Non-violence can truly flourish when the world is free of poverty, hunger, discrimination, exclusion, intolerance and hatred - when women and men can realize their highest potential and live a secure and fulfilling life. Until then, each and every one of us would have to contribute - collectively and individually to build peace through non-violence.

-Anwarul Chowdhury

As a child is born to the world, a sense of relief, joy and happiness engulfs the atmosphere. A new life has graced the face of earth, free from troubles, free from chains and pure in mind and soul. Everything else after that, the child learns from the world by whole heartedly taking in every insight and knowledge whether good or bad.

Every parent dreams of having a morally upright and successful child, but at what age should a child master the moral value to respect the differences in ethnicity and culture among people so as to numb this hatred? Hatred has been taught, it has been displayed for others to see, it has been displayed on people. One writer said if a child can be taught to hate, a child can be taught to love.

Racial discrimination has been at the center of several conflicts throughout history. 21st March 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the Apartheid laws in Sharpeville, South Africa. The United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to fortify its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, and in 1966 declared the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Today, our fight against racial and ethnic discrimination continues, the hindrances to progress for millions of people around the world becoming more apparent. In acknowledgement of that, we, at World Assembly of Youth (WAY), urge all stakeholders to continue their efforts of nurturing peace and love amongst children and young people halting any forms of racism and discrimination.We believe that Racial discrimination differentiates between individuals on the basis of real and perceived racial differences.This day reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting these ideas.

We must join forces to end racism. Let us recommit to ending racial discrimination and realizing our vision of justice, equality and freedom from fear for all.

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, it goes to his head If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart
- Nelson Mandela

Language is an essential aspect of our everyday lives; we tour the world through language. It facilitates communication, builds our collective interests and to date, remains the oldest known form of preserving our culture and tradition. It is what we stand for, it is our identity.

Today, we observe the International Mother Language Day, a day through which we promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity. This day represents the year 1952 where the students of Dhaka University in Pakistan were shot and killed by the police. Their only crime was in protesting for the recognition of their language Bengali, in modern day Bangladesh, which at the said time was part of and ruled by Pakistan. Since February 2000, the lives of these students have been commemorated in honor of their sacrifice while fighting to establish a rightful place for their language in society.

In honor of this day, we, at World Assembly of Youth (WAY), hope to bring more awareness to this issue and implore society to embrace mother languages worldwide. Youth today should work towards preserving this priceless gift from our ancestors, and promote respect for linguistic and cultural diversity.

We would like to reiterate our appreciation of the beauty and splendor of mother language, it is what makes us unique. It is a symbol of our cultural diversity, broadens youth capacity to imagine, explore and experience one another's cultures. We at WAY would like to wish all young people A HAPPY INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY.

Let us make this day, a day where the beauty of mother language blooms in all the hearts of young people.

In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.
- Albert Einstein

Social Justice is the ability people have to realize their potential within society, and generally used to make reference to a set of institutes that will allow people to lead a satisfying life and be influential contributors to their society. The idea of social justice determines that people have equal rights and opportunities, from the impoverished on the margins of society to the wealthiest deserves to be treated the same.

Today, there are many vulnerable demographics in need of protection, as per the current statistics pointing to a widening gap between the rich and poor, the unequal distribution of resources and wealth. Even with advent of the internet, which has fostered a new interactive society and communication medium as well as enlightening society, social injustice is still prevalent within our societies.

Acknowledging the above, the World Day of Social Justice is commemorated and observed to inspire and motivate young people to have an idea on how social justice affects the pursuit of; poverty eradication, full employment, gender equality and justice as the pillar for social groups. United Nations General Assembly determined to observe this day with ceremonies of respect. World Day of Social Justice is a day for all countries to take existing and real actions to give a meaning to the values of human dignity, worthy of honor and respect.

Here at the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), we recognize the World Day of Social Justice together with the international community, and the importance of the youth addressing the issues of inequality, justice and integrity, so as to promote harmony, unity and equal rights within society.

Thus, we urge that this day be used as a reminder of the importance of knowledge of basic human rights. Our encouragement is also extended to the young people fighting for social justice, to take a stand, however small, to affect others lives in a positive way, especially those in need of protection. So, let us unite to hail a halt toward injustice and take a step towards a just World!

HAPPY WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE!

Dear esteem Members and Colleagues,

Season's greetings from all of us at World Assembly of Youth (WAY) Headquarters in Melaka, Malaysia.

Our utmost gratitude goes out to our members, sponsors, partners, volunteers, speakers and numerous affiliates for their collaboration and support rendered the past year.

We would like to wish all of you a happy holiday season, and extend our best regards on behalf of the WAY Executive Committee and Secretariat.

We trust that 2014 will be a great year to tackle and address even more challenging youth issues, and look forward to another fruitful year ahead.

Our doors will always remain open to the youth of the world.

Best wishes and regards,

WAY Secretariat