In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/6588

SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS YOUTH MUST JOIN IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

8 June 1998


Press Release
SG/SM/6588


SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS YOUTH MUST JOIN IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

19980608 Following is the text of Secretary-General Kofi Annan's statement at the presentation today of the "Vision from Banff" -- a document adopted at a youth non-governmental organizations forum on drug abuse prevention in April -- in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Silva of Sweden:

I am very pleased to welcome you to the United Nations and to the special session of the General Assembly.

Today is a very important day in the world's fight against drugs. Leaders of all countries have gathered to decide how to fight the menace of drugs as we move towards the twenty-first century.

But if this battle is to be won, our youth must join in it, for it is their future which is in the balance. Helping young people say "no" to drugs is one of our most important goals. All too often in this process, the voice of young people is not heard loud or clear enough. That is why the United Nations is proud to have organized the meetings in Banff and Paris which you attended. That is why we are pleased to give you the opportunity to make your views even more widely known during this special session.

I am also grateful to you, Your Majesty, for attending this special session, for the part you play in the fight against drug abuse, and for making this a memorable occasion for all of us. "Tusen tack."

Let me assure you that as we move into the next phase of our work -- that of putting into action the decisions taken this week -- we will continue to listen carefully to the message of young people involved in the fight against drugs across the world. Thank you.

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For information media. Not an official record.