A total of 400 young leaders met at the Fourth Forum of the Alliance of Civilisations in Qatar recently to debate key aspects of cross-cultural and interreligious understanding during the Youth Preparatory Event.

The forum took place at the newly inaugurated Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, a statement from the event organisers said.

The main outcome of the discussions was the drafting of recommendations to world leaders on specific policies that affect the lives of young people, and on ways to enhance and build on the achievement of young people in bridging cultural divides.

These recommendations were presented yesterday (December 11) during a plenary with an audience of world leaders and over 2,500 forum participants, where participating youth sought to develop partnerships with governments to implement these recommendations, the statement said.

The 400 leaders represent a variety of youth-led organisation such as national youth councils, NGOs, youth networks and youth media that are active in their communities and are committed to the UNAOC principle.

Dr Jorge Sampaio, UN high representative for the Alliance of Civilisations, said: “We have all witnessed a turning point that will forever change the way that young people shape their societies. You are finding new ways to ensure that your desires and efforts to achieve positive social change are recognised."

The UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, congratulated the “the young leaders of today and tomorrow”, for their efforts to advance the objectives of the Alliance of Civilisations, and underlined the “necessity to fight over religious and cultural differences in this unique moment we are living”.

“No nation can be on its own to face humanity’s challenges,” he added.

The youth event is an integral part of the UN Alliance of Civilisations Forum and a vital opportunity for youth to meet and interact with decision-makers from various fields, including politics, civil society, media and religious institutions.

The Doha youth event was organised in collaboration with the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, the International Youth Council and the World in Conversation Project. – TradeArabia News Service