Good morning, everyone!

First of all, I would like to thank Ingrid Stange and the rest of team for putting this conference together.
And congratulations to all of you – we’re finally here. This is a day I know a lot of us have been looking
forward to.
I really believe in young people. That is why I am here with you today - and why our foundation is co-
hosting this year's Partnership for Change conference.
I like to dwell a little bit on what it means to be young.
Being young is about more than age.  It can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with an unstable sense of self-
esteem. Insecurity, loneliness and disguised vulnerability. We search for love and we search for belonging.
But being young also carries endless possibilities, creativity, curiosity, energy, impatience and guts. It
holds a special joy of life.
In other words: It is much like life as an adult - just more intense.
Everything comes in brighter colours, maybe more contrasting colours, though.
There are just as many ways of being young as there are young people in the world.
Every single one of us is unique and each person lives life differently.
Everyone has resources, everyone has skills, personality and experience that deserve to be discovered and
nurtured.
Today, half of the world's population is under the age of 27. And young people around the world and in
Norway will not only determine our future, they define what the world looks like today.
And still, young people of today face many, many burdens –young people are three times more likely to be
unemployed than adults, and over 75 million young people are looking for work around the world today.
That’s a staggering number – 75 million young people are looking for work! The International Labour
Organisation has warned of a “scarred generation” because of both unemployment and increased
inactivity amongst many young people.
And yet, millions are better informed, more social responsible and know more about the digital and social
revolution than anyone.
It’s their way of life.
Young people are at the forefront of change and innovation, and many have the spirit to make things
happen. They just need to be given the space to excel. I have seen it within so many fields in my work; in
my work with hiv/aids, in the work we do with young businesses, and within environmental issues to
name a few areas.
So we truly need young people’s voices. As a society I don’t think we can survive without truly listen to
young people and to develop their skills.
We are gathered here today because:
We believe in the power of young people.
We know that every young person has a potential to fulfil.
And we know that when we are recognized for our qualities, we can create a strong society - together.
So we hope that the next days will provide a platform for all of us to discuss just how we can do that.
Thank you.
Every citizen of our country is responsible for strengthening the foundation of our
society. As a metaphor, every society is like an array of stunningly beautiful flowers,
where each one’s uniqueness makes the whole bouquet come to life. Flowers differ in
fragrance, size, and color, but when combined, they make the bouquet more
captivating.
The youth are an integral part of any society, just like flowers, and they have
an important role to play. Any society is incomplete without the participation of young
blood. As is rightly said, “youth is the force, hope and leaders of tomorrow” as they are
the face of our community, society and country at large. Change starts with young
people, pushing our government or system to do its job effectively.
But our youth too has got important responsibilities to discharge. We should draw a
lesson from the past, remain vigilant in the present, and live with the hope of seeing a
brighter future. Our young people have a responsibility to fulfill, which is to remain
honest and authentic. They should continue to work for the growth of our society and
country.

Young people should use their brain, creativity, strength, and skills to effect meaningful
change in our society, so it can function as best as possible. The young generation can
become the backbone of the nation, so that the seeds of sound morals and principles
can be sown for our bright future.

Our youth must concentrate on their studies first and educate themselves well so that
they can build a brighter future for our country. In addition to intellectual studies,
physical education is also crucial since a sound mind is not possible without a sound
body. Therefore, if our young people remain healthy, they can put their best efforts into
working for their country. Thank You!