Children’s Parliament of Peaceful Jerusalem Will Be Established in Finland

On August, 2006 a step towards peace will take place in Finland when the Children’s Parliament of Peaceful Jerusalem will be established in Porvoo. The goal of this parliament is to provide a more responsible role for children in creating a peaceful coexistence in the Middle East. Both Israel and Palestine authorities will appoint six children aged 13–16 to participate in the meeting.

On August, 2006 a step towards peace will take place in Finland when the Children’s Parliament of Peaceful Jerusalem will be established in Porvoo. The goal of this parliament is to provide a more responsible role for children in creating a peaceful coexistence in the Middle East. Both Israel and Palestine authorities will appoint six children aged 13–16 to participate in the meeting. Children’s Parliament of Peaceful Jerusalem is organised by Children’s United Parliament of the World that was established ten years ago in Finland. The first worldwide meeting with children from 38 different nationalities was held in Finland in 1999. All parliament meetings and declarations are done solely by the children. The Children’s United Parliament of the World has gained international publicity and children’s message has been heard in many important forums. – Last year the Children’s United Parliament of the World was invited to participate in the United Nation’s World Summit on the Information Society that was held in Tunis. We were the only ones bringing out the children’s points of view, says Jyrki Arolinna who founded the Children’s United Parliament of the World and now runs it passionately. Children’s United Parliament of the World is funded with charity. The meeting of Children’s Parliament of Peaceful Jerusalem in Finland is sponsored by for example Wienerberger, Finnair, Citroen, Porvoo City and Asko. Requested by the Israel and Palestine authorities, the first meeting of Children’s Parliament of Peaceful Jerusalem will be lead by Finnish children. The spokespersons will be elected from among Porvoo City’s youths by democratic elections. The elections are arranged in cooperation with a local newspaper in Porvoo, Borgåbladet. Press Conference on August 11, 2006 at 11.00 A.M. Finnish time in Porvoo city hall Children’s Parliament of Peaceful Jerusalem will hold a press conference after its first assembly. In the press conference children will present a plan for peace in the Middle East. Registrations to press conference and more information from Jyrki Arolinna Tel. +358 46 8100 230 Email: president@childrensstate.net www.childrensstate.net