Youth Leaders to Table Outcomes of Talks at UNAOC Forum Today

Doha, December 11 (QNA) - A representative group of 400 young leaders will present Sunday the recommendations of the discussions on various aspects of cross-cultural and inter-religious understanding held at the Youth Preparatory Event. The youth discussions were held at the Qatar National Convention Centre ahead of the fourth United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Forum starting today in Doha. The main outcome of the discussions during the youth event was the drafting of recommendations to world leaders on specific policies that affect the lives of young people, and on ways to enhance and build on the achievement of young people in bridging cultural divides. These recommendations will be presented on December 11th during a plenary with an audience of world leaders and over 2,500 forum participants. Participating youth will then seek to develop partnerships with governments to implement these recommendations. The 400 young leader represent a variety of youth-led organization such as national youth councils, NGOs, youth networks and youth media that are active in their communities and are committed to the UNAOC principle. Travelling from as far afield as Senegal, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Yemen, Ecuador, they will contribute to the discussion at the Doha Forum through their own unique experience, expertise and thoughts on the various themes to be discussed. As a leading advocate of youth empowerment, HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser started by designating the audience as "the true model of the Alliance". She then encouraged them to "seize the opportunities of the Forum to start fresh, revisit history, speak out and redesign their future by creating a right environment to be flourished through education and knowledge". United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations HE Dr. Jorge Sampaio, in his first address said, "We have all witnessed a turning point that will forever change the way that young people shape their societies. You are finding new ways to ensure that your desires and efforts to achieve positive social change are recognized. Your presence here is a sign of that and I can very much appreciate this, including from a personal point of view." The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon came to congratulate "the young leaders of today and tomorrow", for their efforts to advance the objectives of the Alliance of Civilizations. Ban Ki-moon underlined the "necessity to fight over religious and cultural differences in this unique moment we are living". He also added that "no nations can be on its own to face humanity's challenges." The youth event is an integral part of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum and a vital opportunity for youth to meet and interact with decision-makers from various fields, including politics, civil society, media and religious institutions. The Doha youth event was organized in collaboration with the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, the International Youth Council and the World in Conversation Project. (QNA)