Thank you ever so much for this most moving opening session. I am deeply touched by the choice of words spoken, by the messages conveyed, and by the artistic way you presented them. They have appealed to all of our senses; they have managed to generate from the first minute such enthusiasm with great expectations .. I am confident that all the power assembled here will rise to the occasion.

In this hall, we have brought together more than 1000 committed people, a number that is far beyond our expectations. Eight hundred of them are young people from 100 different countries with diverse languages, religions, backgrounds and experiences, and yet sharing one common goal, that together we will build a more united and peaceful world. This, to use Taha’s words, is truly awesome!

Peace is a word that is constantly used nowadays, for some it has a special significance and for others it doesn’t enter in their radar screen. I’m sure that you will be able to give it the meaning that expresses the way you see and envisage it, and how it will affect your lives and those around you.

Peace is not a far fetched idea, not at all.. It is a necessity right here and now, in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our countries and in our hearts. Planning for our future is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. And working for peace, is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better. We must make sure that they do get better.

Today, as you are all aware, we live in a world where a culture of violence predominates and has invaded many aspects of our lives. From wars and conflicts .. to violent behaviors .. to discrimination against those who are perceived as different, not to mention the invasion of the obscene and violent images that appear on our televisions. Add to that the abusive use of new technologies – I think you all know what I’m talking about. Many have attributed this epidemic of violence to economic inequalities, and social and political exclusion. This may explain it in some instances but not in all, for we see that violence cuts across all social classes, rich and poor alike.

Whatever the reasons, this state of affairs has to change. We must replace a culture of violence with one of peace. It must be inclusive and it should respect diversity.

You are our best hope because you possess the energy, the creativity and the resilience to make this happen! In many instances you have shown your ability to open doors, stretching your imagination and creativity to its limit.

Very often, this takes us into uncharted waters. But I wouldn’t be surprised if you succeeded in developing new positive role models – icons even! - amongst yourselves and in the wider world, who will inspire you and everybody else.

It is in this spirit, that we are here today in a forum organized by youth and devoted to listening to you. By bringing in voices as central, as powerful, and dedicated as yours, we give you the chance to share your aspirations in the way you envisage, in your words and at your pace.

It is not so much about just planning for a far away future, but rather, it is more about committing yourselves in doing what needs to be done now at present – as productive citizens, as peace workers, and as key agents for social change --- in spite of or maybe, because of the unstable and unsafe conditions which we are all facing.

In this way, we will be fostering a “culture of shared responsibility” – one which brings forth the best from everybody and underlines the essential role youth can and should play, acting on the particular issues that are important for our common future.

Today here and now, we consider you equal partners. This is not just a token word, nor a catch phrase. To us it means a journey that leads to greater collaboration…it is an invitation to take part in action, take responsibility, and to make a difference in the lives of people and truly build peace.

I say this because throughout my career, I have been greatly inspired by the commitment that many young people have demonstrated in defending just causes. They denounce injustices, they call for an end to violence and, at the same time, help improve people’s lives – the hungry, the homeless, the poor, the unemployed - all those, in fact, whose security may rest on the mere provision of a meal, medicine, a job and relief from poverty. In this global world, their hopes and fears ARE OURS TOO, in this global world. Indeed, these essential needs go beyond politics, beyond religions, beyond cultures. They represent universal needs of all human beings.

Today we stand together at a crossroad and our capacity to forge ahead on the path of peace, will depend on whether we are capable of sharing a common vision. It’s a vision of a peaceful society guided by the values we cherish, knowing that – when we live with tolerance, we learn to be patient; when we live with encouragement we learn to have confidence; when there is justice, we enhance security; when we live with approval we learn to like ourselves and finally, when we promote acceptance and friendship we learn to find love in the world!

Our message should be loud and clear. Youth speak, we listen and indeed listening is a great start, but acting upon what we hear is even better. This is our promise and commitment...you have our full support. So speak up and make your voices heard!

It is my conviction that the power of youth can rally support and encourage others to join in your efforts. In this way we will be ushering, in a new phase, of peace and development, with youth being the most solid resource-base and its most dynamic element!

I would like to end by thanking everyone who has supported our Movement in organizing this Forum – our moderators, speakers, participants – for traveling to Sharm El Sheikh from near and far. Our incredible partners and sponsors who have helped us every step of the way. And of course, our young volunteers and organizers who have put their hearts and souls into making this event possible. I hope this Forum will be everything you expect and much more.

I wish you all productive and fruitful discussions. This is your Forum, your time to lead the way towards a better future for all.

Thank you