The unrest prevailing in some Muslim countries has not deterred the youth there and, in fact, it has had a positive impact on them, according to Dr Arif Abdeljalil, commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Youth Union Commission. 
“A trend where the youth are overcoming hardships is becoming increasingly evident in the Muslim world. Conflicts have not prevented them from pursuing their dreams. And they are also active in discharging their duties by ensuring participation and involvement in different strands of life, ranging from administration to social work,” Dr Abdeljalil told Gulf Times recently on the sidelines of the Doha Islamic Youth Forum, where he presented a paper on 'Youth is the real wealth of the nation'.
The forum, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, concluded on Thursday.
“Today’s youth are more creative and more committed. The more they face political instability, the more they are motivated. And they tend to take up efforts to make things better through the use of all available resources even if they are limited,” he explained.
Dr Abdeljalil, who noted that the younger generation tends to think positively and approach things accordingly, said they are doing their bit to beat negativity. “They are aware of the challenges and remain vigilant against bad tendencies. They are also engaged in maintaining peace and security and ensuring the welfare of all,” he said. 
For Dr Abdeljalil, the forum was an ideal venue to get motivated and share experiences. “Such initiatives help the youth from various countries get a clear picture of the social and political scenario in the Islamic world. They also help them stay together and plan strategies to ensure comprehensive social and cultural development of the Muslim world. These forums keep them motivated and draw them towards new dreams,” he added.
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