Youth leaders in Bangkok to mull problems of the world
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WITH MUSIC and performances on stage, the "One Young World Summit 2015'' kicked off yesterday in Bangkok with almost 200 countries placing their flags on the stage during the opening ceremony.
The ceremony at Sanam Luang also proudly conveyed the diverse cultures of Thailand’s four regions.
Around 1,300 delegates, arriving in Bangkok earlier yesterday to attend this key global event, were warmly welcomed on a flotilla of boats, which took them to the venues on the Chao Phraya River.
After the flotilla procession, delegates were taken to the formal open ceremony at Sanam Luang, in the historic centre of Bangkok.
Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) was ready and willing to host the first “One Young World Summit 2015’’ with 1,300 young leaders from 196 countries.
In the coming days, the young people will put their heads together over world issues until Saturday – under the watchful eyes of world leaders attending the summit as counselors.
They include former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, Bob Geldof, Muhammad Yunus and Paul Polman.
Sukhumbhand said this year was the best time to hold the summit as the Asean economic community was about to be established. The summit provides a stage for the world’s young leaders to discuss issues that urgently need solutions.
“The inspiration derived from this summit will help bring about solutions to problems faced by the world,” Sukhumbhand said.
Kate Robertson, founder of One Young World, said she chose to hold the summit in Bangkok because it was a vibrant capital with great diversity of races, religions and cultures – but where people lived in harmony and peace.
“Thailand is the most prominent city in terms of holding social activities that would suit One Young World’s philosophy,” she said
The summit will touch on six issues relating to: education, environment, world business, human rights, leadership and administration, peace and security.
