(ANS - Bonn) - The world can be saved only with young people. Politicians can do it only with the help of the Church and of young people around the world. This was what emerged at the Don Bosco Forum, held on 24 January at the University of Bonn. The title of the forum was "I have little time to save the world" – a quote from a song well known to young Germans. The forum was attended by over 600 people, among them Dr Friedrich Kitschelt, Secretary of State of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Dr Kitschelt said: "We cannot admit as partners in development projects those governments that exclude the participation of people, where corruption is widespread and civil society is not allowed to develop. But we must not abandon the people. In these cases we have to and we want to work with non-governmental organizations and the Churches." He added: "We feel very fortunate to have partners like the followers of Don Bosco, since they often have the best local knowledge."

Salesian Brother Jean Paul Muller, Economer General of the Salesian Congregation, drew attention to a group often forgotten in modern development - young people. Working for a more just world is a reality in the daily lives of many young people around the world. "Today young people are the driving force and energy in our society. We must have confidence in them and in their ability "said Bro. Muller, stressing the need to give them more space, especially in politics and in the Church.

The Don Bosco Forum 2015 afforded the participants in this international conference an opportunity to express their wishes for a more just future. Thus, for example, Rosie, aged 26, a former volunteer was one of the moderators of the event. She asked two guests, Jasmine, a 27 year-old Austrian, and Nikola, an 18 year-old Montenegrin, to debate their views on the future of the world, starting from their own experience.

Worldwide, there are about 1.2 billion people between the ages of 15 and 24. 90% of them live in developing countries. Very often we hear nothing about the social and political circumstances in which many young people around the world live. We do not even hear their voice. "In the spirit of Christian social ethics and of the pedagogy of Don Bosco we must put people at the centre," said Dr. Kitschelt, referring to the saint of youth. "If young people can develop their skills, they will also develop an awareness of what kind of world they want to live. For this reason, our commitment to education must increase."

Published 28/01/2015