High-level Forum on the Culture of Peace 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to start. I call to order the High-level Forum on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. This meeting is held in accordance with resolution 79/321 of 25 July 2025, entitled follow up to the declaration and program of action on a culture of Peace as mentioned in my letters dated 8th and 20th August 2025 this meeting will consist of an opening segment and a plenary segment Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to this high-level forum on a culture of peace. Allow me to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the permanent mission of Bangladesh for its steadfast commitment to advancing the resolution on the program of action on a culture of peace. Your Excellencies, we convened this high-level meeting today under the theme of empowering youth for a culture of peace. This theme is both timely and significant. It resonates with Security Council Resolution 2550 of 2015, which affirm the vital role of young people in building and sustaining peace. It also reflects the vision of the Pact for the Future, which recognizes the important contributions youth are already making to the advancement of peace and security. Make no mistake, young people are not passive beneficiaries of peace. They are leaders, innovators, and agents of change. Empowering them is one of the most effective ways to ensure that a culture of peace takes root in every society and endures across generations. But that potential can only be realized if we listen to young people systematically and comprehensively, working alongside them to create meaningful opportunities for their future. Your Excellencies, across the globe, youth-led organizations and movements are underscoring the vital role in peace, tolerance, and dialogue. It is demonstrating that young people not only imagine a better world, they dedicate themselves to building it. Yet, in spite of the clear opportunities, many places such as Gaza, Haiti, Sudan and Ukraine, conflict and crisis continue to obstruct their efforts and undermine their potential. Your Excellencies, the barriers they face are clear. Too many lack access to quality education. Too many are marginalized by social norms. Too many are excluded from political decision-making. Indeed, in conflict zones, young people are often drawn into violence or fall victim to it, perpetuating cycles of instability. These realities make it urgent to take meaningful steps and to equip young people with the knowledge, resources and opportunities they need to participate fully in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Your Excellencies, let us treat this forum as a call to action to build a world that is safe, peaceful, just, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous. When young people learn the values of tolerance, empathy, and conflict resolution early in life, they carry those values into adulthood. This creates future generations with the skills to sustain peace. Education systems must integrate the values of peace, and governments must reflect on and support the transformative role that young people can play in creating more harmonious societies. As Nelson Mandela once urged, to the youth of today, I also have a wish to make. Be the scriptwriters of your destiny and feature yourselves as stars that show the way towards a brighter future. Thank you. I give the floor to Dr. Philippe Paulier, Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs.

Thank you very much.

Dear President of the General Assembly, distinguished delegates from several member states, and also partners in the room. It's my honor to join you for this high-level forum on the program of action on a culture of peace. And I'm very keen and happy to see that the focus of this forum is in the role and how we create spaces for empowerment of young people when we are promoting this agenda of a culture of peace. When the UN adopted the program of action in 1999, we affirmed as a global community that peace is not only the absence of war, but peace is the presence of justice, of dignity, of inclusion and the respect for future generations. 26 years later, this vision is more needed than ever. Inequalities are deepening, conflicts are multiplying. The President of the General Assembly was referring to some of the most painful situations we're facing as a global community. And trust in our institutions is eroding. But yet, you know, every time there's a space for young people, there's a door, there's a window we open for youth to engage with our global community. There's also hope, you know, hope carried by the 1.9 billion young people worldwide that are not only imagining a better world, but they are actively building it through solidarity, through innovation in the communities and beyond. Resolution 79321 adopted this July underscores the role of youth when it's about advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights. From countering violent extremism to mobilizing for climate justice, young people are demonstrating all of us that peace is a daily practice. But too often their contributions are celebrated in words, but yet they are not reflected in budgets. Because the truth is that youth-led initiatives, youth programs are underfunded. The voices of young people are still too rarely embedded into decision-making, as it was very clearly highlighted by the President of the General Assembly. So empowering youth for a culture of peace requires investment, requires trust and requires partnerships. The good thing is that there's good practices. I'm here with ASG Speher and I believe that the Peacebuilding Fund, it's a clear example of a good mechanism when it's about empowering young people where they actually are in the communities building sustainable peace and understanding that building peace, it's about the connections of the three pillars of this organization. And that's also why in my role as Assistant Secretary General for Youth, in the role of a recently established United Nations Youth Office, We are working very closely with DPPA, with UNFPA, with DPO, with the Office of Disarmament, with the UN Alliance of Civilizations, with UNODC, with UNDP, and with many other parts of the system when it's about promoting the youth peace and security agenda. And that's why also we're so committed to really understand that advancing a culture of peace is really advancing a culture of youth participation. And that's why our office launched this year with several partners within the UN system and beyond a new flagship initiative framed under this idea of a youth compass, a compass for young people when it's about navigating institutional participation, but also a compass for our institutions to really guide and solve the issues that are affecting young people globally. And that's why alongside the Pact for the Future, alongside the Youth 2030 Strategy of the UN, we are embedding youth leadership and we are promoting also more avenues to unlock funding for youth initiatives. Peace will endure only when youth are treated as equal partners, when we really engage young people as co architects of sustainable future. And building a culture of peace is about building classrooms free of hate. It's about building workplaces free of discrimination. It's about civic spaces that are open and public squares filled with dialogue instead of division. And it's about trust. And it's about how, as institutions, we really trust and we understand that young people are our partners to build a more peaceful and sustainable future. So as we open this forum, I hope that this is also an opportunity not only for strong declarations, but also for concrete commitments when it's about really investing, protecting and standing with young people as we chart pathways for peace for this and for future generations. Thank you very much, President.

I thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. I give the floor to Ms. Elizabeth Merits-Peher, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support.

Thank you very much. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to start by thanking the organizers and particularly His Excellency, the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Philemon Yeng, for convening us here today for this very important meeting. At the turn of the century, through resolution 53243, the General Assembly committed to a culture of peace through the building of societies based on justice, equity, and mutual respect. Today, this world remains to be built, while the vision remains essential. We meet at a time when violent conflict is at an historic high, and discord and divisions continue to erode trust within and between societies. The legacy that older generations are leaving to the younger is fraught. And as the world is faced with myriad challenges, not least a context where war and destruction have once again become privileged tools to address disputes, we can no longer afford to keep young people outside of the spheres of action or the realms of decision-making. Yet, global studies show that three in four young people feel unheard by their politicians. And more than 80% of young people surveyed in 65 countries confirmed that electoral violence was hindering their participation in democratic processes. At the same time that many young people feel alienated and shut out from peace policy and politics, they are bearing the brunt of conflict around the world. One in four young people worldwide face conflict, with the lack of opportunities for youth frequently driving their recruitment into armed groups. And alarmingly, over 90% of direct conflict deaths are young adult males. Despite these sobering realities, we have countless examples of young women and men around the globe who have stepped up. and our leading efforts to prevent violence by fostering dialogue, promoting tolerance, and countering the narratives of hate with narratives of hope. The commitment and creativity of these young people remind us that a culture of peace need not be a distant aspiration. Our youth is one of our most precious resources, and young women and men can and do contribute to peace But many continue to face major obstacles exclusion from policy and decision making fora, shrinking civic space and insufficient support for their efforts, as my colleague and friend Felipe also has mentioned. To help address this, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs has strongly committed to the youth peace and security agenda and, through its peacebuilding support office, is working alongside the UN youth office, as well as UNFPA, as part of the UN youth peace and security secretariat. Allow me to outline three areas in which the department has been working to empower youth for the building of a culture of peace. Firstly, integrating young people into peace processes and programs. Secondly, investing in youth-focused and youth-led initiatives. And thirdly, promoting youth's vital role in sustaining peace and conflict prevention. Regarding the first point, last year, DPPA launched its first Youth Peace and Security Strategy aimed at supporting member states and regional organizations in institutionalizing the YPS agenda through action plans. In addition to country-level support, we've partnered with the League of Arab States and ASEAN on regional strategies for meaningful youth participation. Secondly, DPPA has consistently invested in youth-led initiatives, especially through the support of the Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund, empowering young people as equal partners and key drivers of peace. For example, in Mali, PBF investments helped improve youth livelihoods and supported a new national youth policy to build trust between community leaders and young people. In Colombia, young leaders have been playing a crucial role in transitional justice and reintegration efforts. In South Sudan, youth peace committees reduced communal violence in hard-to-reach areas. Across these diverse contexts, young people have been at the forefront of local peace action, embodying the preventive spirit of the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. Finally, DPPA contributes to YPS advocacy and showcasing the vital efforts of young peacemakers and peacebuilders around the world. In addition to its penholder role for the Secretary-General's reports on YPS, Action 20 of the Pact for the Future mandated a second independent progress study on youth, peace and security, which will be guided by DPPA-PBSO in close partnership with UNFPA and the UN Youth Office, informed by a series of regional consultations and presented at next year's 80th UN General Assembly. A first regional YPS consultation for the report has already taken place in February of this year. Over 300 youth and high-level stakeholders gathered in Addis Ababa, showcasing the growing momentum of the agenda as a vital tool for empowering young people to shape Africa's future. To finalize, I would highlight some key points and lessons learned that have emerged from this work and are relevant to today's discussion. First, Empowering youth to contribute to, and indeed to lead in building a culture of peace, will require investing more in capacity building and resourcing for youth-led organizations, with an emphasis on more flexible, localized funding. Second, we must strengthen diverse youth participation in the context of our work. Youth is not a monolithic block. While intersectional approaches take time and require conscientious planning, they are essential. Third, all Member States should be encouraged to co-create and implement national action plans on youth, peace and security together with young people as key partners, in order to strongly anchor the agenda in society and to ensure that youth is meaningfully included in shaping peace and security policies from the outset. Fourth, consideration should be given to establishing an annual Security Council meeting on YPS to ensure that youth inclusion receives the attention it deserves at the highest levels of multilateral decision-making. With the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review, the 10th anniversary of Resolution 2250, and the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, We have a unique opportunity to galvanize efforts around strong youth involvement to advance a much needed culture of peace. It's time to align global frameworks with local realities and fully integrate young people as active and powerful agents of change, innovation and peace leadership. Thank you.

I thank the Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding Support. And I give the floor to His Excellency Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, former Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the United Nations and the founder of the Global Movement for the Culture of Peace.

