Oussama Bessassi, 17, Tunis, Tunisia

December 21, 2010

Note: The following was submitted for consideration by the United Nations Security Council for “Voices of a New Generation,” an interactive event held on Dec. 21, 2010. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or the United Nations.

My name is Oussama Bessassi, a 17-year-old Tunisian student. I believe that terrorism is the most serious threat for peace and security all over the world. In fact, I’m taking this occasion of International Year of Youth to invite everyone to take a closer look at this phenomenon, because we’re all going to find that it is the result of the most hideous situation that man could ever face: poverty and hunger, two situations that cannot be separated…Plus the individuals’ incapability of communicating with his fellow man due to illiteracy. Factors that combine together generate a feeling of hatred, hatred that can take form in terrorism. And our job as youth, and builders of the future, is to reach those who may end up taking that road.

Note: You may view Oussama's video here.

- Oussama Bessassi, 17, Tunis, Tunisia