Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dao Ngoc Dung, Chairman of the National Committee for Vietnamese Youth and First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, said he hopes delegates will find a common voice in each issue and seek valuable solutions for promoting cooperation among APEC youths and their participation in settling regional and global issues.

He said through the forum, delegates will have the chance to explore youth activities in each country to promote friendship and mutual understanding and find new partners.

The forum is part of major activities to welcome the 14^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Hanoi this November.

Nguyen Thanh Chau, Director of the Office for APEC Senior Officials Meeting 2006 affirmed that APEC leaders and ministers always value young people's active role and contributions to sustainable development and cooperation within APEC.