WYF’s 4th edition receives widespread international acclaim

alhadath – cairo

The World Youth Forum (WYF) has received widespread international acclaim from world leaders, presidents, and government officials. The fourth edition of the WYF was inaugurated in the presence of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and a number of world leaders and public figures on 10-13 January 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh in South Sinai, amid strict precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
George Vella, the president of Malta, praised the forum as one of the most important events for the youth across the globe, especially with the unusual circumstances the world is currently going through. “The WYF is great example of how to deal with world crises humanity encounters, using comprehensive and diverse discussions,” he said.
Iván Duque Márquez, the president of Colombia, praised the fourth edition of the WYF, inviting world leaders to attend. He said: “We invite you to attend this event to exert the effort necessary to stand for the youth and the life of this generation. Without this, we can build neither our present nor our future.”
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), described the forum as a great opportunity to feed a variety of thoughts and create a healthier, safer future. He stressed the importance of government work to build the capabilities of young people and allow them to play a pivotal role in their communities.
Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, said that the WYF works to spread peace and harmony among young people from different countries. She extended her thanks to Egypt for inviting her to be part of the event, stressing in her speech that a large part of her mission is based on making the UN an entity that is close to the youth, and vice versa.
Klaus Werner Iohannis, the president of Romania, commended the WYF, saying: “The WYF has become essential for the world youth movement, as it gives young people the chance to be a part of change as the youngest generation. The youth are dealing with the repercussions caused by the pandemic. We should all trust that young people are the makers of our future, and we are entirely aware of the active role they play to lead the development process in our communities, and respond to the current challenges.”
Kassim Majaliwa, the prime minister of Tanzania, expressed his support for the WYF as a sustainable platform that creates a safe space for sharing visions, allowing young people to be part of policies and making the world a better place. He added that the past three editions of the WYF tackled matters of concern for the entire world, and discussed the ways young people can take part in dealing with them.
Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General holding the post of High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), described the forum as “an exceptional golden chance for discussions.” He praised the organization of the forum this year, and this distinctive initiative by President El-Sisi, to allow an interactive dialogue between participants.
“Visiting Sharm El-Sheikh is very special to me. I call it ‘the city of peace’, and I’ve visited it several times before. This city has always played an active role in the peace process between Palestine and Israel,” Moratinos said.He noted that the forum has brought together older decision makers with young people in an attempt to find a common ground. He also said that the pandemic has had massive financial, economic, and cultural consequences, as well as significant technological and humane outcomes.
Henrietta Fore, the executive director of UNICEF, congratulated Egypt for the launch of the fourth edition of the WYF. In her pre-recorded speech on UNICEF’s social media, she said: “On behalf of UNICEF, I congratulate President El-Sisi for launch of the 2021 fourth edition of the WYF. I wish you a successful and fruitful forum.”
Shamma Al Mazrui, minister of state for youth affairs of the United Arab Emirates, expressed her appreciation for being invited to participate in the events of the WYF’s fourth edition.
“We are gathered here at the WYF to create new hope – something essential for overcoming all challenges,” she said. “I’m happy to be here in Egypt, my second home, and I believe we all agree that above all else, we have warm feelings for Egypt. To us, Egypt is a heart.”
“Egypt’s renaissance is the entire Arab nation’s renaissance,” she said, quoting Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Jonathan Cohen, the United States Ambassador to Egypt, extended his thanks to President El-Sisi for inviting him to attend the forum’s discussion session titled ‘A Warning to Humanity and a New Hope.’
“I attended the last edition of the forum in 2019, and I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the youth. I’m glad we all got together again in the fourth edition,” he said.
Fu Zhenbang, the vice-president of All China Youth Federation, stressed that Egypt is dear to his own country, noting that the WYF has played a pivotal role in empowering young people from all countries. It has also helped with the exchange of experiences through a global consensus on the top priorities to achieve the development goals that rely on young people’s efforts.