The World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) opened an Asia Pacific regional meeting on July 5 in the capital city of Hanoi , embarking on the theme “Environment and Development”.

The event attracted the participation of around 40 delegates from democratic youth organisations in Asian Pacific countries and around the world.

Opening the meeting, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee of Vietnam Nguyen Hoang Hiep said effects from environmental pollution, global warming, sea level rise and climate change had resulted in violent catastrophes to human and the coordination of all countries over the world was needed to deal with these challenges.

Vice Chairman of WFDY Yogendra Bahadur Shahi said that WFDY and youth should have a positive acknowledgement and be ready to join hands for such global issues in the 21 st century

He also expressed his deep compassion to victims of earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan and victims of natural disasters around the world.

Establish in 1945, WFDY was a large progressive and democratic international non-governmental youth organisation working to struggle against imperialism, exploitation and war, for peace, international solidarity, social progress and youth rights.

The four-day meeting highlighted Vietnam ’s active contributions to the democratic progressive youth movement in the world. It showed the trust of WFDY leaders as well as the member organisations towards Vietnam .

It also brought Vietnam an opportunity to promote images of the country, emphasising the contributions of Vietnamese youth to the country’s socio-economic development and their role in building and protecting the country.

During the meeting, the delegates will join in exchange activities with Vietnamese war veterans in Thuan Thanh district of the northern province of Bac Ninh and visit historical and cultural sites in Vietnam./.