RIYADH: Preparations for the Y20 summit of young people from the G20 nations, which will take place in Riyadh in October, have begun in Saudi Arabia. The summit is being organized by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Foundation (MiSK) in cooperation with the King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).

The members of the Y20, the official youth engagement group of the G20, will discuss issues that particularly affect young people around the world, including: global citizenship, effective problem solving that takes into account cultural differences, youth empowerment, the development of flexible and dynamic future leaders in a changing world, and preparing to meet and overcome future challenges. They will then come up with recommendations that will be submitted to world leaders during the next G20 summit, which is due to be held in November in Riyadh.

The involvement of MiSK and Ithra in the Y20 activities is an extension of the roles they play in supporting and empowering young people at local and international levels, and their belief in the fresh perspective that young people can bring to issues. Their belief in the potential of youth is reflected by a wide range of global programs, initiatives and partnerships that aim to encourage and help young people develop their ideas, become active members of the international community and contribute to sustainable development.

The Y20 is one of eight official engagement groups led by civil society organizations each year in the G20 host country. The others represent the business community (B20), civil society (C20), labor unions (L20), scientists (S20), think tanks (T20), urban issues (U20), and women (W20).