(MENAFN- Gulf Times) A public seminar discussing the role of youth in peace-building marked the International Youth Day celebration in Doha on Saturday, receiving wide public attendance.
The event, themed ‘Youth Building Peace' and organised by Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) and Qatar Youth Hostels (QYH), was supported by Al-Ahli Sports Club, Soul Riders Qatar, and 0974, a youth group of Qatar University students.
Ambassadors of Sudan, Palestine, and Tunisia, as well as other guests and dignitaries, also attended the celebration. Ministry of Culture and Sports youth activities head Dr Issa al-Horr, QYH executive manager (engineer) Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Yami, and QRCS volunteer Suhaim al-Abdullah were among the guest speakers.
In a video speech, Ali Khalfan al-Mansouri, permanent representative of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, lauded the celebration in Doha as a globally recognised occasion. He valued QRCS' 40 years of work for humanity at large, mobilising the power of youth 'to change the bad reality of many individuals and communities. 'Undoubtedly, the world is facing huge challenges that require concerted efforts from everyone, particularly the youth. Today, we have 1.8bn young women and men in the world. Engaging those people in decision making and public life is crucial to progress for all nations, al-Mansouri said. 'There is a pressing need for good education, adequate training, employment opportunities, access to healthcare, and protection against violence and exploitation, he pointed out. 'Risks are not limited to the home or school environment, modern technology has created good and bad influences. It is imperative to promote dialogue, listen to the youth, prepare young leaders, and invest in their energy, al-Mansouri stressed.
QRCS communication director Issa Mohamed al-Ishaq said they work hard to empower the youth and engage them actively in public activities, pursuing sustainable human development in Qatar in conformity with Qatar National Vision 2030.
For his part, al-Yami remarked: 'The leaders of this country care for both nationals and residents. All the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 are targeted at everyone living in Qatar and this day is a reminder for our 3,500 QYH members that we work for them.
Meanwhile, Dr al-Horr explained that there are more young women and men engaged by youth centres now than five years ago. 'Partnership agreements were held between youth centres and malls to open youth incubators at public places. The same is done by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education at schools, Dr al-Horr added. For al-Abdullah, 'convenience is good, but striving in life is what helps you change yourself to a better one.
'Although I work 12 hours a day, my friends wonder how I could find time to perform volunteering activities with QRCS perhaps seven hours a day, al-Abdullah said. 'I spend days without sleeping, but still enjoy the experience. This effort will pay back one day when you find yourself a proactive and confident leader.
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