OSCE Youth Forum opens in Madrid

MADRID, 5 November 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, opened the first OSCE Youth Forum in Madrid today.

The event was organized on the initiative of the Spanish Chairmanship and welcomed by all 56 OSCE participating States.

Minister Moratinos highlighted the fact that this was the first meeting in the Organization's history for young people from its participating States.

"You must continue the work of past generations by defending and consolidating values and principles that triumphed over the division of Europe and resulted in the development of democracy across great regions of this continent," he said.

The Forum brings together participants aged 18-30 years from across the OSCE region. They are part of the so-called "post-Helsinki" generation which grew up after the 1975 Helsinki Final Act which promoted goodwill between the Cold War era blocs.

Participants will discuss issues such as international co-operation in the fight against terrorism, support for its victims, the role of young people in conflict prevention, the good use and distribution of natural resources, the environment and security, promoting understanding among cultures and religions, and defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Chairman-in-Office said he would listen intently to the young participants at the forum, and transmit their messages and reflections to the OSCE participating States.

"If you find this forum a useful platform for discussion about how we can best promote OSCE values, and you wish to continue holding OSCE Youth Forum sessions, I promise I will do all I can to see to that this initiative is continued," the Minister said.

Youth, as a key to achieving healthy diversity, is one of the priorities of the 2007 Spanish OSCE Chairmanship.