Six Hundred and Thirty Youth Participate in the Opening of the Fifth Arab Youth Forum
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Alexandria—
The BA witnessed the opening of the Fifth Arab Youth Forum under the theme “Economic Empowerment of Youth”, on Saturday, 27 February 2010, with the participation of 630 youth from different Arab countries.
In his speech during the opening session, Dr. Ali El Din Helal, Professor of Political Sciences and former Egyptian Minister of Youth, called on Arab youth to make use of the discussions and the activities taking place throughout the Conference, emphasizing the role of youth in developing the future of the nation. He also discussed the importance of diversity and differences between peoples, calling for openness between youth of different nationalities and ethnicities, he said that “…as Arabs, we are all part of one cultural entity”.
Dr. Helal added that he looks forward to the powerful participation of Arab youth in the UN “International Year of Youth in 2010”, starting next August, calling on youth to make their voices heard and to state their issues courageously.
Dr. Eman El Kaffas, Member of the National Council for Youth, gave an address on behalf of the Chairman of the Council; Dr. Safie El Din Kharboush, in which she explained the role of the Council in developing youth capabilities and preparing them for the labor market, through 4,300 youth centers throughout Egypt involving youth in decision making and empowering them in fields of management and preparation of policies and future plans.
In his speech, Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the BA, encouraged Arab youth to be armed with hope, despite all the challenges facing them, and to fight for their dreams. He gave examples of many eminent scientists and discoverers around the world who have changed the path of humanity at a very young age, such as Newton, Einstein, Bill Gates and Jimmy Wales.
A number of youth presented their visions and future expectations in a round table meeting, chaired by the BA Director, who discussed with them the dreams and ambitions they hold for the nation.
It is worth mentioning that the Arab Youth Forum is held annually, followed by the Arab Reform Conference where youth recommendations, suggestions and visions are presented. Since its inception in 2006, the Arab Youth Forum has been witnessing a steady increase in the number of participants and the Arab countries they represent.