South Asian youth leaders visit USA to promote peace

: :  via IBNS : :

A group of young leaders from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan called on US Under Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy Judith A. McHale at the Harry S Truman building on Wednesday.

This group known under the Seeds of Peace programme  have just completed a three-week conflict resolution meeting in Maine. 

The Seeds of Peace International Camp encourages increased understanding, tolerance, and new friendships among youth from conflict-torn regions.

The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs is funding these students’ participation in the camp and subsequent follow-on activities in the region. 

Seeds participants remain in touch after their experience through the Internet, digital video conferences, homestays and other regional programmes. During their visit to Washington D.C., they will also visit the White House and meet with members of Congress. 

The Washington D.C. part of the programme helps to empower these young leaders, as they return from camp, to share their experiences with their peers and gain exposure to policy-makers in Washington. 

The Seeds participants will see how U.S. leaders are interested in their achievements and are counting on them to create a more just and secure future in their region and for all peoples and nations.