Upcoming youth forum a sign of Kingdom’s high int’l standing — UN official

AMMAN — The Global Forum on Youth, Peace and Security, to be hosted by Jordan on Friday and Saturday, is "the most important international platform gathering representatives of youth organisations around the world", according to a UN official.

The expected participation of high-level representatives is an indication of Jordan's strong international presence and its leading diplomatic role, UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi said in an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, published Monday.

Foreign ministers from Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine, Yemen, Sudan and Senegal are scheduled to take part in the forum, according to Petra.

Moreover, high-level delegations from UN agencies, the Arab League, the US, France, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Singapore, Oman, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda and Comoros are participating in the event.

Alhendawi said the UN and the international community’s quick response in working with Jordan to organise the forum in record time in response to an initiative by HRH Crown Prince Hussein shows the Kingdom’s advanced international status.

The forum stems “from the thematic debate organised by... Jordan during its presidency of the Security Council in April 2015” to discuss the role of young people in making peace and resolving conflicts, according to its website
(www.youth4peace.info).

The Crown Prince chaired the meeting at the time, becoming the youngest person to head a Security Council session.

The Global Forum on Youth, Peace and Security, held under the patronage of the Crown Prince, will bring 500 young people from around the world to King’s Academy in Madaba to discuss major issues of concern to them. 

“The forum will build on continuing efforts by a multiplicity of actors to decisively step up global attention to young people’s contribution to peace and chart a common agenda,” according to the website.

Young people around the world, whether attending the forum or participating online, will all take part in formulating the “Amman Declaration on Youth, Peace and Security”, Alhendawi noted.

At a time when the traditional view of young people depicts them either as victims of conflicts or part of terrorist groups, the forum and its declaration will present another perspective on youths, who can be an active part of the solution towards peace and security, he added.

The forum’s sessions will discuss the role of young people in achieving peace and combating violent extremism, in addition to the needed quality education that enhances the culture of tolerance and human rights.