Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, wife of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, attended Sunday21/5/2006 a seminar on "youths and peace" as part of the World Economic Forum (WEF) activities in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Addressing the seminar, Mrs Mubarak tackled the role youths could play in disseminating the culture of peace and ways to give them the opportunity to express their views.

Following is the full text of Mrs Mubarak's opening statement at the
"Youth as a Catalyst for Peace" seminar:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Afternoon.

Before I begin, let me congratulate the organizers of the World Economic Forum on choosing the timely theme of "Promise of A New Generation".

For it is critical that we continue to engage our young generation not only as tomorrow's leaders but as today's partners in change.

The forum offers us a good opportunity to discuss issues of concern to youth, the challenges and constraints they face, the role they can play in promoting economic development and the bridge they can develop between different cultures.

Today's session entitled "Youth as Catalysts for Peace" is of great relevance to the reform agenda in our region which has been sadly confronted with major social, economic and political unrest.

However, as I address this gathering in the presence of young minds, I am filled with hope and feel truly invigorated.

When I look at you, I am always inspired by your drive and enthusiasm and have every expectation that justice and security can prevail in our region.

I also have every faith that if channeled properly, your positive energies will not only assist in the region's development, but will move mountains as well.

"As we know, peace and security do not involve governments alone, but more so, all people - the young and old alike.

We have numerous examples where you have shown an immense understanding of many issues. You have been able to separate truth from disinformation and distortion. Have you not denounced injustices?

Have you not been the ones to ask for the urgent halt to conflict and wars? Have you not proclaimed and campaigned for the preservation of the environment?

For you have understood that underlying all this - the respect for human rights, security, sustainable development and a balanced and just peace is the only way forward.

Above all, you have demanded that the world community live up to their commitments and responsibilities. You are truly the catalysts for peace. But you, the youth of today, carry responsibilities.

Not all youths are alike. Many of your peers are involved in issues like drugs, involved in youth gangs that are spawning violence and hatred, using tactics of intimidation in schools, public places, and rejecting dialogue.

Today, I invite all the youth in this forum to tell us how we can work together in breaking this chain of violence which will be invaluable in convincing the skeptics, that youth are willing to join us in combating these issues.

We will be listening to you, working together in resolving them and preventing them in the future. For surely, there must be preventive strategies to enable us to channel this anger and restlessness into more constructive behaviour.

I am confident that this youth forum will make its mark by providing practical steps that we can take together in fostering a culture of peace; where isolation and alienation are eliminated..

Where tolerance becomes our way of life.. Where effective dialogue and debate are our preferred choice to conflict resolution and social stability.. and where inner peace is reflected in our behavior and relationship with others.

Together, we have to uphold all these values, for they will, gradually eliminate the intolerance that has to date dampened any positive undertaking.

I strongly believe whether youth choose violence or peaceful resolution will depend largely on what opportunities they are given today.

When youth learn to trust, understand and respect positive dialogue, they are more likely to commit themselves to building and maintaining peace.

For youth to be engaged in peace building, they need to be given the means of empowerment to make decisions that affect their own future.

I call upon you to share with us your vision of the way forward for achieving your goals and your aspirations.

For example, do you need platforms to express your opinions more freely? Do you need more channels for communicating your views? Would local and regional youth councils be a useful tool for debating issues of relevance to you, and a means of planning future activities? Could youth parliaments be an innovative mechanism for decision-making for onward transmission to policy-makers?

I look forward to your suggestions which I am sure will be considered very seriously.

I strongly believe that it is by providing you with the opportunities you need, whether it is social, economic or political, that you will be able to build a better life for yourselves and also help weave together a fabric of inclusiveness, tolerance and active citizenship.

Thank You.