Asian youth gather in Cambodia to discuss peace, development

PHNOM PENH, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The 2013 Asian Youth Forum opened here on Friday to exchange views on strengthening peace, stability and development through education, announced Hun Many, President of Union of Youth Federation of Cambodia.

The two-day forum brought together youth delegates from 22 countries of the Asian Youth Council, including Malaysia, Cambodia, China, Brunei, South Korea and Mongolia, he said.

"They would discuss challenges, share experiences and reflect their commitments to a significant and proactive role in building a culture of peace and development in the region in particular and the world at large," said Hun Many, son of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Sen said the forum provided a rare opportunity for Cambodian youth to share views on strengthening peace, stability and development in the region and the world, as well as share experiences and create regional network.

"I am really proud of Asian youth who are dynamically working together for the cause of peace, development and prosperity in each country, the region and the world," the premier said.

"This is the real spirit of cooperation and partnership that must take root among youth, the core force of development in the future."

He said the forum, held under the theme "Youth and Peace: Strengthening Peace, Stability and Development through Education", was right and timely in the context that the possibility of turmoil and civil war were threatening many countries and regions.

The recent experiences of Arab Spring and the ongoing civil wars in some countries would remind every youth to always remember their obligation and significance in protecting and maintaining the tree of peace, he added.

"Careless acceptance of irresponsible rhetoric and political propaganda from outside may bring about great danger to the whole society for the long term," the premier advised.

The forum was also attended by Dato' Seri Dr. Mohamad Khir Toyo, President of the Asian Youth Council. At the end of the forum, the Asian Youth Council will adopt a Joint Declaration and present it to the Minister of Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

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