The Commonwealth can have a powerful impact in the fight against terrorism, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told youths yesterday during the opening ceremony of the CHOGM Youth Forum.

“CHOGM should send a clear signal that we don’t fear those who execute fear,” he said. The Youth Forum, in its 10th edition, is being held from today to Wednesday.

Dr Muscat said people around the world were now scared of even leaving their homes. He called on the Youth Forum and heads of government to unite, take action and not remain neutral. He formed part of a panel, along with Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary General, Commonwealth Youth Council chairman Ahmed Adamu, Pan-Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year Victor Ochen Gulalai Ismail and Commonwealth Youth Award winner Gulalai Ismail.

“Should we lock ourselves inside or show everyone that we are a world united against terror? Let’s fight fear with hope.” Dr Muscat urged the youths to seize the opportunity and come up with “outrageous ideas” during the Youth Forum. “Please don’t be as boring as us and provoke genuine debate. We shouldn’t be happy with the present but always do more,” he said.

Mr Sharma, who also spoke at the opening ceremony, encouraged youths to share their knowledge with older generations. “Youths today know more than adults. This year’s logo looks like the double helix and I believe that to be very fitting because youths are in fact the DNA of the Commonwealth.”