The youth have always been in the heart of major transformations, and are the cornerstone of the world’s development and peace, said Nobel Peace laureate and human rights defender, Tawakkol Karman, at the annual summit of “One Young World 2017 Bogotá” in Colombia. 

In her keynote address yesterday, Mrs. Karman stated: "The youth should be seen as builders and guarantors of peace and sustainable development, and peace can only be achieved when young people are an essential part of it.”

"Young people can fight corruption, racism, dictatorship, terrorism, culture of war, hatred, isolation and marginalization," she continued. 

She stressed the role of the youth in generating the culture of peace around the world.

For his part, Kofi Annan, the 7th Secretary General of the United Nations (1997-2006), said the young people’s energy is urgently needed so as to be able to deal with all challenges facing the whole world. 

Encouraging the new young leaders, Anna said: "Let's learn from each other, this is a necessary step to be leaders, a good leader is a good follower, you have the opportunity to become the leaders we need, and we trust you."

Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace laureate and former economics professor at Chittagong University, said: "I look at these people and I hope we can create a world in which we can live despite all the problems. You just have to dream about this world, if you imagine it, this world will be.”

Yunus added addressing the youth, "You are the most powerful generation in the entire history of mankind. You can create a better future,” advising them not to use technology for simple things.