Kofi Annan Backs Young As Best Peacemakers

Young people are "disproportionately affected by violence and conflict" but are also among the world's "most determined peacemakers", the UN's former secretary-general has said.

In a speech in Ireland, Kofi Annan said he was "hopeful and reassured that the future of our world is not lost".

He was addressing young people from across the globe at One Young World - an annual gathering that aims to create lasting change.

They will be joined by journalists from Sky News to introduce Stand Up Be Counted , an innovative platform for 16 to 25-year-olds to speak out on issues that matter most to them.

They will show how contributing through the website and social media can amplify their voice and help shape the news agenda.

Earlier, Mr Annan said: "Young people are especially vulnerable and disproportionately affected by violence and conflict.

"They're caught up in and victimised by violence as child soldiers or gang members, or as refugees or migrants.

"Yet they're among the most determined peacemakers and the most effective agents of reconciliation.

"They're more aware than previous generations of the complexities of conflict and have an array of tools, in particular social media, to shine a light on the causes of conflict, wherever and whenever they may be.”

He added: "I'll come away hopeful and reassured that the future of our world is not lost."

As well as Mr Annan, speakers at One Young World include Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and veteran charity campaigner Sir Bob Geldof.

The conference also provides a platform for young people to campaign on issues that impact on their lives.

Solin Karim, a 21-year-old university student from Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, fought back tears as she spoke about the rise of Islamic State, including a moving story about a young boy who died after running to the mountains to escape militants.

"Children are losing hope because of IS and once they lose hope, they'll start to believe in the power of weapons," she said.

"They have to know that war will never be the solution to our problems, and the UN and other organisations need to take action to give them a proper education."

Stand Up Be Counted was set up to encourage young people to engage in politics.

At the last election, just 44% of 18 to 24-year-olds turned out to vote, meaning politicians can comfortably ignore an entire demographic, confident they have little influence at the ballot box.

The Stand Up site is already a showcase for creative, absorbing and entertaining debate, centred around videos recorded by young people on their smartphones and webcams.