KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will host the Global Youth and Peace Conference for Palestine 2024 (GYPC 2024), which is expected to gather more than 500 participants, on Sept 28.

The conference is organised by Global Coalition for Youth, Sports and Scouts for Palestine (GCYSP), MyAqsa Defender, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) and Asian African Youth Government.

GYPC 2024 president Dr Jufitri Joha said the conference aimed to provide opportunities for youth from around the world to discuss initiatives and explore innovative solutions to free Palestine.

Jufitri said the conference was part of a soft diplomacy effort to position Malaysia as a middle power with influence in advocating for global peace and justice.

"Among others, this conference is to support the efforts of Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is seen as a strong advocate for the oppressed Palestinian people.

"Malaysia can also become a voice for peace and justice if supported by all layers of society, including the youth.

"Malaysian youth are welcomed to participate in this crucial event as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian struggle," he said at a press conference at IAIS here today.

Also present were GYPC 2024 patron Nurul Izzah Anwar and Cinta Gaza Malaysia executive strategist Muhd Haikal Luqman Zulkefli.

GCYSP is a coalition of youth leaders, student leaders, sports leaders and scout leaders from 36 countries based in Istanbul.

The conference will span three days, with closed-door sessions for delegates on Sept 26 and 27, while the public session on Sept 28 will run from 9am to 5.30pm at the Mahsa Ballroom, Bandar Saujana Putra.

Panellists include several influential figures such as Khaled Beydoun, Yazan al-Bawab, Nadir Al-Nuri, Fethi Nourin and Nurul Izzah.

Jufitri said delegates would come from countries including Turkiye, Libya, Palestine, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines.

"We encourage young people worldwide to the fight for peace. Youth have been at the frontiers of promoting awareness, not just about Gaza but also about various humanitarian practices.

"There are so many things we can learn from each other, and it is very important for us to convey this message and allow the youth to be the spokespersons and take their rightful place in shaping the future," said Nurul Izzah.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1107757/malaysia-host-global-youth-and-peace-conference-palestine-sept-28