(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The first-ever Global Youth Consultation (GYC) of the UN's World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) opened here yesterday confirming the importance Qatar places on the role of youth in shaping the future of global humanitarian landscape.
Hosted by Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), the two-day event being held at the Hamad bin Khalifa University Student Centre at Education City gathers over 300 youth from 82 countries including 70 from Qatar.
This is the first time Qatar is hosting this event. The last major consultation on humanitarian action took place nearly 25 years ago.
Addressing the opening session, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said hosting the event in Qatar for the first time underscores how the State values the youth and provides support in unleashing their potentials.
"We in Qatar firmly believe on the youth's role in shaping our future and contributing in laying the foundation for innovative solutions. Qatar also believes in empowering civil society organisations to support the youth and provide them with education and necessary tools for their success," he said.
Among the initiatives Qatar has launched for the youth was the Education Above All "because Qatar believes in education for the youth to become the builders of civilisations rather than being a destructive force."
In light of what's happening in Syria, Qatar had also launched an initiative to educate Syrians in refugee camps and other areas "whereby the gun can be replaced by books and pens."
The minister called the Consultation 'an added value' to the WHS and a significant step for the youth to have their voices heard. He urged cooperation among the participants in order to exchange insights to contribute in shaping humanitarian and development polices.
"Despite the challenges that we are facing across the globe we are all hopeful with your contributions that would light the path of our future."
The opening ceremony was attended by a number of high-profile local and international delegates, including Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh bin Nasser, ROTA Board Member; Jemilah Mahmood, Chief of the World Humanitarian Summit Secretariat, UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA); Ahmad Al Hendawi, United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Youth; and Dr Hany Al Banna, Executive Director for The Humanitarian Forum. A number of local charity organisations were also present at the opening.
"ROTA strongly believes in the importance of unlocking the human potential, especially in the youth. We are very proud to host such a milestone event, as Qatar will be participating in gathering the input of the world's youth to change the shape of the future on humanitarian issues." said Dr Sheikha Aisha. GYC aims to improve global disaster preparedness and response as well as shape the global youth position by gathering input from youth on humanitarian challenges and solutions.
The consultation will allow the views of participants to be incorporated into the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon' report, and the overall recommendations for the World Humanitarian Summit to be held in Istanbul, Turkey on May 23 and 24 next year. GYC is sponsored by Qatar National Bank (QNB), Qatar Airways, Qatar Petroleum (QP), Nakilat, Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF) and United Muslim Relief.
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