First Expert Meeting on Youth and Urban Peace held

The event was organized by the Young Shahryaran Club affiliated to Tehran Municipality and supported by the United Nations Information Center (UNIC).

The meeting took place at the Cultural and Art Organization of Tehran Municipality on September 21, 2017.

UNIC Director Maria Dotsenko, Head of Elite Commission of Iran's Expediency Council’s Secretariat Mohammad Ebrahim Maddahi and Head of Environment Commission of Tehran City Council Zahra Sadreazam-Noori were the main speakers of the meeting.

In her opening remarks, UNIC director quoted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as saying, “In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats.”

She said that this year, the International Day of Peace focuses on engaging and mobilizing people throughout the world to show support for refugees and migrants.

“You, young people have a vital role to play,” Dotsenko said, adding that for example, youth can volunteer to help refugees and migrants in their communities and cities. the UNIC director also hailed various peace initiatives of the Iranian government.

Mohammad Ebrahim Maddahi, for his part, said that young people have a lot of opportunities. He said all efforts should be exerted in order to benefit from full potential of the youth.

“These were young people at the ages of 17 or 18 who were the main players for the victory of the Islamic Revolution and Iranian defense during the Iraqi-imposed war, and hopefully they will also be more active today,” he said.

In the meantime, Zahra Sadreazam-Noori referred to the important role of youth as the social wealth of all families and communities. She told the audience that 50 percent of Iran’s population is youth.

“Iran is a young country and we should be proud of this,” she added.

The seminar continued by exchange of views by experts on youth and urban peace.

A member of Young Shahryaran Club, Maryam Boloukat, read the statement of Tehrani youth for the participants.

UN promotional materials were distributed to the participants.

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