Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned demonstrated her support for youth initiatives and mobilization as she opened the Intergenerational High Level conference of the Islamic Conference Youth Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan on Thursday the 1st of November. Her Highness was in Azerbaijan to speak to youth from across Muslim countries and Europe who had completed the Youth for Alliance of Civilization Camp where they discussed issues regarding cross cultural dialogue and youth mobilization with high profile leaders in academia, arts and media. The camp culminated in a two day High level conference which will discuss the viability of an international youth movement under the Youth for the Alliance of Civilizations Initiative. Her Highness spoke as the key note speaker in the presence of other noted dignitaries such as H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbajan, H.E. Mehriban Aliyeva, First lady of Azerbaijan, H.E. Abdulaziz Othman Al Twaijiri, Director General of ISESCO and H.E. President Jorge Sampaio, High representative of the UN Secretary General for the Alliance of Civilizations. Her Highness encouraged youth to mobilize themselves across Muslim countries and beyond. She noted that trust in oneself, living your faith and respecting others are challenges in today's rapidly changing world. She made a special appeal to young Muslims to "be what Islam actually is - forward looking, creative and innovative' She had some frank words for the failures of current leadership which she noted "stand accused of ignoring the voices of our young while we preach about democracy and development". In her remarks Her Highness noted major policy changes are required across the region when it come to youth. She particularly focused on the need to enhance youth economic participation, encourage counter mobilization movements in the cause of peace and progress, and support youth movements as they try to find the mechanisms to voice their views. The conference in Baku will continue until November 2nd and will focus on how governments and young people can work together to meet the needs of the world's youth populations.
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