Thank you, Mr. President. I am deeply honored and delighted to speak at this year's 14th UN High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace. As the founder of the Global Movement for the Culture of Peace, popularly known as GMCoP, which is the vanguard civil society coalition advancing the culture of peace worldwide. Thank you, Mr. President, most sincerely for your warm invitation. I dedicate my remarks at this August high-level forum to my dear friend, collaborator and moral companion, erstwhile Director-General of UNESCO, Professor Federico Mayor Zaragoza, whom we lost last December in Madrid. Federico was more than a towering intellectual and a compassionate leader. He was the kind of human being whose presence carried both gravity and grace. Our paths converged through our shared belief in the transformative power of the culture of peace. not merely as a slogan or aspiration, but as a guiding principle for humanity's collective future. Federico was the first keynote speaker when the High Level Forum was launched in 2012. And since then, he honored the United Nations General Assembly by his inspirational presence and wisdom at all the annual forums till 2022. May his legacy encourage us to continue our determined movement for the culture of peace. With your kind concurrence, Mr. President, may this special gathering observe a moment of silence in honor of Federico Mayor Zaragoza's departed soul and noble memory. Thank you. Since 2012, when the first UN High-Level Forum was initiated by the 66th PGA Ambassador Nasir Al-Nasser. This day-long high-level forum is being convened annually by the Presidents of the General Assembly on or around 13 September, as mandated by the Assembly's own resolutions. On that date, In 1999, the United Nations took the most forward-looking stride aimed at ensuring a peaceful planet for all of us since the Charter of the United Nations in 1995. The UN Charter arose out of the ashes of the Second World War, and the UN Declaration and the Programme of Action on Culture of Peace emerged in the aftermath of the long-drawn Cold War. More than a quarter century has passed by since the adoption by consensus and without reservation a monumental document on the culture of peace. It was an honor for me to chair as the Bangladesh permanent representative the nine month long open-ended negotiations that led to the agreement of on this historic norm setting document. I introduced the agreed text of that document now resolution A/53/243 on behalf of all member states for adoption by the assembly with its president Didier Auperti of Uruguay chairing the meeting. This high level forum is very special in its involvement of civil society. It is the only platform in the UN which is fully 50/50 gender balanced in the panel compositions, as we observe at this afternoon's speakers list. The event is honored to feature six Nobel Peace Laureates out of its first 10 keynote speakers at the Culture of Peace forums. and I would say proudly that all of them are distinguished women Nobel laureates. In 2012, as the senior special advisor of the 66th PGA, I had the honor of planning the organizational and conceptual structure of this high level annual event. The core idea was to realize two basic guidelines set in the Culture of Peace Declaration, namely, and I quote them, "Governments have an essential role in promoting and strengthening a culture of peace." And the second one, "Civil society needs to be fully engaged in fuller development of a culture of peace." In subsequent years, I was the chair moderator of the forum's panel discussions, as well as an invited speaker during 11 UNGA sessions. In simple terms, the culture of peace as a concept means that every one of us needs to consciously make peace and nonviolence a part of our daily existence. We should not isolate peace as something separate or distant. We should know how to relate to one another without being aggressive, without being violent, without being disrespectful, without neglect and without prejudice. The programme of action identifies eight specific areas which encourages action at all levels, the individual, the family, the community, the nation, the region and of course the global level. The essence of the culture of peace is its message of self transformation and its message of inclusiveness, of global solidarity and of the oneness of humanity. For nearly three decades, my focus has been on advancing the culture of peace, which aims at making peace and nonviolence a part of our own self, our own personality. This has now become more pertinent amid the ever-increasing militarism militarization and weaponization that is destroying both our planet and our people. Let me share with you a very encouraging step forward for the culture of peace. In September 2021, invited by the president of the UN General Assembly, president of the organization called Mayors for Peace, Mr. Kazumi Matsui, the current mayor of Hiroshima, in his virtual participation at this high-level forum, announced that in July 2021, Mayors for Peace, with its more than 8,200 member cities in 160-plus countries, adopted its new vision to include the objective to promote the culture of peace, in addition to the two other ongoing objectives of a world without nuclear weapons and of safe and resilient cities. Mr. President, I would now identify four areas which constitute the way forward for the culture of peace in the coming years. Transformative education. Never has it been more important for us to learn about the world and understand its diversity. The task of educating children and young people to find non-aggressive means to relate with one another is of primary importance. All educational institutions need to offer opportunities that prepare the students not only to live fulfilling lives, but also to be responsible and productive citizens of the world. Indeed, such education for peace should be more appropriately called education for global citizenship. Such learning cannot be achieved without well-intentioned, sustained and systematic peace education that leads the way to the culture of peace. If our minds could be likened to a computer, then transformative education provides the software with which to reboot our priorities and actions for transition from force to reason, from conflict to dialogue. Number two, women. As I always say emphatically, and I quote my own quotation, "Without peace, development cannot be realized. Without development, peace is not achievable. But without women, neither peace nor development is conceivable. Number three, youth and children. It is essential to recognize the empowerment of young people as a major element in building the culture of peace. This forum's theme underscores that very strongly. Young people of today should embrace the culture of peace in a way that can not only shape their lives but also can shape the future of the world. For this, I believe that early childhood affords a window of opportunity for us to sow the seeds of transition to the culture of peace from an early life. I'm encouraged to find that this is the fourth time and the third even Secretary-General's Youth Envoy is participating at this forum. I am also congratulating Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Office for joining the forum for the second time. Finally, number four, on centrality of the United Nations engagement. Often I am asked how the UN is doing. in the implementation of the Programme of Action adopted in 1999, meaning that it was adopted 25 years ago. I believe that the Organization should own it and internalize its implementation throughout the UN system. Also, the Secretary-General should prioritize the culture of peace as a part of his or her leadership agenda, hopefully. He or she should make good use of this workable tool that UN possesses in the Culture of Peace Program to advance the objective of sustainable peace. Not using the tool of the Culture of Peace can be likened to a person who needs a car to go to work and has a car, but with a minimal interest in knowing how to drive it. Let me conclude, Mr. President, by asserting that the culture of peace is not a quick fix. It is a movement, not a revolution. The seed of peace exists in all of us, It must be nurtured, cared for and promoted by us all to flourish. Peace cannot be imposed from outside. It must be realized from within. Let us send a strong, loud and clear message from this forum that there is no place for war, violence, hatred, prejudice, and intolerance in our world. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank Mr. Chowdhury. And I give the floor to Ms. Chantelle Marikira Chakara, founder of the Little Dreamers Foundation.

Thank you, Mr. President. The President of the UN General Assembly, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, let me begin by asking you three simple questions. What good is economic growth if it collapses in the rubble of war? What good are schools If children must flee before they learn? And finally, what good are jobs if young people are conscripted into conflict instead of building their futures? That is the reality of our moment. Conflict is undoing decades of progress. In 2023 alone, violent conflict displaced 114 million people, and cost the global economy $17.5 trillion, which is approximately 13% of world GDP. Now, that shows you that peace is no longer a local concern. It is a global currency. And today, that currency is dangerously devalued. Centuries ago, Thomas Hobbes warned us what life would look like without peace. No industry, no culture, no learning, only fear and the continual danger of violent death. And yet, here's the other truth. With peace, everything else becomes possible. Schools flourish, markets grow, jobs multiply, and dignity and hope take root. I stand before you today, not as one voice alone, but as the voice of the world's 1.8 billion young people, the largest generation in history, a generation that's already mediating conflicts, building trust, and imagining futures where others see only despair. Yet our efforts remain largely invisible and unrecognized by many. The High Level Forum comes at a pivotal time. In July, the General Assembly adopted resolution 79/321, reaffirming the role of youth in advancing human rights, promoting sustainable development, and shaping peace.

But it also leaves us with a clear responsibility.

To ensure the full, effective, constructive, and inclusive participation of youth in decision making. This is not an abstract conversation.

The evidence is clear.

The progress study, the missing piece found that peace processes that include youth are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years. the Aman Youth Declaration, the Guiding Principles on Young People's Participation in Peacebuilding, and Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535, all affirm that youth participation, protection, prevention, partnership, and reintegration are the five pillars of sustainable peace. And make no mistake about it.

These are not youth issues alone.

They are development strategies in legal form directly tied to the sustainable development goals. When youth are included, reconciliation holds, investment returns, and societies grow. And yet, let us be honest, delivering speeches in these halls is not enough.

Passing resolutions is not enough.

Issuing declarations is simply not enough. What matters is what follows implementation, investment, and accountability. And here I must speak plainly. I'm tired of hearing, well, if you don't have a seat at the table, bring your own chair. Or, well, how about you build your own table then? No. Young people do not need another slogan about bringing our own chairs or building our own tables. We could do that if we wished, but no, a resounding no. How about for once you invite us in? And I do not mean tokenist representation, I mean partnership. Resource us, ask for our counsel, give us real roles. Make us part of your decision-making bodies because what we seek is not symbolism. We seek the opportunity to see this through. And let us be clear, denying youth a seat at the table is not just unfair, it's an outright failure of strategy. And if you give young people one such opportunity, we will transform it into a legacy of enduring consequence. one that transcends boundaries, binds generations, and bends history toward justice. Excellences, if we are serious about creating a culture of sustainable peace, then we must be serious about youth. That means moving from symbolic gestures to structural change. And here I offer three fundamental pillars that I believe to be crucial. Number one, institutionalize youth participation in governance and peace processes from national to international spaces. Number two, provide political, financial, technical, and logistical support for youth organizations that bridge divides and create livelihoods. And lastly, reform education with tailored age appropriate methods that teach employable skills and civic values. So the question before you today is simple. What will you choose? What will you choose? Will you choose to let peace remain underfunded, youth underrepresented, and progress reversible, or will you choose to change the course of history? I know as statesmen and leaders, you may have your differences, different histories, different priorities, and even different visions of the path ahead. But I also know this, I believe in the power of this body to do what is right for humanity. I believe in the wisdom of each of you and in the courage that has brought you to this assembly. So I ask you this afternoon, act not with words alone, but with commitments, with resources, with the political will to empower.

Youth for a culture of peace.

Because if you do, history will look back on this moment and say, they chose wisely. They chose courageously. They chose peace. And they built the foundation for everything else. Thank you.

I thank Ms. Chakara. We have heard the last speaker in the opening segment. We will pause the meeting briefly to allow our speakers to leave the podium. We will now begin the plenary segment. In order to allow maximum participation by all in the limited time available, the time limit will be three minutes for national statements and five minutes for statements on behalf of a group of states. Should we not have time to hear all statements, Written statements may be emailed to e-statements@un.org to be posted under e-statements of the United Nations Journal. I thank you for your cooperation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is my honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Bangladesh at this year's high-level forum convened under the theme, empowering youth for a culture of peace. We express our deep appreciation to the President of the General Assembly for this timely initiative. We also thank all the distinguished speakers for their insightful contributions. Excellencies, For over two decades, the landmark resolution on culture of peace adopted by the General Assembly, an initiative tabled by Bangladesh, has been reminding us that peace, compassion, mutual respect, and solidarity are not just idols. They are imperatives for empowering humanity. The call for a culture of peace has become more relevant than ever in the context of our current realities, When violence is often justified in the name of self-defense, hate speech spreads faster than dialogue. And who can champion this cause better than our youth? With their creativity and perseverance, young people are uniquely placed to carry forward this torch. The enormous potential of more than one billion young people globally must be harnessed effectively for ensuring peace. Excellencies, The constitution of Bangladesh upholds the values of peace, harmony, solidarity, and equality. Guided by these principles, our government has taken a whole of society approach to promote a culture of peace with youth at the center. Most recently, in July, August, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed a powerful youth-led uprising against discrimination. Through political transformation, this movement demonstrated the courage and commitment of our young people to justice, equality, and social inclusion. We are also promoting digital literacy and skills among youth to counter misinformation, online radicalization, and intolerance. Excellencies, for achieving SDG 16, peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, we propose the following recommendations. First, ensure enhanced access to inclusive and quality education that include values of peace and tolerance. Bridge the digital divide to provide equitable access to technology and safe digital spaces with special protection for children and youth. Promote responsible behavior in cyberspace and harness creative youth-led initiatives, including art, literature, et cetera. ensure participation of youth, including young women, in peacebuilding processes at national, regional, and global levels. Finally, strengthen cooperation with youth-led organizations, support their initiatives, as well as promote intercultural and interfaith dialogue. Excellencies, Bangladesh, as the pioneer of the culture of peace, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the cause of achieving lasting peace, and stands ready to work with all partners to build a world where young people are not victims of violence and exclusion, but leaders of dialogue, solidarity and peace. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey, who will speak on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. After that, you'll be Venezuela.

Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in my capacity as chair of the group. Mr. President, we thank you for convening this high-level forum, which demonstrates our collective awareness of the importance of durable peace and security all over the world. It is also gratifying to note that the theme of this session focuses on the role of the youth and future generations in fostering the culture of peace in a world that is constrained by political conflicts and sustainable socioeconomic development. There is no doubt that the guiding principles of the Declaration on Future Generations have prioritized issues of maintenance of international peace and security. the role of the youth has become very relevant in various ways. Importance of intergenerational solidarity and lay along cannot be overemphasized. This is considering the need to address such challenges as the impact of climate change, promotion of ethical use of science and technology and innovation, empowerment of women and girls, and the need to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, and religious intolerance, among others. To this end, we express our commitment to promoting international peace and security anchored on the central role of multilateralism, as well as the role of the UN and regional organizations in the peaceful resolution of conflicts, with emphasis on conflict prevention and peacebuilding. In this regard, we call for resolution of the lingering political conflicts on the world stage, foremost of which is the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Accordingly, and in the face of the ongoing carnage, famine and starvation in Gaza, we reiterate our call on the UN for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and elsewhere in occupied Palestinian territory, including an early delivery of humanitarian supplies at scale to the embattled people of Gaza and Palestine. Furthermore, we submit that elimination of racism and religious intolerance can address the root cause of many international conflicts, thereby paving the way for the socioeconomic recovery necessary for the attainment of SDGs. In this regard, we express our commitment to the implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution on measures to combat Islamophobia as well as the achievements of the UN Alliance of Civilizations on promoting interreligious dialogue. Accordingly, we also express our commitment to the implementation of the provisions of General Assembly Resolution 68/127 adopted at 18 December 2013, which condemned violent extremism, stressing that violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. We welcome appointment of UN Alliance of Civilizations High Representative Mr. Moratinos as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, which we believe will give new impetus to new international efforts to combat this scourge. Similarly, we commend implementation of the OIC Youth Strategy and OIC Plan of Action for Advancement of Women, including activities of OIC institutions in the area of youth and women empowerment. We welcome recent organization of various youth and women-focused programs in collaboration with UN agencies, including youth and women economic empowerment, volunteering, and technological capacity building programs. I thank you again.

