European Youth Peace Summit Ended in Sarajevo with a Declaration

12 May 2004

The European Youth Peace Summit, Sarajevo 2004, which started last Thursday, May 7, ended on Monday, May 10. The Summit, held in the Olympic Sports Hall �Zetra�, gathered 550 future leaders from all over Europe.

During the four days of the Summit, the participants discussed the burning problems of the humanity today: HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, youth education, economy, empowerment, and presented concrete proposal to deal with those issues.

The Summit adopted a Youth Declaration, The Youth Declaration was read at the final day of the European Peace Youth Summit in Sarajevo.

The document appeals on today�s world leaders to ensure that racial, religious, cultural and gender differences are not used as a source for any form of discrimination.

The Declaration also calls for the achievement of balance in the world, more equality and balance between the rich and the poor, majorities and minorities, men and women. Without reducing this gap and without balanced development it will be difficult to maintain peace and the sustainability of our resources, the Declaration states.

It also states that young people need to take responsibility and the commitment for participating in the resolution of global problems.

�We are committed to developing the spirit of solidarity and joint civic action in resolving problems. We wish tolerance to grow into solidarity and solidarity into action�, the Declaration stresses.

Prior to the reading of the Declaration BiH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic addressed participants in the Summit. He said BiH as a country with an image of war and suffering has transformed into a country striving towards Europe.

The Summit was addressed by the High Representative for B&H Paddy Ashdown, the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General Sonja Mozer Starac, the British Prime Minister Tony Blaire and B&H Minister of Civil Affairs Safet Halilovic.

The joint message of these officials was that the youth should follow their words and discussions with action and try to make a change after they return to their countries.

�It is necessary that these young people turn all the conclusions and ideas of this Summit to action. They should show us what they can do. If they know what to do, they will easily achieve the ultimate goal, our dream of United Europe,� said the message read to the participants.