Young people constitute one of the greatest potential for shaping the future of their nations. They represent one fifth of the world population—the largest in history, amounting to 1.3 billion. When faced with tomorrow’s challenges, their choice of violence or peaceful resolutions will, to a large extent, depend on the opportunities given to them today. Nurturing in them a sense of self-esteem, of belonging and identity with their own communities, opens up avenues for their active participation in political, social and economic life. Ensuring that youth are at the heart of all endeavors is the key to increasing the probability of a peaceful tomorrow.
It is in this context that the Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement took the initiative of providing a platform for around 500 young people from all over the world to express their views and aspirations. The International Youth Forum to be held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from September 1–3, 2007 is the first of its kind to take place in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) organized by civil society with the involvement of international organizations. It is a conference planned, organized, and run by youth.
The outcome of the forum will be an action plan with specific benchmarks and a timeline for their implementation.
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