Address by H.E Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan at Samarkand Forum on Human Rights "Youth 2020: Global Solidarity, Sustainable Development and Human Rights".

Dear participants of the Forum!

I t accords me a profound great pleasure to welcome all of you, the participants of Samarkand Forum on Human rights "Youth 2020: global solidarity, sustainable development and human rights". I cordially congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on the International Youth Day. I am sincerely grateful to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for supporting the initiative to hold this Forum.

I am also thankful to the representatives of the United Nations, UNESCO, International Labor Organization, International Migration Organization, InterParliamentary Union, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Commonwealth of Independent States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other partners for their participation in this Forum.

Dear friends!

As we know, the young people with a vision to future are generators of new ideas and creative solutions to make our planet a more peaceful and prosperous place. The UN Youth Strategy emphasizes that "the young people represent the most valuable and extremely important resource which is worth investing in, as the investment will be repaid manifold in the future". I fully agree with this key provision. Since the beginning of the year, the COVID-19 has become a central issue on the global agenda. The emergence of a new type of coronavirus has had serious economic and social consequences throughout the world.

The people, particularly the youth, have faced many challenges that require comprehensive responses from the states and the international community. In these circumstances, the youth voice must be heard. It must be enabled the direct participation in the formulation and implementation of national, regional and global policies and programs aimed to meet their basic needs, protect their rights and legitimate interests.

It is noteworthy that, in today's difficult situation, the young people meet the challenges, including the pandemic, with their promising initiatives and social projects. Young volunteers around the world are actively involved in supporting vulnerable population and promoting new economic and humanitarian programs.

Dear participants of the Forum!

In the modern world intellectually and spiritually developed, proactive Address by H.E Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan at Samarkand Forum on Human Rights "Youth 2020: Global Solidarity, Sustainable Development and Human Rights" THE DIPLOMATIC...