By Shaquille Bottse, YES 2009 -2010, Suriname

From September 17-20, 2014, the YES Alumni Association of Suriname was invited to attend the annual World Alliance of Religions Peace Summit in Seoul, South Korea. This is a summit that is held especially for youth leaders from all around the world. This Peace Summit serves as a way to show how the youth of the world play a key role in the creation of a sustainable approach to conflict resolution and, ultimately, world peace.

In times of war, it is the young people who bear the greatest burdens. They are the ones left with the physical, emotional, societal and financial scars long after the instigators of these conflicts have left the world. That is why, in times like these, we need the youth who are used to fuel these conflicts, to come together and make a stand for peace. 

I had the pleasure of representing Suriname and the YES Program during this year’s Peace Summit. I thought that after my YES exchange year, I would never again have the chance to see such a large group of youth with different backgrounds come together. However, the Peace Summit gave me that chance again. The great thing about the youth leaders in attendance is that they, like me, are a part of a Youth Alumni group or a Student Youth Group in their countries. They had also experienced cultural and student exchanges and community service activities. Having met these bright students, I can definitely say that our future is in great hands.

Not only did we talk about how to achieve world peace, but we also took some preliminary steps towards it. On the eve of the last day of the Peace Summit, all of the youth leaders, including me, participated in a  Peace Walk. This is a walk that is held every year at the end of the Peace Summit to symbolize its success. 

It was an honor to represent Suriname and the YES program, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.