New York – 23 April 2015 – Today, during the Open Debate of the Security Council, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Sareer Permanent Representative spoke with regards to “The Role of Youth in Countering Violent Extremism and Promoting Peace”.
Mr. Sareer pays attention to the effect of terrorism sweeping around the world. It robs innocent children of their childhood, their parents, their sisters and brothers, and sometimes even their short-lived lives, well before their time.
Islam, a religion of peace and compassion, should not be hijacked by radical and extremist elements to perpetuate hatred and violence. Mr. Sareer calls for inculcating the true values of Islam, mutual understanding, respect, tolerance, and dialogue in society and urges the spread of good, social and Islamic values and principles among the youth.
To bring the young people back from the frontlines to classrooms the world needs a long-term game plan. Furthermore there is a need to create opportunities for young people and the need to build strong and supportive communities to grow up in. Mr. Sareer concludes by saying that the international community should not forget to engage young people themselves. The world needs to harness their limitless imaginations, optimism, energy and hope. “What can children and youth teach us about bringing peace to the world?”