I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the UN. After that, it will be Kyrgyzstan.

Mr. President, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honour to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, the Member States of which believe the culture of peace is synonymous with the development of friendly relations between nations based on the principle of self-determination as well as the sovereignty of our peoples, their economic and social development on an equal footing, the realisation of human rights without any form of distinction, as well as the non-politicisation, non-instrumentalisation and non-imposition of double standards of any form, social justice, health and education for all, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for cultural diversity and belief in a world based on the values that inspired the establishment of the UN 80 years ago now, which are now currently in being jeopardised. In this context, we take this opportunity to reiterate our firm rejection of any hegemonic and unilateral policies that affect international peace and security in a clear attempt to threaten the principles and purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. as well as ongoing efforts towards the democratisation of international relations and the strengthening of multilateralism and of a multipolar system based, among other things, on mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as on respect for the principle of equal rights and the self determination of peoples, for the rule of law, diplomacy, political dialogue, tolerance, peaceful coexistence. respect for cultural diversity, inclusiveness, a culture of peace and non violence and due consideration for existing differences, all of which are essential for constructively and effectively working together on issues of common interest and concern. The culture of peace is based, among other things, on the sovereign equality of states, who are the international actors par excellence in the promotion of dialogue and cooperation among nations. For this reason, the repeal of any unilateral coercive economic or political measure is an urgent demand that cannot be postponed any longer. Since these measures affect the individual and collective rights of millions of people, they increase poverty and inequality, restrict access to essential goods and services, and foster perpetual conflict in contravention of the very tenets contained in the founding charter of our organization. It is an active call that we reiterate today once again as part of our permanent commitment to achieve a true culture of peace that is for all a reality. since otherwise it will never be a reality for anyone. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our strong condemnation of the alarming rise in discrimination, intolerance and violence among members of various religions worldwide. We further deplore all acts of hatred and violence directed against religious symbols and holy books, Recognising that such actions are violations of international law, furthermore, we reiterate that to advance and consolidate true commitment to a culture of peace, it is vital to achieve an immediate, unconditional, permanent and fully respected ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. In this regard, we express our unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and we unequivocally condemn the ongoing carnage in Gaza, as well as all other crimes committed by the occupying power with full impunity and in blatant disregard of the UN Charter and international law. We also take this opportunity to once again demanded a permanent end to hostilities, the release of all hostages and detainees, including thousands of Palestinians who for years have been held captive in Israeli prisons and detention centres, and the withdrawal of Israeli occupying forces from Gaza, while underscoring the urgent need to redouble international efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for the commission of atrocious crimes by Israel. I am convinced that all of this will contribute to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, fully in line with relevant UN resolutions and on the basis of the two state solution, as well as to lasting peace in the Middle East as a whole. The gap between rich and poor remains enormous, fuelled by an unfair international order that favours the elite, as well as foreign interference, political destabilisation and double standards in addressing crucial issues on the international agenda. While all states share responsibility to overcome these challenges, the so-called global north, which monopolises economic resources obtained at the expense of the developing world, bears a special and historic responsibility. We insist, and I conclude on this, that only through diplomacy, political dialogue and negotiation on the basis of the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and through a genuine commitment to the culture of peace, will it be possible to achieve achieve a robust far-reaching peace in the world. This is a challenge that 80 years after the establishment of our organization, we are duty bound to face responsibly and consistently as a legacy for both present and future generations. Thank you very much, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. After that, you'll be China.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, let me also thank the President of the General Assembly for convening of this high-level meeting, as we firmly believe that the Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace is living agenda. For my country, promotion of peace is not an abstract goal, but is an essential condition for stability, sustainable development, and human security. We know from our own history that peace cannot be taken for granted. It must be continuously fostered through dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect. Peace is achieved not only through the absence of conflict, but also through inclusive institutions, equitable development, respect for human rights, and the empowerment of women and youth. At the national level, Kyrgyzstan implemented a number of initiatives to strengthen inter-ethnic harmony and social cohesion. First, the People's Assembly of Kyrgyzstan serves as a platform for dialogue, united more than 80 ethnic groups living in our country, promoting tolerance, mutual respect. and participation in public life. Second, we have also adopted a concept on national unity and interethnic relations, which provides a framework for inclusive governance and dialogue. Third, in cooperation with the UNESCO and other partners, we have integrated principles of culture of peace, tolerance, and nonviolence into our school and the youth programs. Mr. President, at the multilateral level.

Kyrgyzstan remains an active supporter of the UN initiatives to advance the preventive diplomacy, mediation, and the.

Peaceful settlement of disputes. We must recognize and invest in youth, not as a future generation, but as today's essential providers of peace. Young people are at the front line of innovation, digital communication, and the grassroots mobilization. They are natural bridge builders in their communities. Our role is not to speak for them, but to empower them, in particular, to create the formal platforms for their meaningful participation in peace process, to fund their initiatives for social cohesion and climate action, to integrate their digital fluency into our strategies for countering hate speech and disinformation. Mr. President, the program of action on the culture of peace remains as relevant as ever. Its implementation requires collective commitment and renewed multilateral efforts. Kyrgyzstan stands ready to continue contributing, including through regional cooperation in Central Asia, fostering education, mutual respect, tolerance, and solidarity.

And I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

President, thank you for convening this meeting. China aligns itself with the joint statement delivered at Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter. Eighty years ago, peoples around the world made arduous and extraordinary efforts to pursue global peace, achieving a great victory in the world anti-fascist war. Eight years on, the international landscape today is fraught with changes and chaos. Humanity stands at a new crossroads. Recently, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a global governance initiative, namely, upholding sovereign equality, adhering to international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating a people-centered approach, and emphasizing action-oriented solutions. With this initiative, China further contributes its wisdom and solutions to strengthening and improving global governance. The future of peace rests on the shoulders of young people. Passing the torch of peace from generation to generation is our shared aspiration and responsibility. One, enhancing global solidarity to safeguard the original aspiration for peace. Peace is a shared human endeavor that requires our collective pursuit. We must stand united in defending the achievements of World War II, Resolutely uphold the international system with the UN at its core and guide young people to carry forward and promote the spirit of the UN charter so that they can take concrete actions in safeguarding global security and protecting human, world peace and tranquility. Two. advancing win-win cooperation to build a solid foundation of peace. Development embodies survival and hope. It serves as a remedy to eliminate the root causes of conflict and achieves lasting peace. We must prioritize development, advocate an inclusive economic globalization, and empower youth to become innovators in global development, and harness the transformative forces to strengthen development resilience. Three, encourage mutual learning among civilizations to promote a culture of peace. Exchange, mutual learning are vital drivers for world peace and development. We must uphold a vision of civilization characterized by equality, mutual learning, dialogue, inclusiveness, and encourage young people to stay at the forefront, enforcing peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among nations, jointly nurturing the garden of world civilization. President, in July this year, China successfully hosted the World Youth Peace Conference, which issued the World Peace peace initiative, China stands ready to continue working with all to safeguard peace, promote development, create future. Let's join hands in marching towards a shared future for mankind.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.

Thank you. Madam Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, first I express my gratitude for convening this debate, which is in keeping with the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. I also want to congratulate you on choosing an extremely relevant topic for this meeting, which is empowering young people for a culture of peace under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God assist him. Morocco remains staunchly committed to the values of peace, mutual respect, tolerance, and human dignity. With its multifaceted identity, which is the result of the convergence of its various components and streams that make it up, Morocco has always been a crossroads of civilization and a model of coexistence among cultures and religions. President, at the national level Morocco has acted in structured and concrete fashion, namely through, number one, the centrality of education and cultural diversity and religious diversity in the school system, and ensuring that young people have the values of respect, tolerance, opening, and citizenship. Secondly, Deep-seated reforms were undertaken in the religious realm under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI through the creation of the Mohammed VI Foundation of the Ulema and the Institute of Mohammed VI for the Training of Imams and Others. These institutions, which are internationally recognized, are actively participating in the training of Moroccan religious individuals and foreigners. aiming to ensure moderation. Next, the launching of a national integrated strategy for young people aiming to strengthen their participation in public life and in order to ensure that they become vectors for social cohesion and prevention of extremism. At the international level, Morocco has spearheaded several initiatives in fighting hate speech, namely the Plan of Action of Rabat and the proclamation of the International Day Against Hate Speech adopted by consensus at the GA. Madam President, as we celebrate 80 years of multilateralism and 30 years of action for young people, Morocco reaffirms its conviction that there can be no culture of peace without the active and inclusive involvement of young people who make up the majority of our societies. It is they who build peaceful coexistence of tomorrow. In closing, I would like to recall the words of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. In his message to the Parliamentary Conference on Interreligious Dialogue held in Marrakech in June 2023, he said, by succeeding in establishing fruitful dialogue among religions and civilizations, we will meet numerous challenges that jeopardize the future of our planet and the ideal of peaceful coexistence. End quote. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola.

Madam President, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, at that said, allow me to thank you for giving me the floor and convening this high-level forum. The current peace and security challenge we face today require more coordinating and integrated strategy for member states. Culture of peace is not just the absence of violence, but the presence of dignity, justice and human rights for all. In this regard, the chosen theme, empowering youth for a culture of peace, underscores the importance of inclusion of young people, which are the majority of the population in many countries, in the peace and security process to build and sustain a culture of peace internationally. The resolution 2250, 2015, adopted by the Security Council, recognized the importance and positive contribution of youth in the efforts of maintenance and promotion of peace and security and affirms the important role youth can play in prevention and resolution of conflicts and as a key aspect of sustainability, inclusiveness and success of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. Excellencies, African country, continent has the world's youngest population with over 60% under the age of 25. with strength and skills to make difference. Youth are not a problem, but they can be a part of solution if we invest in them providing quality education that includes peace education, equipping young people with conflict resolution skills, promoting tolerance and intercultural dialogue, providing opportunities for meaningful participation in peace building initiatives and an appreciation of cultural diversity to address disagreements peacefully, and build mutual respect. Furthermore, we need to engage young people into decision-making processes at all levels, local, national and international, creating safe inclusive space for dialogue and ensuring that their voice are genuinely heard in peace negotiations and policy forums, recognizing them as active promoters of change rather than just victims of conflict. In this context, The Republic of Angola hosted the Pan-African Youth Summit from 9 to 12 August 2025 under the theme Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships. The summit aimed to encourage collaboration among young African leaders, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen the role of youth as drivers of peace and sustainable development in the continent. Excellencies, In addition, the Republic of Angola, in collaboration with African Union and UNESCO, has been organizing biannually the Pan-African Forum for Culture of Peace and Nonviolence, the Biennale of Luanda, since September 2019, to promote the culture of peace and nonviolence fundamentally to the establishment of a multilateral alliance between governments, civil society, the artistic and scientific community, as well as the private sector and international organizations. Angola is engaged in fostering a culture of peace by providing a platform of dialogue, cultural exchange and dissemination of good practices for conflict prevention and solutions across Africa. Young people have been participating in the forum in promoting a culture of peace at national, regional and international levels, ensuring that peace and non-violence are fostered at all levels. To conclude, Angola reiterates the commitment in ensuring and empowering youth for a culture of peace at national and international levels, leaving no one behind. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Angola. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. We live in a world that is increasingly unequal, in which the promotion of a culture of peace is diluted in the face of increasing intolerance, wars, dispoliation and threats for a fair international order. We see increasing xenophobia, hate speech and Islamophobia, particularly in developed countries that shelter a freedom of expression. We see increasing military expenditure, which in 2024 reached the record figure of $2.3 trillion, which could be used to combat poverty and hunger. In this context, the implementation of the Programme of Action and Declaration on the Culture of Peace is increasingly necessary and urgent. It is inconceivable that we see impediments to the people's right to choose their own path. We cannot ensure a culture of peace while we do not recognise the diversity of political systems around the world and we continue with subversion agendas against countries of the global South. It is urgent to have dialogue and cooperation. in this regard. The culture of peace remains a chimera while we continue to see unilateral coercive measures that undermine the Charter of the United Nations and international law and hamper the exercise of the right of development for the countries in which they are imposed. The inclusion of Cuba on the fraudulent US list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism and also acts against Cuban medical cooperation are harmful effects that run counter to a culture of peace and understanding. We reiterate our support to the Palestinian people that is the victim of the genocide that is committed by Israel with impunity and complicity of the United States. Peace will remain remote and must cannot remain remote and must be a reality for all respect for the principles and purposes of the UN charter and international law are the only part of this thank you

I think the distinguished representative of Cuba I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India

Madam chair thank you for convening us today to discuss the critical role of youth in promoting peace as a UN declaration it s Peace transcends the absence of war. It is an enabler of development, human dignity, justice, and prosperity for all. Youth are indispensable agents of this endeavor. The first step towards a culture of peace is to truly embrace diversity. For India, diversity is a lived experience and our source of strength, embodied in a philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family. In our digital age, youth must leverage information to understand this diversity and thrive in plural cultures. Madam Chair, education plays a pivotal role in this context, as attested by Article 4 of the Declaration. Enabling youth to realize their potential remains central to India's developmental journey. Our Constitution guarantees primary education as fundamental right, and we proudly maintain one of the world's largest graduate pools globally. We remain committed to nurturing talent that offers solutions to real world challenges. Madam Chair, Article 3 of the declaration outlines sustained social and economic development as a cornerstone of peace. When the youth is empowered to contribute a nation's growth, they help establish a culture of peace. India has made youth an integral part of our vision for Viksit Bharat, developed India by 2047. Honorable Prime Minister has envisioned engaging 100,000 youth in politics, providing them with a national platform to nurture leaders for a developed India.

