AKIPRESS.COM - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) this week supported a youth forum entitled “Youths with right steps to achieve good objectives” in Jalal-Abad region, as part of its peace-building activities.

“This is an exciting gathering, bringing together so many young people to discuss peace and common concerns. The positive energy is infectious and I am confident that what they experience today, tackling difficult issues through dialogue and exchange of ideas, would help them make positive changes to their country’s future,” UNHCR’s Representative Maki Shinohara said.

Some 200 youths from all districts of Kyrgyzstan gathered for the two-day festival in the mountain village of Ala-Buka to discuss key issues relevant to peace, including prevention of religious extremism among young people; youths for strengthening international and inter-ethnic relations; youths role in the resolution of cross-border issues; and crime prevention among teen-agers. The event was organized by governor of Jalal-Abad region and supported by UNDP, UNICEF and UNHCR.

The events served to strengthen the inter-ethnic tolerance among young actors, created a platform for dialogue between youths and the authorities, provided an opportunity for young leaders from remote areas of Kyrgyzstan to come together to share their experiences with other participants. They concluded thematic discussions with a joint resolution urging relevant decision makers of the Kyrgyz Government to improve and reinforce policies related to the concerns of young people.