Hungarian foreign minister: Support must be provided for the involvement of young people in peace mediation efforts

“In the Hungarian Government’s view, the best way of protecting civilians is to attempt to avert conflicts, and young people must be given an important role in this process”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó declared on Thursday in New York on the sidelines of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly at an event organised by the Group of Friends of Mediation, established to facilitate international mediation efforts.

The younger generation was at the focus of the debate. Mr. Szijjártó said the role of young people in prevention was extremely important, adding that averting conflict must begin with preventing the appearance of radicalisation and violent extremism. He stressed the importance of local initiatives and the fact that communications opportunities must be afforded to young people and they must be represented in suitable bodies, which in turn also provides an opportunity for them to receive a role in finding solutions.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of moderate religious leaders, since they can be strategic allies with relation to mediation efforts. For this reason, Hungary is calling for Churches to also be involved in this process, because their representatives can play a huge role in involving young people in community life, and as a result in mediation processes.