India launched the My Bharat app that engages youth

through practical application in community service, agriculture, health, village development, offering real world experience, skill development, thereby contributing to nation building. Sports channels youth energy effectively. India's Fit India and Khelo India movements revive grassroots sporting culture, allowing young adults nationwide to unite, train, and compete, promoting community spirit and foundations for healthy societies and strong nations. And finally, reducing barriers between peoples require more than addressing religious differences. Religion has too often been the rallying point to demand an end to violence. Advancing tolerance and solidarity among all cultures and civilizations and religions, not a select few, is imperative for truly inculcating a culture of peace among youth. Indian Constitution embodies the spirit making religious freedom a constitutional guarantee. Madam Chair, allow me to reiterate India's commitment to work with Member States in empowering the youth to promote a culture of peace. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. Before giving the floor to the next speaker, may I remind delegations of the time limit of three minutes. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste.

Mr. President, at the outset, I wish to thank you for giving me the floor and convening this important high-level forum. The situation of young people worldwide is complex and urgent. On the one hand, youth are disproportionately affected by conflict, suffering displacement, exposure to violence, forced recruitment, exploitation, and long-lasting trauma. On the other hand, they are powerful agents of peace, bringing energy, creativity, and a direct stake in shaping their future. As highlighted in the UN Secretary-General's 2022 report on youth, peace, and security, their participation is indispensable to sustaining peace. My own country, Timor-Leste, is not exempt from these dual realities. While some of our young people are drawn into martial arts groups and street violence, many others are deeply engaged in peace building and community resilience. The decisive factor is opportunity. When youth have access to education, livelihood, and meaningful civic engagement, They, they channel their talents toward constructive change, when institution fails to provide such pathways, the risk of unrest and marginalization increase. In this spirit, Timor-Leste strongly support the youth peace and security agenda launched with the UN Security Council Resolution 2022-50 and reinforced through Resolution 2419 and 2535. This framework recognized the transformative potential of youth through five key pillars, participation, protection, prevention, partnership, and integration. For least developed countries and Timor-Leste in particular, empowering youth for peace requires comprehensive and multidimensional strategies, allow me to highlight four priorities. First, LDC must formalize youth participation in peace and security policies, establish youth advisory councils, and protect young peace builders. Participation should be institutionalized rather than ad hoc. Second, education system must be integrated peace education and civic responsibility as recommended in the UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report 2023. Equally, investment in decent jobs and entrepreneurship is essential to give young people viable alternatives to violence. Third, youth are not a homogeneous group. Policies must account for gender, ethnicity, disability, and rural-urban divides. Fourth, governments, civil society, academia, and private sectors should collaborate with youth organizations rather than create parallel structures. Mr. President, Timor-Leste speaks from its own lived experience. Having endured decades of conflict, we chose reconciliation with our neighbor, Indonesia, as foundation for peace. Today, that legacy informs our conviction that youth must be at the heart of national and global peacebuilding. Our government and civil society continues to support grassroots initiatives, civic education, and intercultural dialogue, cultivating a culture of peace based on empathy, inclusion, and mutual respect. conclusion, the message is clear. If given the chance, young people are not just beneficiaries of peace, but its co-creators. Timor-Leste reaffirms its unwavering commitment to empowering youth to transform conflict into opportunity and to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.

Madam Chair, Burkina Faso welcomes the convening of this high-level forum on a topic whose relevance is beyond question and which is perfectly aligned with the aspirations of the Burkina Faso people who are facing various challenges. In a world marked by growing tensions, persistent conflicts, climate crises, and economic health and structural inequality. Young people represent hope and the future, but they're also a driving force for change. They are both the architects and the builders of tomorrow. In that regard, they need to convey values like solidarity, dialogue, tolerance and discipline. In Burkina Faso, 77.9% of the population is less than 35 years old and 45.3% are less than 15 years old. The sub-regional and national context of the battle against terrorism reminds us that young people are often the most vulnerable, but they're also major assets in building more peaceful, resilient and cohesive societies through innovative and inclusive solutions. Well aware that our duty is to create conditions that are conducive to the flourishing of young people in order to allow them to become sustainable vectors for peace, dialogue and social cohesion, Burkina Faso has placed youth empowerment at the centre of its public policies. In that regard, we have undertaken several initiatives, including strengthening civic education and integration of the culture of peace in school curricula, the promotion of entrepreneurship among young people, especially in promising areas like agriculture, digital technology and the green economy, the participation active participation of young people in dialogue mechanisms, conflict prevention in community mediation and national reconciliation through employment services for young people in 302 rural communities and the support through local youth led initiatives. aiming at peaceful coexistence. Madam Chair, peace cannot be decreed. It is only sustainable if it's built day after day with young people as major agents. That's why we call for, first, a strengthening of international cooperation to support educational programs for peace and youth empowerment, especially in middle income countries. Second, the adequate marshaling of technical and financial resources to support innovative projects for young people, including in areas that face security challenges. Third, a significant boost in the representation of young people in decision-making bodies. Madam Chair, we seize this opportunity to thank all of our partners and reaffirm our commitment to making a culture of peace a lived reality, one led by empowered, resilient, responsible, and committed youth. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Madam President, fostering a culture of peace means that we must address three interconnected crises that disproportionately affect young people and, in particular, young women. Firstly, young women face dual discrimination. based on age and gender in the digital sphere. According to UN Women, youth targeted initiatives prioritize young men while young women are viewed as passive victims lacking agency. Overcoming this dual discrimination is both a strategic imperative and an act of generational justice. essential for building sustainable digital peace that fully harnesses the transformative potential of young women as agents of change. Second, Costa Rica regrets that young women's organizations face severe funding crises. Women's rights organizations receive less than 1% of global humanitarian funding. while direct funding to local organizations has declined to just 3.1%. This disparity reveals an alarming contradiction. While we rhetorically acknowledge the vital role of young women in peacebuilding, we systematically exclude them from accessing resources. Costa Rica urges the international community to translate this recognition into concrete investment and ensure their meaningful participation at all levels of the peace architecture. Third, of the 1.8 billion young people globally, two thirds of the 67 million not in education, employment or training are women. And a culture of peace cannot flourish where exclusion persists. Economically empowering young women represents the most strategic investment for strengthening social cohesion and preventing conflicts. Sustainable peace is built through economic inclusion. Mr. President, CVIS Passem Para Passem. inclusion is the very essence of a culture of peace. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala.

Madam President, Guatemala is grateful for the convening of this important forum, which is a space for dialogue, discussion and commitment for the empowerment of young people in building and sustaining a culture of peace. Young people represent an active promise for change, creativity and versatility. Empowering young people is vital to consolidating a sustainable culture of peace, since they are not only beneficiaries of peace, but also fundamental stakeholders in how it is built. we should be providing them with true opportunities for participation and foster the development of their leadership for reconciliation, mutual respect and non-violence. The Guatemalan government recognizes that peace is built day by day through education, justice, civic participation, democratic values and robust institutions. That's why we promote initiatives geared towards providing spaces for young people's involvement in decision making at the local, national and international levels. Young people are speaking up, they are leading social movements, cultural and environmental movements, they are creating art and taking steps to promote peace, human rights and the peaceful settlement of conflicts. Today, more than ever, we should be listening to our youth. They are not only the future, they are the present. They are speaking out about injustice, promoting gender equality, protecting the environment and building networks of solidarity outside their own communities. Madam President, we appeal to the international community to support young people, listen to them, accompany them and motivate them so that they are able to develop their full potential. Let's strengthen partnerships between states, multilateral organisations and civil society so that young people can be true peace builders. Guatemala resolutely states that a culture of peace is possible if it is in the hands of an empowered, informed youth that is committed to the common good. We reaffirm our commitment to empowering young people to the values of multilateralism and the culture of peace, nonviolence, dialogue and tolerance, so that together we can build a society in which we can all live in peace and with dignity. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Guatemala. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, I would like to congratulate the President of the General Assembly on your successful tenure as the outgoing President. Your leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation among member states have been truly exemplary. We commend your stewardship during this session. We also express our gratitude for convening this important event with a special focus on empowering young people as champions of peace at a time when our world urgently needs unity, compassion, and hope. For Nigeria, a culture of peace is not simply the absence of war or conflict. It is the active promotion of values that brings people together, mutual respect, dialogue, understanding, and justice. It is about building societies where diversity is celebrated, differences are resolved peacefully, and everyone has a stake in shaping the future. Our commitment to this vision is deep and unwavering. Nigeria is a youthful nation with over 60% of its population under the age of 25. They are not just leaders of tomorrow, they are partners of today. They are innovative, resilient, and courageous. We have seen them bridge divides, create solutions, and inspire communities. But we have also seen the challenges they face, unemployment, exclusion, and the pull of harmful ideologies. These are vulnerabilities we cannot ignore. Nigeria has made youth empowerment a priority both in policy and in action. We are investing in education, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation to equip our young people with the skills they need. We recognize that economic disenfranchisement is a major driver of unrest. Nigeria has launched various programs to equip young people with vocational skills and provide them with access to micro loans and grants for entrepreneurship. By creating opportunities, we offer an alternative to a path of violence and despair. We have peace clubs in schools, community dialogues and youth-led mediation initiatives that are felt to reduce the tensions and foster harmony. We have also opened the doors of governance to our youth through the Not Too Young to Run Act, lowering the age requirement for public office and ensuring that young voices are heard where decisions are made. We are guided too by the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2550 on youth peace and security, ensuring that young people are fully engaged in peace processes at every stage. However, we recognize that we cannot achieve this alone. We urge member state in UN system and civil society to collaborate and provide mentorship, seed funding and platform for youth-led peace initiatives. We must prioritize empowering young women and girls and using digital tools responsibly for education, combating hate speech and amplifying the voices of peace. Madam President, our youth hold the greatest potential to transform conflict into cooperation and division into dialogue. If we equip them with the necessary tools, opportunities and trust, they will not only cultivate a culture of peace but also safeguard our collective future. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Madam President. In a world that continues to be riven by conflict, a culture of peace is of growing importance. Given the multifaceted challenges facing our world today, this notion needs to move beyond words. This notion needs to become a tangible reality. So we reiterate the importance of fully committing to making manifest the Declaration and Programme of Action for a Culture of Peace, channeling it into practical actions. This Declaration, which was adopted 25 years ago, remains a global reference for consolidation of a lasting peace on a sound basis. In this regard, we wish to underscore the following points. First, we need to invest in a peaceful future. by consolidating a culture grounded in dialogue, tolerance and respect for international law. There is also a need to prioritise young people and future generations in these efforts. In order to translate this commitment, we, Algeria, are proud of having facilitated the adoption of a resolution that proclaimed the 16th of May the International Day for Coexistence and Peace. This is an opportunity to move beyond differences, to strengthen the principles of tolerance, dialogue and reconciliation in effective fashion. Secondly, in our commitment There is a need to be guided by the provisions of the Declaration of the Culture of Peace, especially Article 3, which speaks of the link between a culture of peace and the full development of human beings. enjoyment of the rights of all people, including colonized people and those subject to other forms of foreign domination. And these people have the right to self-determination as laid out in the UN Charter. Faithfulness to this principle and other principles means that the basis for the culture of peace will be complete and it will be incomplete without it. And people in such regions are directly part of a just struggle. Third, we have a collective responsibility to empower young people and to ensure they serve as a driving force for change. Education is the cornerstone of this work. Education for peace. capacity building and building values of dialogue, these are all important too. Furthermore, there's a need to provide space for the participation of young people and to ensure that their words are heard in processes where decisions are made. They are essential partners for peace building. My country remains committed to the culture of peace through a policy of youth empowerment. through digital knowledge and by supporting international initiatives that put young people at the heart of peacebuilding. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.

