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Supporting our youth in building a caring and inclusive society

Sectors

Youth

20 September 2017

Speech by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth at the Embassies of the World Charity Gala Dinner

President and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA Singapore,

Ambassadors, High Commissioners,

Members of the diplomatic corps,

Ladies and gentlemen;

  1. A very good evening! It gives me great pleasure to join you in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace1, which is tomorrow. 

  2. Earlier today, 60 youths stepped up, and committed to serve as Peace Envoys. They delivered and exchanged messages of peace with representatives from 40 embassies, high commissions and consulates in Singapore. These messages were selected from more than 200 entries received as part of the inaugural M.Y. [pronounced “Em-Why”] Peace Message competition. More importantly, the process of producing and delivering these messages has given our youths the opportunity to reflect upon what peace and harmony mean to them.

  3. In Singapore, we are fortunate to live in a peaceful environment, due to political stability and low domestic crime rates. In fact, Singapore is ranked 4th in the Global Peace Index for the Asia-Pacific region2. But we cannot take this for granted. Globally, rising income inequality and racial tensions have led to fractured societies marked by political strife and internal conflicts. We have also seen many acts of terrorism around the world. Singapore is not immune to terror threats, so we must be prepared to stand together as a community, together with the international community in Singapore.

  4. As leaders of tomorrow, our youths must understand the value of peace, and feel a strong sense of responsibility for their community. This is also a part that all of us can play. I encourage all of you to help those in need by supporting the Metropolitan YMCA’s community services, as well as over 80 charities under the Community Chest.

  5. At the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, we work with many partners to nurture our youths, and grow the spirit of SG Cares. SG Cares is a national movement to encourage the building of a more caring and inclusive society. By stepping forward and looking out for one another, we will show that a small nation can have a big heart.

  6. I would like to thank the Metropolitan YMCA for organising this meaningful event. Over the past 70 years, you have put in commendable effort to develop youths who wish to serve the community. Let us continue to work together to make Singapore a better home for all. I wish everyone an enjoyable night ahead. Thank you.

1The International Day of Peace is observed on 21 September each year.

2Institute for Economics & Peace. “Global Peace Index 2017”.

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