10/08/1998

First of all I thank you and your colleagues for the generous hospitality and the excellent working conditions you have provided for us at this unique Conference here in Lisbon.

As developments in the world take place more and more rapidly, increasing demands are made of people's abilities. Even greater demands are placed on the young people whose job it will be to run and develop the societies that are now emerging. The more the world opens up, the greater the need for mobility, to exchange new knowledge and an understanding of other cultures. Young people's tolerance and appreciation of different lifestyles are often greater than those of other age groups. Even so, we feel the need to stimulate and strengthen their positive values in our political work at different levels. In this respect young people play an important role in changing society and thereby influencing other generations of citizens of the world. I am convinced that this is a general experience we can benefit from in all parts of the world.

Mr Chairman/Madam Chairman, colleagues, delegates - I now invite Ms. Camilla Lindqvist from the National Council of Swedish Youth to present on behalf of the Swedish delegation thoughts that she would like to share with you.

Thank you.