Madam President, I thank you for conducting this important meeting and the briefers for their valuable insights. Austria fully supports the UN Culture of Peace agenda, which reflects many of our core values the respect for life.

And dignity of each human being without discrimination, non-violence, democratic participation, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Peaceful settlement of conflicts, solidarity and development cooperation, equal rights, as well as progress on the SDGs. The focus on youth is both timely and necessary. In times of global budget cuts, it is more important than ever to not forget that youth and young persons are affected by most policy decisions. Therefore, an effective culture of peace agenda should not only be designed for, but also with the full, effective and meaningful involvement of young persons. On a national level, Austria takes an inclusive approach to youth involvement in policy making very seriously. One of our main priorities has been the development and implementation of the Austrian Youth Strategy, designed to align and enhance youth-related policies and measures across the country. Already in 2007, we took an important step towards including youth in democratic decision-making processes by lowering the voting age to 16 for all elections, one of the first countries to do so. We also ensure the participation of young persons within the UN system by selecting a UN Youth Delegate based on a competitive process. Appointed for two years, they serve first as junior, then as senior delegate. They attend UN conferences and meetings, provide comments on negotiated texts and hold statements. Austria also actively supported the creation of the UN Youth Office and the position of Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs. let me commend the Office's important work by further strengthening the voice of young people within the UN system.

At our mission in New York and at our representations across the world, we make it a priority.

To include also our youngest team members, the interns, in every aspect of our work, recognizing that every contribution counts. There can be no truly inclusive culture of peace agenda without the participation of young persons. Let us not forget that they are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but can already be vital partners today. It's our shared responsibility to ensure their involvement in all areas of decision-making. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the declaration on future generations adopted last year recognised children and youth as agents of change and the need for intergenerational dialogue and engagement. Indeed, the inclusion of young people in leadership roles and decision making processes and efforts is essential for advancing development alleviating poverty, mitigating the risks of conflict and violence, moving peace building processes forward and fostering a culture of peace. In the same declaration, Member States pledged in Terre des Hommes to address and take effective measures to remedy past tragedies and their consequences, eradicate all forms of discrimination, as well as to honour, promote and preserve cultural diversity and cultural heritage and foster interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Greater attention must therefore be paid to ensuring that children, as outlined in the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, benefit from education on the values attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life based on a spirit of respect for human dignity and of tolerance and non-discrimination, as well as are involved in activities designed to instill in them such values and the goals of a culture of peace. Madam President, Azerbaijan recognizes the importance of young people as catalysts for economic and social progress. Azerbaijan's youth policy is implemented by promoting tolerance and mutual understanding, empowering the younger generation and fostering their active involvement in socio-political, socio-economic and cultural life, as well as in national development processes and international cooperation. The efforts undertaken at the national level to that effect are of particular importance in the context of ongoing large-scale post-conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction, and demining in my country to ensure the safe and dignified return of the forcibly displaced population to their homes. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Azerbaijan's strong commitment to the promotion of the values of a culture of peace in accordance with the program of action and other relevant international frameworks, including through education, dialogue, and cooperation. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Russian Federation.

We thank the President of the General Assembly for convening today's meeting. We thank the briefers for their contribution to the discussion as well. We were pleased to see at the forum the head of the UN Youth Office, Dr. Philippe Pollier. We're convinced that facilitating dialogue and solidarity among representatives of various cultures is a critical element of the mandate of the office. The Russian Federation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the group of friends in defense of the UN Charter. In our national capacity, we'd like to note the following. Russian territory is home to over 190 different nationalities. Ensuring mutual respect among representatives of various ethnicities and the promotion and preservation of their language, culture and traditional values makes up the core of our policy. There are some phenomena which we view to be unacceptable, namely banning of languages and cultures of certain peoples or the intervention by the state into church affairs as is practiced now in Ukraine. The United Nations still retains the capacity to prevent a further division of the world along interreligious and interethnic conflict lines. We are convinced that the focus and work to that end should be placed not on the idea of anything goes, but rather on mutual respect and coexistence. The, the threat to the culture of peace is also intervention into the domestic affairs of states from outside in order to impose a alien scale of values. Mr. President, young people by their very. are open to engaging in dialogue with other cultures. The task of the state is to create for this the proper conditions and the proper forum. One thing we're very proud of is the World Youth Festival, which was in Sochi, and also the follow-up events. This month, for example, in Nizhny Novgorod, there will be the assembly of the festival. And in 2026, in the city of Krasnoyarsk, there will be the forum of the World Youth Festival. I'd like to take this opportunity to involve all young delegates from all countries in the hall to take part in that event. This is an event where young leaders from the whole world over are empowered through participation in thematic sessions and master classes. The topics of those runs the gamut from state administration to creative industries, from entrepreneurship to sports, from media work to digitalization. We stand in solidarity with the provisions of Article 4 of the Declaration on a Culture of Peace, namely that education is one of the major means of creating such a culture. Russia is actively developing international cooperation in the educational realm, especially with developing countries. Every year, our universities host around a million foreign students, primarily from African countries. Madam President, we must remember that receptiveness to new ideas when there is a lack of experience, that this often works against young people, transforming them into bearers of extremist ideology. It's important to place attention on preventing extremism among young people. Efforts to do that are particularly important today when certain countries are seeing a sustained rise in adherence of radical movements, including of neo-Nazism. A study of this dismaying trend is the subject of a report published a few days ago by Russia's Foreign Ministry. That report is on the situation of the glorification of Nazism. You can access this report at the official site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Thank you, Madam President. This high-level forum is taking place at a time when the world is experiencing persistence and proliferation of violence and conflicts in various parts of the world. The preservation and strengthening of the multilateral system is crucial now more than ever to promote solidarity and international cooperation. In this regard, we need to uphold the irreplaceable role of the United Nations and its capacity to advance a comprehensive and cross-cutting concept of peace. Portugal believes that youth are essential agents of change, innovation and resilience in building a peaceful, inclusive and democratic society. Portugal aligns itself with the UN's vision of a world where young people are not only recipients of peace, but also key contributors to its creation. We reiterate that empowering young people is not merely a moral duty, it is essential to constructing a culture rooted in tolerance, dialogue and understanding. Our national strategy on youth is grounded in the second national plan for youth, an ambitious policy framework that sets out clear objectives to strengthen youth participation, civic engagement and social inclusion. And this plan includes over 400 integrated measures designed to support young people in areas such as education, employment, health, environment, culture, and critically, citizenship. The plan dedicates specific attention to build young people's capacity to participate in democratic processes, promoting a culture of tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence across all layers of society. Our national system, from national strategic frameworks to community action and international exchange, embodies how Portugal nurtures a culture of peace through youth empowerment. Education, which is first and foremost a human right, is key to address these challenges and strengthen the culture of peace. It is only through education that we can bring about the structural changes needed to promote stability, prosperity, respect for diversity and the fulfilment of human rights. Madam President, to give young people a formal voice in public life, Portugal maintains strong youth representation through the National Youth Council. This platform brings together youth organisations from across the country, ensuring that their voices are not only heard, but they are actively shaping public policy. The National Youth Council plays a critical role in strengthening democratic culture and bridging the gap between government institutions and the concerns of Portugal's younger generations. And to conclude, Madam President, Portugal's vision for empowering youth is one of action, inclusion and hope. We remain steadfast in our belief that youth are not only capable of shaping that future, they are already doing so. And we, Portugal, stand ready to work hand in hand with all Member States to ensure that young people everywhere can grow as leaders, as peace builders, as global citizens. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of

Thank you, Madam, for giving me the floor. At the outset, we would like to express our gratitude to you for convening this meeting and for providing me with this opportunity to renew our collective commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, the values of coexistence and mutual understanding that enshrine the culture of peace. The declaration program of action on the culture of peace adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 53/243 in 1999 affirmed that peace is not only the absence of conflict but is also embodied building of relationships based on justice, mutual respect and cooperation among peoples. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 16, highlights the close links between establishing peace, the promotion of development and the protection of human rights. While reiterating our commitment to the culture of peace as a strategic choice and a constant principle in our foreign policy, Tunisia reaffirms that to assess the state of peace in the world we must call things by their proper names that is what is being suffered by the Palestinian people in terms of crimes war crimes and crimes against humanity that might amount to genocide due to the ongoing occupation of occupied Palestinian territories hence we believe that any collective commitment to the culture of peace loses all of its meaning if it is not accompanied by an end to these heinous crimes and accountability for those responsible for such crimes. In this context, I would like to recall that the double standards in issues of international peace and security undermine the credibility of the international system and weaken people's trust in international justice. Peace cannot be built on selectivity or silence in the face of violations of international law. Rather, peace should be based on equality for all parties without exception. Madam President, my country believes that young people represent a vital force in promoting a culture of peace. They are capable of contributing to conflict prevention, countering extremism and violence. They can play a pivotal role in disseminating the values of tolerance, dialogue and understanding between cultures. In this regard, we call for the prioritisation of the empowerment of young people at international level by enhancing their participation in decision making within the UN and ensuring that they can contribute to formulating policies and programmes on peace, security and development. Madam President, the increasing challenges in the world today, from armed conflicts to crimes against humanity, call on us to uphold the culture of peace as a shared human and civilizational choice. We are committed to working at the UN with all stakeholders to making these principles a tangible reality in order to maintain international peace and security for forthcoming generations. We call for intensified international efforts to combat hate speech and the incitement to violence in line with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly. We also reiterate that it's important to continue to support the role of the UN in preventing and peacefully resolving conflicts and also promoting dialogue between civilizations, religions, and cultures. This is a fundamental pillar for building a safer and more just world. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tunisia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Thank you, Madam President. Youth plays an essential role in building lasting peace. Brazil supports the active engagement of young people in promoting a culture of peace. believing that civic education together with social and economic inclusion are fundamental to create a more secure and just future for all. In July 2025, Brazil, Chile, Spain, Uruguay and Colombia launched the Multilateral Youth Observatory Against Extremism, coordinated by the International Youth Organization for Ibero-America. The objective is to make the Observatory an international reference in research and analysis, as well as in the promotion and defense of democracy, ensuring the participation of young people, their inclusion and training as active actors in peace processes. The strengthening of intercultural dialogue requires reinforcing freedom of expression, protecting freedom of religion, while combating intolerance and radicalization. In 2005, Brazil was one of the main supporters of the Alliance of Civilizations as a response to the global context of increasing cultural and religious polarization. Twenty years later, the current scenario is even more complex. Education for peace is a cornerstone to change the course of events. In October, 2024, Brazil, alongside Portugal, South Africa, and Colombia, proposed resolution 57/24 at the Human Rights Council, adopted by consensus to promote education as a tool to tackle racism and intolerance. That task must also include youth. In today's world, it is paramount to increase media and information literacy. In this regard, in 2023, Brazil launched the National Media Education Strategy, becoming the first developing country to do so with actions to strengthen the fight against disinformation and the protection of information integrity. In the multilateral level, Brazil has also supported initiatives to encourage discussions on disinformation and hate speech, always taking into consideration youth specificities. Madam Chair, despite current challenges, Brazil remains convinced that dialogue, inclusion and education are the keys to overcome division and to build a future of greater peace and justice, and that the way to achieve a more peaceful future is to empower our youth today. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Nicaragua aligns itself with the statement delivered by Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. The culture of peace is directly related to unfettered respect for the UN Charter, sovereignty, equality between states, non-interference in the internal affairs of states and the rights of all peoples to self-determination and independence. These are principles that should guide new generations in the defense of a multipolar world that is more fair and balanced in nature. Young people are our present and our future. They are a crucial force for the culture of peace, hence why it's important to guarantee inclusive education, quality education, health, access to science and technology, decent employment and spaces for their democratic involvement that allow them to actively contribute to sustainable development and social harmony. In this context, we wish to note that the culture of peace is currently being threatened by persistent aggression, illegal occupation and the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that violate human rights and have a direct impact on people and young people in particular. These attacks block the right to development, they further entrench inequalities, and they undermine the ability of young people to fully play their transformative role in societies. Madam President, Nicaragua takes this opportunity to roundly condemn the cruelty and the genocide perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people. Palestinian young people, like young people around the world, deserve to grow and develop in peace, with dignity and freedom. Palestinian young people are being threatened by what we are currently witnessing as a plan for unprecedented annihilation. We reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with Palestine and we demand respect for the exercise of their inalienable rights to self-determination, independence, freedom, the return to their land and the immediate cessation of this genocide. Madam President, in Nicaragua peace is experienced as a historic legacy. On the initiative of our government, the National Assembly declared April as a month of peace, celebrating the peaceful vocation of our people and handing down to the next generation the commitment to safeguard peace as part of our bedrock. Our government of national reconciliation and unity is promoting a Christian, socialist and solidarity based model which puts young people at its heart. Through educational, sports, cultural and entrepreneurial policies, our young people are playing leading roles in building a fair, equitable, peaceful society. Youth leadership is essential to continue to consolidate a culture of peace. ensuring the values that guarantee a multipolar world that is fairer, more inclusive and sustainable. Nicaragua will continue to defend multilateralism and supportive cooperation, convinced that young people should be protagonists in building a future of harmony, justice and dignity for all. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nicaragua. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Myanmar.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, a sustainable culture of peace cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of and decision-making by youth. Myanmar welcomes the advancements in institutionalizing the youth peace and security agenda in the report of the Secretary-General and calls for more investment in youth-led peace initiatives. Unfortunately, the increase in armed conflict, shrinking of civil space, and erosion of human rights, justice, and accountability are threatening the future of youth and their contribution to peace around the world, including my own country, Myanmar.

