Scottish First Minister praises youth
The third World Youth Congress will come to a close at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Sunday.
Scotland’s first minister, Jack McConnell, will stress the importance of young people working for change in the world during a key note address following a closing plenary session in Holyrood’s debating chamber.
Around 600 young people from 150 countries across the world have attended the congress – organised by the UK-based educational charity, Peace Child International and sponsored by the Scottish Executive.
During meetings held at Stirling University, young delegates have discussed ways of implementing United Nations goals on sustainability, poverty, education, equality, community and wealth.
Attendees, who have also taken part in 40 community-based projects across Scotland, will present final documents summarising their ideas and deliberations during today’s closing session.
Stressing the importance of encouraging young people to be internationalists, Mr McConnell will tell delegates: “Be ambitious in the way you challenge the most important issues facing us all.”
“We believe in the power of young people participating in politics and we believe young people should be internationalists.”
“Global peace and security will be found through an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, religions and traditions.”
The World Youth Congress previously met in Hawaii in 1999 and Morocco in 2003.
