09/08/1998

This international gathering confirms the importance that the world youths have in the mind of Governments and the sentimentality of individuals.

First of all, I would like to speak highly of this gathering and the idea of meeting on such level to discuss the present available views regarding the largest sector in all the world corners, and to express my appreciation to the United Nation's role, represented by its Secretary General and his assistants in pursuing the objectives of this meeting. I would like to express, as well, my appreciation to our friends in Portugal for organizing this meeting and the efforts exerted in this regard.

Undoubtedly, the future of the world is bound to youth status. Thus, talking about world youth today should in fact, tackle the a future topic that interest all nations in the world.
This meeting is considered as a chance to revise what has already been done. Whether on local level of each nation as well as the level of. regional gatherings or international bodies. This meeting will give the future outlook of the world youth work a historical background based on experiments, experiences and successful achievements from which we can get a set out for tomorrow and the future of its generation.

Dear friends .
I have had a look on the Lisbon Draft declaration regarding the youth policies and programmes subject of our discussion in this meeting, which deals with the world youth work until the year 2000 A.D. What may make us pessimistic is that the proposed project has covered all the goals, hopes, working plans and the programme, which are considered as a practical youth programme more rich,. with more involvement and more lively, though these three goals hopes, plans and programmes are mere headlines and initial ideas.

The concentration on social , moral, health and economical aspects that relate to youth life is a very important matter, being the major criteria for the success of any proposed programme for youths. Ultimately, it is the youths feeling that the applied programme is good and of positive reflection of its daily application. Therefore, it is important to stress on individual skills for both healthy or handicapped people. The next century needs long term individual constructions which can not dispose with the complementary expertise and the intercommunication among youth institutions in all parts of the world

We have also certain former policies which we have to take solid stand against, such as the question of youth and drug , which all joined efforts should be supported within one or a group off societies in order to fight down this deadly epidemic whose dangers and malignance encompass indiscriminately the world's generation.

Dear friends
The world's youths today need common view that formulates in one mould of work all international goals and slogans of the past as well as domestic or individual aspirations, and puts into consideration life requirements with its hardships and paves the way for a dignified life or those of the future hope ix ( The World Youth ).

I know that such hope is a dear one to us all. Its realization needs time, effort and funding, but we have no choice in having a bright future while our children are suffering living in destitute, detached from the aspirations and outlooks we have put in them. Here I come to the responsibility of taking care of this sector, which is no more restricted to governments and official bodies. It's the responsibility of everybody. Support, care and contribution in taking actions is an absolute obligation of every national party that works for the construction of its society, sharing its life in progress and peace, whatever this party is ; governmental or private.

This might be another step to interpret the slogan of the international year of youth .
I wish all success to this important conference and to all its participants.

Peace and God blessings Upon you