Against this backdrop, I wish to highlight the.

Following points on empowering the youth for a culture of peace in Myanmar.

First, providing a nurturing environment for youth.

Many young people in Myanmar grew up during a time of expanding political and civil freedoms. Since the illegal coup, the lack of education and employment opportunities, human rights violations, and unlawful forced conscription have shattered the potential and the future of the youth. According to UNDP, about 500,000 young people are estimated to have left the country to escape these challenges. The migration of young people with long-term implications for Myanmar's human capital and economic stability. Second, promoting peace education and activities. Myanmar takes note of the initiatives by relevant UN bodies, including the University for Peace. However, we are of the view that such actions should target and engage with an appropriate cohort, particularly youth community leaders, young human rights defenders, and students to amplify their voices. Any other partnership with the military affiliate does a disservice to the people and the promotion of peace. that ending the culture of impunity, empowering the culture of peace in Myanmar should be centered around ending the culture of impunity enjoined by the military through accountability and transitional justice. Therefore, the restoration of the rule of law, just and accountable institutions, and the civilians' oversight are preconditions for lasting and sustainable culture of peace in Myanmar. Young people in Myanmar are using all available means at their disposal to recede the military dictatorship and its entrenched culture of impunity. Finally, supporting the homegrown and Myanmar-led peace process. Genuine peace cannot be imposed from outside nor coerced by the military junta through They are deceitful, sham election process. It must be owned and led by the people of Myanmar through inclusive dialogue, meaningful participation, and national reconciliation. NUG and EROs and the relevant stakeholders has been in talks for future Myanmar and ensure prosperity, justice, peace, and stability for all. Taking this opportunity, I appeal to the international community to support the people of Myanmar and our youth in their determination to end the military dictatorship and build a federal democratic union. And thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Myanmar. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia.

Thank you, Madam President, distinguished delegates. First of all, I would like to thank the PGA and Madam President for convening this timely high-level forums. I also wish to express my gratitude to all the briefers for their insightful remarks. The theme empowering youths for culture of peace chosen today not only reflects the aspiration of all nations to achieve peace, but also embodies in Cambodia's continuing wishes to preserve it. Madam President, allow me to share three points from Cambodia perspective. First, Cambodia's hard-won peace. For Cambodia, peace is not merely a goal. It is the foundation of our national rebirth. Emerging from decades of war, we have maintained complete peace for nearly three decades through our win-win policies. This experience has taught us that peace is hard to achieve, but easy to break, and must be protected through every generation. Second, commitment to international law. As a small and peace-loving nation, Cambodia relies firmly on the rule-based international orders and the principle of the UN charters. Our painful history has taught us a clear truth that war never ends war. That is why Cambodia always upholds diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes as the only path for lasting peace. Third, it is our youth who now carry these responsibilities. Young Cambodians who have grown up in an environment free from war, cherish peace as the most precious inheritance. They do not take it for granted. Their voice, aspirations, and innovations are shaping Cambodia's futures, and their overwhelming desire to live studies and prosper in harmonies, never to see their countries return to the conflicts. In this connection, guided by the pentagonal strategies phase one, the Royal Government of Cambodia views youth who constitute over 60% of its 17 million population under the age of 30 as a vital agent of change in national buildings and reconciliation essential for sustainable peace. The government is committed to empowering them to emerging as emerging leaders through opportunities in peace, education, vocational training, digital literacies, and entrepreneur to safeguard peace, promote securities, and advance sustainable developments. In conclusion, Cambodia reiterates its support for the program of action on the culture of peace, which remain as a vital compass for our collective journeys. By investing in our youth, we are not merely building a culture of peace for today. We are nurturing the guardian of peace for generations to come. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman.

Saadat Raisat Madam President, Excellencies, dear participants, the Sultanate of Oman is pleased to participate in this important high level forum with its focus on empowering youth for a culture of peace. This theme reflects the international growing awareness of the role that youth play in promoting the values of peace and understanding in an era marked by conflicts that affect the path to global stability and sustainable development. Madam President, the Sultanate of Oman reiterates its unwavering commitment to the declaration and program of action on a culture of peace. We remain committed to implementing relevant General Assembly resolutions. My country believes that youth are the bedrock of a safe and prosperous future. In line with our Vision 2040, the Sultanate of Oman has attached great importance to the empowerment of youth. It integrated relevant UN resolutions in its national programs and policies. The Sultanate of Oman has long engaged youth in decision-making processes. It has long amplified their voices and promoted their participation in international fora. In this context, we have had several tangible achievements. For instance, youth have participated in shaping the national youth strategy through different laboratories across the governorates. In addition, our second youth journey took the youth to several countries sharing a message of harmony and friendship to different peoples across the world. Our youth also participated in UNESCO activities, and we launched the third edition of the ambassador, the youth ambassadors, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN Institute for Training and Research. The values of tolerance and mutual respect and the peaceful settlement of disputes were incorporated into curricula. UNESCO adopted these outputs as part of its research project that aims to promote the concept of global citizenship. Madam President, in conclusion, the Sultanate of Oman reiterates that investing in youth and education is the optimal means to instill the values of tolerance and peace. The Sultanate of Oman calls for greater international cooperation and for an exchange of expertise to build a safer and more just world for current and future generations. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Oman. Before giving the floor to the next speaker, may I remind delegations of the time limit of three minutes, and we will work until 6:00 p.m. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda.

Thank you, Madam President, and for convening this high-level forum. Madam President, the culture of peace is not an abstract aspiration, but a practical necessity in today's multilateral environment. It is the foundation upon which unity, reconciliation, and sustainable development are built and the surest safeguard against cycles of violence and division. The scars of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda bear witness to the destruction by hatred and exclusion. Yet today, Rwanda stands as a testament to what is possible when the culture of peace is placed at the heart of national transformation. This experience underscores that peace is never accidental. It is a deliberate and sustained choice. This choice has guided us in three essential ways. First, we have learned that lasting peace cannot be achieved by addressing symptoms alone. The most effective path to peace is to tackle the root causes of conflict, such as division, inequality, and exclusion. Rwanda's reconciliation and recovery processes therefore focus on fostering a shared national identity, translated to "I am Rwandan," ensuring that no citizen is left behind. Second, and central to this forum's theme, we have placed young people at the center of leadership and peacebuilding. With more than 60% of our population under the age of 30, empowering youth has been both a necessity and a cornerstone of a resilient, peaceful society. Young Randens shape national policy, lead local initiatives through the National Youth Council, and innovate programs linking peace to development. Globally, they serve on the frontlines of peacekeeping missions, contributing to stability in conflict affected regions. We believe youth are not only beneficiaries of peace, but indispensable partners in building and defending it. Third, we have learned the importance of adopting homegrown solutions that reflect our history and values. In Rwanda, we call this spirit kwijira, the conviction that true peace and resilience are sustained when communities take ownership of their future rather than wait for external solutions. By localizing interventions, whether through traditional justice, community dialogues, or citizen-driven initiatives, Rwanda ensures that the culture of peace is not imported, but rooted in the lived realities of our people. Madam President, At a time when the world faces rising polarization and multiple crises, Rwanda is reminded daily of the dangers of hatred, division, and the manipulation of identity for destructive ends. Investing in a culture of peace is therefore not optional, it is essential. The deliberate inclusion of youth, women, and communities in decision-making, as this forum emphasizes, remains one of the most powerful guarantees for lasting peace. Rwanda remains committed to working with all member states and the UN to advance the culture of peace that is sustainable, locally owned and responsive to today's global challenges. In this spirit, Rwanda reaffirms its determination to continue contributing to global peace building efforts, sharing lessons learned and supporting initiatives that place people, especially the young generation, at the center of peace and development. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Rwanda. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Armenia.

Thank you, Madam President. We thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this high-level forum on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. We also thank the distinguished keynote speakers for their valuable contributions. The landmark declaration and programme of action on culture of peace remain instrumental in advancing the understanding that peace is not merely the absence of war, but a positive dynamic process founded upon the respect of human rights, equality, tolerance and non-discrimination for the benefit of humanity and future generations. Building a culture of peace is an ongoing task and responsibility entrusted to governments, international organizations, civil society, educators, media, and above all, the young people whose choices must embody tolerance and respect. Education must be in the cornerstone of sustainable culture of peace by investing in quality, inclusive, and affordable education. Governments lay the foundation for young people to stand against the use of force and violence, to embrace diversity and global citizenship, and to advocate for justice, thus making the culture of peace a living reality. Madam President, Armenia consistently advocates for the integration of peace education. human rights and media literacy into school curricula to counter misinformation and prevent hate speech. We also promote the culture of peace among youth through the arts and sports. In this regard, Armenia successfully hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2022, as well as the European Championship in weightlifting and boxing in 2023. Furthermore, in February 2024, the International Organization of La Francophonie approved Armenia's candidature to host the 10th Francophonie International Games in 2027. This major international gathering will unite representatives from all continents around the shared values of peace, democracy, and respect for human rights. In December 2024, Armenia hosted the eighth ministerial meeting of the Asian Civilizations Forum. In the Yerevan Declaration adopted by the member states, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of empowering youth through the creation of platforms for engagement of youth from member states, fostering dialogue, cross-cultural understanding, and youth initiatives that promote culture of peace and protection of cultural heritage. We are determined to continue working towards justice, tolerance and non-discrimination in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the values and goals of the Declaration and Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace. And I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Armenia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Madam President, it has been 26 years since the adoption of the Declaration and.

Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace by the General Assembly.

This was and is intended as a tool for the international community through the United Nations system.

To promote a culture of peace and non-violence for the benefit of humanity, particularly future generations.

However, achieving the objectives of this declaration and programme of action.

Remains challenging as we continue to enjoy a heightened number of armed conflicts, both protracted and emerging, and the consequent higher volume of displacement and increased sufferings. This is caused by a lack of respect of international norms and standards designed to prevent threats that may trigger violence and disrupt peace.

Madam President, the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

This year serves as an opportunity to recommit to multilateralism, with the United Nations at the center of global system of governance.

We need to renew the trust in the charter and be guided by its values and principles to advance.

International cooperation and mutual respect, to promote diplomacy that is based on dialogue rather than competitive nationalism.

We need to embrace the diversity of culture, respect the freedom of association and affiliation by promoting human rights, peace and security and sustainable development as a mutually reinforcing collective. Madam President, we appreciate the theme of this year's high level forum of empowering youth for a culture of peace.

This is a clear recognition that youth.

Are not just beneficiaries, but should be key stakeholders in formulating and implementing policies and programs that are inclusive. Youth will be able to contribute to a culture of peace and nonviolence if they are empowered with good quality education, training, and skills, coupled with economic and entrepreneurial opportunities that translate into productive employment and decent work for all. We risk losing young people and the potential they provide as positive contributors to society if.

We do not create an enabling environment to enjoy these opportunities. We recognize that youth may fall victim to the opportunism of criminal networks and dangerous non-state actors if we do not empower young people to reach their full potential.

