Following the 4th Eritrean Youth festival, an international youth forum was conducted in Asmara under the theme “Mutual Understanding for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.” The forum which was conducted from 21 up to 23 July 2010 at Asmara Palace Hotel, it was aimed at bringing together youth and student organizations to discuss and create partnerships through themes of inclusive dialogue.

In his opening remarks President Isaias Afwerki said the symposium is the continuation of the 4th ERI-Youth Festival, and that it reminds the responsibility of the youth in the region towards meeting the challenges being encountered at the regional and global level through strengthening common friendship.

In a presentation conducted by Mr. Abdallah Jaber, Head of the Organizational Affairs of the PFDJ, he pointed out that a country short of lasting peace and security, as well as clear political path negatively affects other countries, especially neighboring ones. In this respect, he underscored the paramount importance of fostering close partnership of cooperation among countries, especially active participation of solid organization and contribution of youths.

He further underscored that no country has been able to ensure economic emancipation by isolating itself from the outside world and stressed the need for the youth in the region to enhance partnership, strengthen organizational capacity and become owners of their resources, and thereby strive for peace and security, as well as reconstruction of their respective nations.

In his paper in regard to youth empowerment and nation building, the chairperson of the NUEYS Mr. Sultan Seid, said nurturing dynamic, mature, versatile youth is a prerequisite of building strong nation. He later explained that the investment made by nations on their youths is the determining factor for the success of the endeavors for changing Africa’s negative image and enabling it to become master of its own resources. He further stressed the need for taking joint action towards ensuring regional stability and nurturing mature youths so that the African people may become beneficiaries of their own resources.

During the opening ceremony of the forum representatives of various African youth unions delivered their message of solidarity. Among them, Mr. Justin Chusaru, Vice President of the World Federation of Democratic Youth said, Western countries have continued to unilaterally declare sanctions on the people of Eritrea. Indicating that the WFDY is an organization mandated by its member organizations from across the world, it calls for the lift of the sanctions.

He later commended the intervention of the Eritrean government in brokering the peace talks in the Sudanese civil war.

“Clearly that’s the exemplary leadership of Eritrea, they showed the world that they are for peace, not for any confusion or war,” he added.

Similarly Mr. Duale Yusuf , chairman of the Somalia Youth Congress said, the Somalis problem should left to themselves. Commending the Eritrean people and Government for their moral backing during their difficult times, indicated that the youth organizations need to work tirelessly to face the prevailing threats in the region.
On behalf of SPLM Youth League, Mr. Attia Adroun, head of delegation of the Youth League, Sudanese Peoples Liberation Front, after commending the host country for conducting this event, he thanked Eritrea for its role in bringing peace to Sudan and reiterated the strong ties between Eritrea and Southern Sudan.

During the 3-day international symposium 9 study papers were presented in which the participants held in-depth discussions. Among the study papers include “Rethinking Conflict Resolution for Sustainable Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa,” by Saleh Omar, “Reformation between Reality and Ambition” by Ahmed Ibrahim Ali, and Filmon Mihreteab presented “Techniques of Advocacy and Lobbying for Peace and Sustainable Development.” The first’s day session was concluded with a panel discussion on “Generation Gap toward Cooperation or Conflict?”
During the Second day session three papers were presented. A member of the Libyan delegation begun the days’ session with his papers entitled “IT and Youth Development,” followed by Mr. Alamin Hamed and Mr. Daniel Semere’s presentation on “Youth Associations: The Way Forward for Mutual Understanding”. Mr. Futsum Amaha took podium later to present his paper entitled “The Role of Peer education for Peace and Sustainable Development.” A panel discussion that focused on the Role of Media in Youth Empowerment was also wrapped up the day’s session.

The participants were then divided into groups and discussed on two topics in regard to establishing mutual understanding for peace. The participants after thorough discussions presented their outcome to the floor.

On the third day of the session, presentation in regard to Eritrean youth patriotism and their political participation in independent Eritrea, the role of the youth in economic and political development were presented by Mr. Habtom Zeray from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Abdallah Atiem from the Sudanese delegation. During that day, Dr. Mismay Ghebrehiwet, advisor of the Minister of Health briefed the attendee of the forum on the Eritrean achievements in the health sector.

In the afternoon the international participants were taken on a tour of the city of Asmara before reconvening again at the Asmara Palace Hotel for the official a closing ceremony.

In the evening hours of Friday, 25 July, the symposium came to closing in a reception attended by government officials and invited guests. Giving the deliberations and recommendations of the forum, Mr. Saad Romodan and Justin Chusara, indicated that the forum has denounced the unjust sanctions against Eritrea. Besides, the participants of the symposium calls for the structuring of African regional organizations and the UN, African media outlets at national and regional level to enhance programs focusing on strengthening the political and socio-economic wellbeing of youths, among others.

On behalf of the hosting country, the NUEYS, accorded gifts and certificate of participation to the guest participants, while the Egyptian and Sudanese delegations gave presents to the Eritrean Government, PFDJ and the NUEYS.

Attending the three day forum include representatives of the Democratic Youth of Sudan, Democratic Union of Youth of Sudan, SPLM Youth of South Sudan, Somali Youth Congress, the National Council of Egypt, the National Organization of Libyan Youth and Eritrean Sudanese Friendship Organization.