Forum on Minority Issues Agenda No 5: Minority youth: agents of change for peace and stability. Tahani I Ruhi , Representative of the Bahai’s community in Jordan. Mr. Chairman Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the great opportunity given to me as an Interfaith activist to be in a fellowship program and to thank OHCHR for this useful and informative program which makes it unique experience. Jordan has a young population; more than 70% of its is under 30 years of age. We as Jordanians always look at investment in youth as an instrument for national development. I also come from Amman and where the declaration on youth, peace and security was announced a couple of years ago. So, we look at the youth in general and minorities specifically , as its not only the youth that can make a difference in the life of society. Young people are already impacting their communities every day, in countless ways and to widely varying ends. The issue, rather, is how the desire to contribute to constructive change and to offer meaningful service – both these characteristics– can be strengthened, supported, and expanded. The youngsters in my country, need to be trusted more, as elements of change. I have been conducting and participating in the Interfaith dialogues and social discourse in my country for few years to raise awareness along with other religious representatives on importance to work together in peace building in our society. There is still a lot more needs to be promoted by the youth themselves and for them to be given the chance to actively participate without restrictrictions in order to allow all the components in our society to express their views and to find ways to move forward together as citizens, hand in hand with other youth for the welfare of our country. Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to my country, Jordon, where the Bahais’ and all other minorities enjoy good relations both with our fellow countrymen and with our government. Thank you, Mr. Chairman