Youth from across Asia and the Pacific will attend the Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation on Youth, Peace & Security, in Bangkok, Thailand from 16-19 May 2017.

The consultation aims to build a regional perspective for the successful implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on youth, peace and security. As part of this, young people are invited to join an online conversation on youth and peacebuilding.

In the run up to the event UNFPA is posting blogs from young peacebuilders from across Asia and the Pacific.

Oh Youth!

Malhardeen Mohamed Saajid (26) founded Sri Lanka’s 'Kalutara Youth Foundation' – a diverse youth-led organisation that works towards a more peaceful Sri Lanka.

I strongly believe that world peace is possible in our lifetime. I know it may not seem possible when we often here the term ‘life is short; we are not going to live forever’. However, not everything is hopeless. I believe that all it takes to create peace in the world is to know that you are in control of your life.

You are able to choose to think for yourself, to be responsible for yourself and to all others -meaning you can live a life that is at peace. You don't have to be fearful. You don't have to see others as enemies. When choosing how to live your life, ask yourself: are my actions in harmony with other people’s wellbeing and the sustainability of our planet? 

As long as the answer is yes you are on the right track.

Realize that everyone is here to experience life to its fullest in their own unique way. Just because they choose to do it differently than you might choose, does not make their actions wrong or bad.

Don't take other's choices personally. Never judge how others live their lives. You don't know all the facts. The world would be boring to live in if everyone had the same interests and make the same choices.

The diversity in the world makes it more beautiful and interesting. Differences in ethnicity, religion, race and sex makes life more colourful. Also, a country’s strength lies in diversity, not in similarities.

Youth should be trained to look at this diversity in a broader and more positive way than being quick to criticize differences. A peaceful world is possible in our lifetimes, if we accept diversity among humanity. We should all do our part to support activities that promote equality - Let’s be ambassadors for world peace! Its starts with us!