Madam President, the establishment of the United Nations Youth Office in 2022 provided a pivotal moment whereby we empowered the system to.

Have a bird's view -- a bird's eye view of the importance of youth across the.

System, and for youth to be viewed as having an essential role towards strengthening multilateralism. We continue to advocate for their participation. to be effectively integrated in the UN system as well as sufficiently resourced.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. Dear participants, as mentioned, the meeting will continue until 6:00 p.m. We have 18 remaining speakers on the list. Should we not have time to hear all statements, written statements by e-mail to estatements@un.org to be posted under e-statements of the United Nations Journal. I thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Suriname.

Thank you, Madam President. Suriname wishes to thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this high-level forum on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, with a particular focus on the role of youth in fostering a culture of peace and non-violence. Suriname is known for its multi-ethnic, multicultural and multi-religious society. Despite our differences, we live together in peace, guided by mutual respect and dialogue. This spirit of harmony is deeply rooted in our history and reflects the very essence of a culture of peace. We believe that cultivating a culture of peace and respect must start at the earliest stages of a child's life. The government of Suriname recognizes that addressing challenges that threaten a culture of peace requires a holistic approach.

And engaging youth to contribute to shaping innovative solutions.

Empowering youth for a culture of peace more than protecting them from violence means more than protecting them from violence. It means giving them education, opportunities, and a voice. In Suriname, young people are actively engaged in community development, climate change, and promoting justice and inclusion. We believe that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of fairness, opportunity, and dignity. Madam President, education is the cornerstone of a culture of peace. Educating our children, youth and communities about the importance of tolerance and respect for each other remains key for peaceful societies. In closing, Madam President, Suriname reaffirms its commitment to continue engaging with you to build bridges instead of walls, to foster dialogue instead of division, and to cultivate peace at every level of society. Cultivating a culture of peace must be a joint effort. We therefore call upon the international community to strengthen its support for youth-led initiatives, to trust youth voices, and to empower youth to be co-creators of a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Suriname. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Arab Emirates.

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to begin by thanking His Excellency Mr. Philemon Yeng for convening this high-level forum, and I also wish to express my appreciation to all the panelists who spoke in the opening segment. The United Arab Emirates considers the empowerment of youth as a critical factor in building a culture of peace, and this has been, in fact, evident in our national experience. Located in a region where roughly two-thirds of the population is under the age of 35, the UAE sees this demographic reality not as a mere statistic, but as an asset. Young people are drivers of innovation, agents of economic growth, and partners in building peaceful societies. That is why the UAE has taken concrete steps to place youth at the center of its decision-making and governance. Back in 2016, the UAE created the role of Minister of State for Youth Affairs, a cabinet position that not only addresses the needs of young people, but actively engages them in policymaking. At the age of 22, Sheikha **** Mazroui was appointed to the role, making her the youngest cabinet minister in the world and demonstrating to young women and girls everywhere that they can have a voice at the highest levels of power. We have also sought to institutionalize the insights of young people in multilateral processes. During its COP28 presidency, the UAE created the role of Youth Climate Champion to ensure that youth from around the globe are contributing to the highest platform of climate diplomacy. Just as we prioritize the engagement of women, the UAE is equally focused on ensuring that youth are part and parcel of its participation at multilateral fora, whether here at the General Assembly through our Youth Delegates Program, or at the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference. These steps reflect our conviction that youth must be partners in decision-making rather than merely consulted in an ad hoc manner. In this regard, the UAE strongly supports the United Nations Youth Office, which transforms youth engagement at the UN into a systematic, organization-wide priority. Resolution 2686 on tolerance, peace, and security, the first to highlight the link between extremism and conflict in a Security Council resolution, encourages young people to promote tolerance, openness, and inclusion to strengthen social cohesion. It recognizes that youth are central to our efforts to counter extremism and sustain peace. The Culture of Peace agenda and the Tolerance, Peace, and Security agenda are closely aligned, as both place tolerance and openness at the very heart of building and sustaining peace. The UAE remains committed to working in multilateral fora to advance these crucial agendas and to ensuring that youth are inclusively represented. By fostering a culture of peace and tolerance, we are not just building a better future for young people, but for all of humanity. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of United Arab Emirates. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, at the outset, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to the President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Mr. Phelimona Young, for his leadership and for convening today's high-level forum on the program of action on the culture of peace. Kazakhstan attaches great importance to this discussion on empowering youth for a culture of peace and is pleased to share its perspective in a national capacity. The adoption of the General Assembly of the resolution on the follow-up to the declaration and program of action on the culture of peace once again underlines that our collective efforts to prevent conflicts, advance human rights, and promote tolerance, equality, and inclusion are inseparably linked to the promotion of a culture of peace. Kazakhstan places particular emphasis on the role of youth in the endeavor. Young people constitute not only a majority in many regions, but also serve as a driving force for peace, innovation, and sustainable development. We are boosting youth participation in decision-making at all levels, forging vital partnerships with youth organizations to foster inclusion and social cohesion. Our commitment to empowering youth is demonstrated through concrete actions. tackling poverty, expanding free education and vocational training, creating significant employment opportunities, and championing youth entrepreneurship and innovation. By investing in our youth's potential and supporting their aspirations, we are building a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful future. The resolution rightly recalls the full, effective, constructive, and inclusive participation of youth is essential in building peaceful and resilient societies. In Central Asia, we have witnessed how interethnic dialogue, education for peace, and youth engagement can serve as powerful instruments for strengthening trust and preventing conflict. In this regard, I am pleased to highlight another recent contribution of my country to the global agenda, the General Assembly resolution entitled International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, 2026. adopted in the initiative of Kazakhstan. The upcoming year presents a significant opportunity to empower young people as pivotal actors in fostering a global culture of peace. By harnessing the energy, creativity, and commitment of youth, the year can be a catalyst for renewed global effort to cultivate a lasting culture of peace. Madam Chair, as we mark more than 25 years since the adoption of Declaration and Programme of Action on Culture of Peace, Kazakhstan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to this universal agenda. We will continue to invest in peace education, empower our youth, promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and advance initiatives which deliver tangible benefits to present and future generations. Let us ensure that today's youth are not only beneficiaries of peace, but also its architects and custodians. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Philippines.

Madam President, the Philippines supports the declaration and program of action on a culture of peace and the important and positive contribution of youth in further promoting a culture of peace and nonviolence. The program of action affirms that building a culture of peace requires long-term sustained efforts across education, human rights, democratic participation, and international cooperation. In all these efforts, the youth must be an important pillar of implementation. not just as beneficiaries, but as partners and drivers of change. Youth empowerment is key. Empowerment means access to quality education that teaches not just facts, but values, fairness, empathy, respect, and critical thinking. It means platforms where young voices are not only heard, but respected in multilateral forums, classrooms, communities, parliaments, and peace negotiations. Young people should be meaningfully engaged in public life, fostering democratic participation and developing values and skills conducive to a culture of peace, including education and training and promoting dialogue and consensus building. Empowerment also means addressing the challenges that hold young people back. Poverty, discrimination, violence, and lack of opportunity, because peace is not possible when people are hungry, silenced, discriminated, or left behind. Our success in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the southern Philippines in building peace and forging new paths and cooperation involved inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including women, the youth, faith leaders, and civil society. Promoting investing in the full, equal, and meaningful participation of all stakeholders, including the youth, has produced a credible and solid foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development in Muslim Mindanao. Here in the UN, the Philippines actively supports efforts for direct youth involvement in intergovernmental processes, including the ECOSOC Youth Forum. We likewise support the UN Security Council's Resolution 2250 on youth, peace and security, a showcase in our national action plan on youth, peace and security, It is impactful when strategies and mechanisms enable young people to participate meaningfully in peace processes and dispute resolution, including in developing strategies to counter the violent extremist narrative that can incite terrorist acts. Madam President and colleagues, as a trusted partner of the international community and a committed peacemaker, the Philippines firmly advocates for international collaboration and a rules-based order and global partnerships to strengthen multilateralism and the primacy of international law, including the peaceful settlement of international disputes. We also remain steadfast in our work towards narrowing development gaps, upholding the interlinked nature of the SDGs, and empowering people in vulnerable situations such as youth, women, older persons, and migrant workers. As our president stated, peace is more than the cessation of hostilities. It is about the creation of a social order that values human dignity, improves lives, and promotes progress. Peace is totally achieved not when the sound of gunfire has ended, it is when the clamor for better lives has been met. A culture of peace as an end and as a means is inclusive with no one left behind and with the youth empowered. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Philippines. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.

Said Raisa.

Madam President, I would like to thank you for holding this important forum, and we appreciate your continued efforts in the follow-up of the implementation.

Of the.

Program of Action on the Culture of Peace. The selection of this theme and as we mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Program of Action, we stress the importance of the role of youth to end violence. We provide an international, regional and national environment that fosters the role of peace and the launch of the King Hamad Award for Sustainable Development and Empowerment of Youth in cooperation with the UNDP embodies our approach to promote the abilities of youth and their creativity.

This award is part of the

initiatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the empowerment of youth and women and supporting sustainable development in service of humanity and peaceful coexistence and to encourage the use of technology and ICTs

in the area of education as well as capacity building and building the skills of youth.

And we have also launched the international network that supports the competitiveness of youth and we also promote international cooperation for the exchange of experience and promoting the value of work with youth and our international tolerance and coexistence. International Hamad Center works on this aspect as well. And the General Assembly of the United Nations by an initiative of the Kingdom of Bahrain on March has adopted International Day for Peaceful Coexistence. The Kingdom of Bahrain continues with its programs and policies and plans to empower youth in line with our national strategy for the empowerment of youth and the Bahrain economic vision and the national plan for human rights. And we stress our support for everything that would promote the contribution of the youth towards a world of prosperity in line with international SDGs and other documents in that regard.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Madam President, I would like to thank you. for holding this high-level forum and for providing the member states with opportunity to renew their commitments to the effective and full implementation of the program of action on a culture of peace to empower youth for a culture of peace with a particular focus on promoting peace building by ensuring justice, equality, and inclusiveness. Ladies and gentlemen, the consolidation of peace was the cause for the founding of the United Nations and it remains an area of focus to achieve its noble goals and fundamental principles as set forth in its charter, the most important of which is the maintenance of peace and security and rescuing humanity from the scourge of war that lead to destruction and devastation. Ladies and gentlemen, my country has made tireless efforts to prevent wars, achieve stability and promote a culture of peace in many regions, including the Middle East, not only through mobilizing huge resources of aid, food and medical assistance which have contributed to alleviating the suffering of many families in conflict zones, refugees and their families as a result of these wars and armed conflicts in the region, but also through political initiatives and positions and global conferences that have received strong support and positive interaction from the international community. And in this context, and with international efforts, my country, in partnership with France, has recently held an international conference to implement the two-state solution in order to achieve international peace and security and to call for a political solution and dialogue to this protracted conflict in line with international norms and conventions, ladies and gentlemen. The Kingdom has contributed to promoting a culture of peace by adopting an international resolution within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in March 2022 and declaring the 5th of March an international day to combat Islamophobia so that we can work to achieve global peace and stability, renounce extremism and violence, fight terrorism, spread tolerance and dialogue among different religions and cultures. In closing, The changes we face in our world in various forms impose on the international community the need to support the role of the United Nations to promote a culture of peace which is based on elements such as the criminalization of violence, the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights and the freedoms of others, as well as respect for cultural and religious pluralism and fighting hate speech and discrimination that target particular brackets for religious, ethnic, and other reasons. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi.

