You are never too young to lead and you should never doubt your capacity to triumph where others have not.

On this International Day of Peace, let us dare to imagine a world free of conflict and violence

In the rush for justice it is important not to lose sight of principles the country holds dear.

In the past we could afford a long gestation period before undertaking major environmental policy initiatives. Today the time for a well-planned transition to a sustainable system is running out. We may be moving in the right direction, but we are moving too slowly. We are failing in our responsibility to future generations and even the present one.

On this International Day of Peace, let us all honor those who have suffered from violence. Let us hold in our hearts the ideal of peace.

Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society's margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.

Any society that does not succeed in tapping into the energy and creativity of its youth will be left behind.