Empowering Youth Economically Vital For Fighting Terrorism, Extremism: SCO Youth

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member state leaders are confident that the young people united by the 'Shanghai Spirit' are capable of becoming a powerful creative force to fight against the spread of terrorism, extremism and the rejection of law," SCO Secretary General Rashid Alimov said.

BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2018 ) :Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member state leaders are confident that the young people united by the 'Shanghai Spirit' are capable of becoming a powerful creative force to fight against the spread of terrorism, extremism and the rejection of law," SCO Secretary General Rashid Alimov said.

He made these remarks while addressing a keynote speaker at SCO Youth Assembly recently held in Dongfang Hainan, China.

On the occasion, young diplomats and representatives from SCO member and observer states also met to discuss the role of youth in the SCO, and find new ways to counter the three evils that make youth vulnerable: terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Various dignitaries made speeches regarding the imperative role of youth in this fight against extremism and organized violence and the importance of initiatives that help deeper exchange and cooperation between SCO countries.

Jointly organized by SCO Secretariat in Beijing and the current rotating president of the SCO Youth Council, Kyrgyzstan and aided by the SCO Countries Youth League (SCOLAR), the event saw hundreds of young leaders and volunteers from all the 18 SCO countries- eight members states, four observers and six dialogue partners � descending on the port city to put up a unified stand against the global menace.

SCOLAR is an independent organization aimed at providing a platform for young leaders from SCO countries to strengthen connectivity, promote dialogue and contribute to regional development.

It is affiliated with the SCO Secretariat and supported by its Secretary General. One of the curators for this organization is Ms. Zoon Ahmed Khan from Pakistan, who is also a researcher in the Institute of Belt and Road Initiative in Tsinghua University, Beijing. Khan has actively promoted the deepened understanding about SCO and its benefits to Pakistan and the region at large.

In her speech, Khan has called for making concerted efforts towards streamlining youth by harnessing their talents and protecting them from becoming prey to anti-social elements.

"Our future is connected and integrated and we must stand united.

We must at no cost support marginalization, nor stand in the way of each other's progress," she added.

Highlighting the role of Pakistan to address terrorism and extremism, she emphasized that Pakistan has adopted the National Youth Policy as well as the National Action Plan which have played a pivotal role in overcoming this menace and restoring peace. "Truly, we have come a long way, and emerged stronger after a testing period," she added.

She remarked that Pakistan's demographic realities are changing. "Today, we have one of the largest young populations in the world, with over 50 million between the ages of 18 and 29. This emerging youth offers a window of opportunity for us." She opined that the clear vision and cooperation of SCO leaders can usher in a new and just international economic system, and raise the living standards of the people of the SCO countries.

Khan observed that SCO countries could alleviate poverty, support weaker economies in the region and combat terrorism and extremism by resolutely implementing the guiding principles of the Shanghai spirit, of shared development and prosperity.

She also proposed the establishment of the "SCO Universities Alliance", within the framework of the University of SCO, to promote openness through exchanges between scholars, students and staff. It will involve a joint cooperative mechanism for all SCO nations to establish a strategic partnership in higher education, and exchange knowledge and ideas om addressing common challenges in a more effective way.

She believes that the SCO is an important platform for Pakistan to integrate in the region, promote the spirit of shared prosperity and improve awareness and knowledge about Pakistan within the SCO community.

Khan believes that as new members, there is still little awareness among Pakistan's youth about the SCO's significance, and this is a gap she aims to bridge with the help of her colleagues at SCOLAR.

As curator of the SCOLAR, Khan is responsible for Discussion Clubs and Ambassador Talks, which are aimed to promote deeper linkages and knowledge within the SCO community's youth.