As a young Saudi woman, I am glad to be part of such a tremendous forum that believes in youth’s role in achieving peace, development and creativity for the world; a forum that prepares members of the current generation to become the leaders of the future, ensuring and maintaining the coexistence between all communities.

Regardless of religious, cultural and language differences, the world’s youth face similar challenges and obstacles. Therefore, cooperation between young people is essential for the development of their countries through the exchange of knowledge and awareness.

The Arab and African Youth Platform was a three-day event that took place from 16 to 18 March 2019 in Aswan, Egypt. The city of Aswan is proof that Egypt benefited from colonization while maintaining its language, culture and traditions and is now one of the world’s largest tourist attractions.

In preparing the younger generations, the forum held roundtable discussions and workshops to maintain and enhance cooperation between current leaders and young promising future leaders.

The World Youth Forum opens dialogue on topics of interest to international youth. It engages youth and allows them to exchange views and recommend initiatives to decision-makers, influential figures and policymakers.

In the wake of massive advancements in the field of technology, international issues dominate media and are of global concern. Therefore, young people should be aware of international relations that draw on contributions from politics, history, media, sociology, law, ideas, societies and economics. Young people need to acquire the skills of diplomacy to debate and discuss issues internationally.

Youth unity is a must to create solutions to reduce pollution and poverty in all parts of the world, as well as to focus on enhancing coexistence through sharing common interests and similarities.

After personally meeting Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, I believe that more forums will provide a platform for proactive international youth to unite in shaping a message of humanity, peace, progress and harmony.

The author is a Saudi political analyst specialized in International Relations. She can be reached at: ekleel.sallam@hotmail.com Twitter: @EkleelBS