09/08/1998

It gives me a great honour, as the Representative of the Arab League, to address this august assembly. Let me first convey, to all of you, the greetings of the Secretary General of the Arab League, Dr. Ismat Abdul Majeed - and his wishes for the success of our deliberations, which no doubt will promote the lofty causes of world youth and enhance their role to participate in making our world more tolerant, peaceful and better lived.

The Arab League, with its twenty two Arab countries, comprising a population of more than two hundred millions, attaches a great importance to the works of this World Conference; being the best forum for promoting dialogue, and understanding among young generations of the world, thus contributing positively to world peace, promoting awareness among young people to major issues related to their economic and social development.

Furthermore, the Arab Countries have always taken special interest in the problems of youth and their causes. Issues like youth participation in Public life, education, training and unemployment were given priority in the national plans of these countries.

Since the endorsement of the World Program of Action for Youth to the year 2000 and beyond, by the general Assembly youth programs in our countries have expanded and acquired more depth. It reflected an enhanced commitment by our respective government and by the non- governmental organizations in the Arab World to offer the best opportunity for education, health and employment to a new generation.

Mr. President.

As we meet here to tackle the world youth problems and devise plans to promote, and enhance the role of youth in all aspects of life, the world is still witnessing a lot of youth suffering as a result of unjust policies limiting their potentials and depriving them from fully participating in building their public national life.

Our hearts are with those young people in Palestine and other Arab occupied territories who are living under hard and difficult conditions; specially those who daily live under the scourge of wars, poverty, foreign occupation, ethnic conflicts and economic embargoes.

Therefore, let us hope that the coming millennium will bring with it a healthier environment for the future generations in order that they all live in peace and justice and freedom.

Finally, may I extend my thanks to the Government and people of Portugal for their generous hosting of this Conference, and for their warm hospitality extended to all of us here.