Madam

President, Burundi welcomes the holding of this high-level forum and expresses its gratitude to the President of the General Assembly for choosing such a relevant and forward-looking theme empowering youth to promote a culture of peace. Burundi attaches particular importance to young people, convinced that they represent the driving force for development, peace and lasting stability. In this regard, our country has implemented several concrete mechanisms to empower young people and to strengthen their role in promoting a culture of peace. the Youth Investment Bank, this is a financial investment dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and young people's access to financing for promising projects. We also have the Youth Economic Empowerment Program, which aims to equip young people with technical and professional skills, enabling them to contribute actively to the country's economic development. Finally, The unwavering commitment of the President of Burundi, His Excellency Mr. Evariste Nshande, who has been designated champion of African youth, is also recognized as an ally of young people. In this capacity, every year he organizes a continental youth dialogue on peace and security, which is a platform for the sharing of experiences and strengthening the voices of young Africans in conflict prevention and peace building. All of these efforts bear out Burundi's determination to place young people at the heart of our public policies by providing them not only with opportunities, but also by recognising their transformative potential. Madam President, young Burundians, as those around the rest of Africa and elsewhere, already committed on the ground. They are working in their communities through dialogue, awareness raising, reconciliation and solidarity. It falls to us to support them, to listen to them and to trust them. Burundi reaffirms its full commitment in favour of the Declaration and Programme of Action for a Culture of Peace and we welcome the adoption in September last year of the Pact for the Future, which was an historic opportunity to enhance intergenerational solidarity and to put young people at the heart of multilateral commitments for a peaceful, equitable and lasting future. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi. I now give the floor to the representative, to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Madam President, As we gather to reflect on the importance of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace,

Thailand commends the progress made in the past 25

years and joins the international community to reiterate our commitment to the promotion of a culture of peace. The world today faces unprecedented challenges from a rising number of conflicts around the world and growing geopolitical tensions. to the impacts of technological disruptions and deepening social divides. These crises underscore the urgent need to promote a culture of peace through dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful settlement of disputes. Children and young people are among the most affected by these challenges, yet their voices too often go unheard. Thailand believes that by empowering youth with a culture of peace today, we are building a strong foundation for a violence-free tomorrow. Their role in fostering a culture of peace is therefore not only essential, but also indispensable. To this end, Thailand wishes to emphasize the following points. First, we must continue to foster a culture of peace through education. Thailand is a nation anchored on tolerance, moderation, and respect for diversity. Our education aims to teach our children and youth to respect diversity, reject violence, and seek peaceful solutions to differences. To this end, Thailand has always been a supportive member of UNAOC and remains committed to support UNESCO in its effort to promoting education on a culture of peace. Second, we should continue to strengthen our engagement with children and young people. Thailand is proud to continue to

support the active participation of our youth in multilateralism, including through their roles as youth delegates to

the UNGA and AECOSOC Youth Forum. We believe that empowering our youth toward a culture of peace and preventing diplomacy

should be an integral part of our efforts to

to strengthen multilateralism and international cooperation.

Lastly, we must ensure that the rights of children and their safety are always upheld.

Children must never be a target in any disputes or conflicts or used as instruments of violence. To conclude, Thailand wishes to reaffirm our readiness to work closely with the international community to empower our youth and promote a culture of peace

for a better future for all.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iran.

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim. Madam President, I thank you for convening this important and timely high-level forum. Promoting a culture of peace is indeed among the most important actions that we must take in our current turbulent world. Peace cannot be fulfilled only through such actions as education or cultural events. We need to take concrete practical actions and set good examples too. When deeds contradict words, the youth instead of learning, unlearn peace. When the world's youth are witnessing the United Nations' extreme failure in preventing one of the most brutal genocides in history, they are in fact discouraged of learning peace. Madam President, the culture of peace is rooted mainly in the friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, sovereign equality of states, and refraining from the threat or use of force. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations establishment, it is extremely regrettable that its primary purpose, namely the maintenance of international peace and security, including the adoption of effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace and the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace has remained largely unfulfilled. Additionally, multilateralism is under unprecedented pressure and the application of unilateral coercive measures are potentially on the rise. The world, the worst is that the threat and use of force as unlawful means of pursuing national policy objectives are being employed with an alarming frequency. If unchecked, these troubling trends will seriously endanger international peace and security and severely undermine multilateralism. Challenges to peace must be addressed directly by tackling their root causes. If they are If we are to effectively confront the serious challenges facing the world today, multilateralism founded on justice and the rule of law must be preserved and promoted. Likewise, all states must truly and under all conditions reaffirm and practically respect the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Madam President. Over the past two years, the world has witnessed the crime of aggression, genocide, war crimes, war crimes against humanity, and other atrocities committed by the Israeli terrorist regime. Such acts, including the systematic use of starvation as a method of war, are material breach and flagrant violations of the fundamental principles of international law. They undermine the culture of peace and ruin the foundation for peace regionally and globally. On 13 June 2025, this regime also launched an act of aggression against my country that has resulted in the martyrdom of 1,100 individuals and injury of 5,750 others. Subsequently, the United States conducted a series of strikes against three of Iran's peaceful and IAEA safeguarded nuclear facilities. Such absolutely unlawful attacks were also brazen attacks on culture of peace, multilateralism, and international law. These aggressions once again proved that the Israeli regime is truly an existential threat to peace, and the U.S. is actual complicit and major supporter of all aggressions, crimes, and other unlawful policies and practices of that regime. Further aggression have also been committed by the Israeli regime against other states in the region. To prevent the normalization of aggression, all unlawful acts of this regime must be unequivocally rejected and resolutely condemned by the international community. The Islamic Republic of Iran has long been at the forefront of promoting culture of peace and our ancient civilization has served as a cradle of peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. We have played a pioneering role in promoting the culture of peace, one example of which is our initiative called the Dialogue Among Civilizations, endorsed by the General Assembly. We will continue to further contribute to the promotion of international peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Syrian Arab Republic.

Madam President, my delegation aligns itself with the statement of the Turkey on behalf of OIC. I would like to thank you for holding this high level forum on the implementation of the program of action on the culture of peace, which is held today under the title, the empowerment of youth for a culture of peace.

Madam President,

today's meeting is an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to spreading the culture of peace as a humanitarian collective value that is based on mutual respect, dialogue, tolerance, and promoting solidarity among the different nations and peoples. Today, it is our responsibility to enhance these noble principles as they are pillars for peacebuilding and achieving security, development, and upholding human rights for all generations. Syria, with its rich heritage and history and creative diversity, believes that promoting a culture of peace requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of crises through mobilizing efforts towards sustainable development and through promoting the role of youth

in the spreading of the values of tolerance,

promoting human rights, gender equality, social inclusion, and addressing hate speech and incitement to violence and misuse of social media and to dry up the sources of funding for terrorism. This is in addition to promoting international and regional partnerships in a framework of multilateralism. My country, Syria, reiterates its full support to the efforts to spread the culture of peace and we stress that world peace requires international solidarity, positive policies and actively and positively engaging in international multilateral action. Promoting a culture of peace is a collective shared responsibility that requires genuine political commitment and the collective will that rejects war and occupation and supports international the principles of the UN Charter and the principles of international national law. In closing, peace is not luxury or choice. It is an inherent human right and a collective duty on all of us. Peace is the conducive environment for development and it is the guarantee for the dignity of human beings and that opens doors for justice and equality. Let's work together through genuine will and determination for a world where dignity is protected and noble goals are protected, where we have belief in multilateralism and a world where we find cooperation as an alternative to the logic of power, where we use diversity as a source of wealth, not a reason for conflict, where we have a historical responsibility towards coming generations, I think.

I thank the distinguished representative of Syrian Arab Republic. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.

Madam President, we are meeting today to renew our commitment to the declaration and program of action on a culture of peace. This is a pillar for a world that is more fair and more cohesive. Peace is not simply a goal or an objective. It means investing in young people in particular, young people who are at the very heart of positive change and who are the basis for sustainable development. We firmly believe That development starts with young people. They are at the heart of our plan to craft governmental institutions. In particular, the Ministry of Sports has attached great importance to young people. We're working to build their capacity, especially as regards to digital transformation and artificial intelligence. thus accompanying global development. Peace cannot exist without socioeconomic justice. Therefore, we have supported entrepreneurship and small businesses. We need to provide opportunities. as well, we've given young people opportunities to a green environment, inter alia. We're also working to implement our international commitments in the context of the SDGs in cooperation with our international partners. We presented a document at a summit in Tunisia in 2024. We can't talk about the empowerment of young people in a culture of speech, of a peace, rather, without expressing our dismay at the ongoing systematic violations of the Israeli occupying power in Gaza. This is at odds with all international instruments. This aggression has destroyed not only the present, but is killing the future of entire generations while the world stands silent and watches. Everything starts with justice and peace, but peace starts when people are truly partners in decision-making. It's the importance of continuing to work together with all partners to ensure a culture of peace grounded in partnership, dignity, and justice. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, and then we will conclude the meeting with Jordan.

Thank you.

Uh, Madam Chair, in a world where nearly 67% of the population is under the age of 30, young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the change makers of today. Empowering youth is therefore essential for fostering a culture of peace, a vision enshrined in the United Nations declaration and program of action on a culture of peace. The program emphasizes education, human rights, gender equality, democratic participation, and intercultural dialogue as fundamental pillars for sustainable peace. The government of Pakistan remains deeply committed to these principles. Through initiatives such as the Digital Youth Hub, we provide young people with access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement opportunities. This comprehensive platform offers scholarships, career guidance, and support for startups, equipping youth with the tools to contribute meaningful to society. Under the Prime Minister's youth program, young people are offered interest-free loans for business and agricultural ventures, laptops, educational scholarships, and interest-free financing for electric bikes. These initiatives aim to foster sustainable development and self-reliance among youth. Madam Chair, the government of Pakistan also ensures youth participation in policymaking through the National Youth Council, which promotes talent development in sports and engages young people in climate action through the Green Youth Movement. These platforms embody democratic participation and civic responsibility, which are core elements of the Programme of Action on Culture of Peace. Furthermore, the government prioritizes the inclusion of marginalized youth, including women, persons with disabilities, and religious and ethnic minorities, enabling all young people to contribute fully to societal progress and the cultivation of peace.

Madam Chair,

it is critical that tangible steps are taken to enhance the engagement of youth at multilateral forums to help advance the objectives of the United Nations across its three pillars. Let us use this forum to strengthen international collaboration, invest in youth, and collectively build a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient future for all, a future that truly reflects the principles of culture of peace. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.

Madam President, Colleagues, at the outset, we thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this important meeting. We thank the ASG for Youth Affairs for his efforts to promote the participation and empowerment of youth in the United Nations. We thank the briefers in the opening segment for their insightful contributions. We underscore the importance of this meeting as a platform for us to renew our collective commitment to the culture of lasting peace and security. We welcome the theme chosen for today's meeting to focus on the role of youth in promoting the culture of peace in light of the increasingly complex political conflicts and economic and social challenges facing our world today. Mr. President, the United Nations has confirmed that the culture of peace is grounded on dialogue and understanding, on renouncing all forms of discrimination and hatred. In this context, we recall Resolution 76/254, which proclaimed the 15th of March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Islamophobia is a manifestation of intolerance that undermines peaceful coexistence. We recall Resolution 65/5 of 2010, which was adopted at Jordan's initiative, proclaiming the first week of February as a World Interfaith Harmony Week. It calls on all countries to promote understanding and mutual respect among faiths as a key pillar to promote the culture of peace. We welcome the appointment of Mr. Moratinos as Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, thus reflecting a commitment, a serious commitment to end this phenomenon and promote the culture of peace and understanding. Youth are key agents to combat terrorism and violent extremism with this surge jeopardizing their prospects and future. The youth have in different settings demonstrated their capacity to promote tolerance and promote their communities. Security Council Resolution 2250 of 2015 underscored the need to address conditions conducive for youth engagement and countering extremism. It also called for engaging them in decision-making processes at all levels. The UN Youth Strategy, the Plan of Action to Combat Violent Extremism, and the Global Strategy to Combat Terrorism highlighted the positive role of youth in promoting the culture of peace, dialogue, and pluralism. Empowering youth and ensuring their effective engagement in policies to combat violent extremism and building peace must be a top priority through inclusive approaches that go beyond the security and legal dimensions to encompass the social, economic, and educational dimensions. This will open up prospects and will ensure equal opportunities and promote inclusion. As we address the culture of peace, we cannot overlook the unprecedented humanitarian plight unfolding in Gaza. There, young generations are denied the right to education and lack prospects for employment and decent life. They live in a climate of fear and insecurity. We call again for an immediate ceasefire. for the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale for the respect of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Enabling the Palestinian youth to reclaim their future and to enjoy education and decent life is a precondition to promote the culture of peace and achieve sustainable development in our region and the world. In conclusion, we reiterate our commitment to supporting efforts to achieving a culture of peace as a collective responsibility that requires genuine commitment and comprehensive cooperation. We must translate our commitments into practical steps to end conflicts and open up doors before use. Today, we must translate our commitments into tangible steps to achieve justice and promote solidarity. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Jordan. We have heard the last speaker for this meeting. I thank the interpreters for their consideration. Those delegations who were not able to deliver their statements are kindly requested to submit their statements to estatements@un.org to be posted in the United Nations journal. The high-level forum on the program of action on a culture of peace is now concluded. The meeting is adjourned.