THE young
population holds one of the crucial keys to creating and ensuring sustainable
and equitable development globally, empowering young people and involving them
for the mutual benefit of all, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak
Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah said yesterday.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 10th International School
Brunei Borneo Global Issue Conference (ISB BGIC) yesterday, HRH Princess Sarah
said in her sabda if this can done, it will be "a giant step
forward", adding that the way to realise the potential of the young
population is to invest in them.
"We need to ensure that they have the tools of education to hone
and channel their creativity capacities for innovation," she said.
"We need to endow them with the gift of health so they can properly devote
their energies and zeal to supporting themselves and their families. We need to
instill in them, the belief in themselves, that irrespective of their gender,
ethnicity or circumstances, they can succeed in their efforts both big and
small to improve their lives and the lives of their children to come."
HRH also stressed that it is vital that these young people are made
aware of the impact of population growth, particularly because the planet is
facing unprecedented challenges in terms of dwindling natural resources and
environmental degradation.
She explained that humanity has to confront with global issues like
conflict, poverty, disease and economic instability, adding that "the
challenge that we face now and for the foreseeable future, is how, both as individuals
and nations, we can move forward in ensuring that the quality of life is raised
for all."
She added that the students attending the conference yesterday are also
part of the rapidly growing portion of the world's 1.8 billion adolescents and
youths, who constitute more than a quarter of the world's population and 90 per
cent of whom live in developing countries.
Carrying the theme of "Seven Billion People, One Planet", she
said that ISB BGIC, which models after the United Nations (UN) conference, will
thus give the 300 student participants firsthand experience and understanding
of the serious issues faced by the world leaders at the UN.
These young delegates who have gathered from across Brunei Darussalam,
Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong will have to accurately represent their
countries in the conference and discuss the challenges that they face as a
global community while learning from each other, she added.
"I am (also) pleased that this year's ISB BGIC Secretariat has
tasked 12 participants to serve as Secretary-Generals, taking leadership of the
Committees of Political, Environment, Human Rights, the Security Council, as
well as the Press Team," she said.
"These upstanding young global citizens are aware of the
significant responsibilities resting upon their shoulders and the importance of
working together to achieve fair and practical solutions towards serious global
issues," she said, adding that mutual respect amongst delegates is also
vital in order to recognise and appreciate the different approaches and values
they come with.
"I urge all the young people here today to be both vocal in their
opinions, yet receptive in their decision making, taking the time to properly
consider the ideas and circumstances of others," she said, explaining that
being able and willing to think critically and in a caring way is a major
prerequisite to becoming a responsible global citizen.
"Educating young people (thus) goes beyond classrooms and schools
(where) this conference also builds upon other important life-skills including
communication, decision-making, social interaction, confidence building and
character development," she said.
"I hope all young delegates here today understand that the
exercise they are undertaking now is actually an important part of their
preparation for the future."
During the opening ceremony of ISB BGIC at the International Convention
Centre yesterday, HRH Princess Sarah and the attending audience were presented
with four speeches by Datin Paduka Adina Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture,
Youth and Sports, Alderman David Wootton, Lord Mayor of London, Vincent Ho,
Chief Executive Officer of HSBC and Hugh Evans, Chief Executive Officer of the
Global Poverty Project.
They were also entertained by ISB performances from the global
intercultural fusion dance and musicals titled "Seven Billion" and
"We Are One".
DIYANA IBRAHIM
The Brunei Times
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