Young people in Wales send message of peace to the world
On 18 May, the Urdd Gobaith Cymru, which is the largest youth movement in Wales, released its annual Message of Peace and Goodwill. More than 30 young Welsh people recorded the message, which called on countries across the world to create a better future and learn lessons from the Covid-19 crisis. Covid-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The Urdd Gobaith Cymru is a youth organisation with more than 55,000 members aged between eight and 25 years old. Each year since 1922, it has released a Message of Peace and Goodwill on behalf of young people in Wales. The message was broadcast for the first time on the BBC in 1924 and today it appears in many different languages on the internet.
This year’s message addressed issues such homelessness, waste and climate change. Climate change is the long-term changes in world weather patterns, including rising temperatures. Members called on people to stop buying things they don’t need; to limit waste; and not to travel by car and plane if it is not necessary. The message also included thanks to the key workers, such as doctors and nurses, helping to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Caitlin Kelly, 23, an Urdd peace and goodwill officer, said, “It’s important young people’s voices are heard in the global conversation. Young people have managed to make some good noise about the climate crisis. We want to ask the world leaders to think about the young people who are going to inherit this mess.” Thomas Pugh, from Barry, Wales, who contributed to the video, told one newspaper, “I hope it will encourage people to reflect and consider our situation and how we can improve things.” Sian Lewis, the organisation’s chief executive, wrote to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US president Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin and other leaders, asking them to address the issues.
Due to the coronavirus, those who took part in the video had to film their contributions themselves. The message was recorded in Welsh and is available to download in 57 languages. You can watch the video here tinyurl.com/TWJ-urdd