Leaders Urge Youths to Contribute to World Peace

Marking the International Day of Peace, China and the United Nations have urged youths across the world to make greater contributions to the cause of peace and development.

Leaders made the remarks at a celebratory conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Da Min has the details.
Speaking to hundreds of youths attending the conference, Vice President of the All-China Youth Federation Lu Yongzheng says the world is facing a variety of security threats, such as terrorism and regional armed conflicts.

He calls on young people of different countries to join hands and rise to these challenges.

"To safeguard world peace, we must strengthen unity among people across the globe. Youths in particular should use their fresh wisdom and passion to reduce misunderstanding and increase mutual trust across borders. I hope today's young people can make contributions to world peace that will make the times really proud."

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also issued a similar call in a message read by Renata Lok Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator in China, at the conference.

"I say to all young people in China and throughout the world: join us. Help us to find global solutions to the global problems of injustice and impunity; poverty and hunger; environmental degradation. Share your plans and ideas. Act with creativity and passion. Help us fight for peace and prosperity for all."

Dessallien also speaks highly of China's persistent efforts to contribute peacekeepers to the world.

"The UN peace-keeping operations is (are) well-known. They have become a signature service for peace with contributions from countries around the world, including China, who has generously contributed 16,000 or more troops over the years."

China has participated in 18 UN peacekeeping operations over the past 20 years, and nine Chinese peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

At present, around 2,000 Chinese officers and soldiers are involved in nine of the 15 UN peacekeeping operations.

Kui Zhang, a former Chinese peacekeeper in Sudan, says young Chinese soldiers are committed to maintaining world peace and security.

"Young Chinese soldiers will never forget the historic mission of maintaining world peace and pushing for common development. In compliance with the principles of the UN charter, we are determined to make greater contributions to the UN peacekeeping operations."

Established by the UN General Assembly in 1981, the International Day of Peace is marked annually on September 21.

For CRI, I'm Da Min.