By Joseph Varghese /Staff reporter


Youth must develop global humanitarian thoughts and lead the way in shaping the future of the world, a top UN official urged yesterday.
Dr Jemilah Mahmood, chief of the World Humanitarian Summit secretariat, the UN Office for Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs was speaking yesterday at the  first-ever Global Youth Consultation (GYC) being  held in Doha  in connection with the UN’s World Humanitarian Summit.
The official also emphasised that the youth must be the agents of change and keep adults responsible for the promises they made.They should come forward to get rid of the lack of trust among global communities.
Mahmood said: “Thousands of people are fleeing Africa and the Middle East to reach Europe. 2015 has been the most turbulent year so far since the Second World War with 60mn people out of their homes due to ongoing conflicts.”
“This is a little below the population of Italy. Over 50% of them are children and youth with average age at 17.  The migrants lack opportunities at home with no job or other opportunities and risk their lives to free themselves from poverty and unemployment,” she highlighted.
Mahmood maintained that adults of today are responsible for the shape of things that the youth are facing today. She noted: “This is the world you are inheriting from us. But, I see the potential and the determination among the youth to face the most challenging situations.”
The UN official challenged youth to hold the  adults responsible for their work. She explained: “The global financial crisis has hit young people most. Adults could be accused of making the world sick, broken and shattered. Youth have been hit hard and lost their dreams by unemployment and humanitarian crises. We are also asking you to rebuild fast and cope.”
She highlighted that the GYC was a great and life -time opportunity to engage youth in a substantial discussion on humanitarian issues and to highlight the priorities. “Youth can suggest new and innovative ideas to solve the  humanitarian challenges that we are facing by fostering increased collaboration and innovation. Create a platform for your generation to be heard for higher and greater action,” she added.