all endeavours.

Mr. Ki-moon observed that greater efforts had to be exerted by the society and other stakeholders to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in time.

Some activities that will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to mark the event are a sponsored walk through some principal streets of Accra and a flag-raising ceremony at the forecourt of the State House.