Geneva: Underlining the need for protecting children world over from divisive ideologies and negative influences, India today (Sep 8, 2004) said efforts should be made to build among them "the defences of peace".

"While it is our duty to ensure that our children imbibe the best knowledge from the formal system, society at large and the media, we also need to see that they are protected from divisive ideologies and negative influences," Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Arjun Singh said at the inaugural session of the 47th International Conference on Education of UNESCO in Geneva.

"In the present day world, under the shadow of terrorism, with new forms of ignorance, prejudice, tension and discrimination rearing their heads menacingly, the clarion call of UNESCO's founding fathers that 'it is in the minds of men that we have to build the defences of peace' seems to acquire greater salience and become even more relevant with each passing day," Singh said, chairing the session.

The Conference would discuss the needs of the most critical age-group in any country, the children and youth of today, who would go on to become the citizens of tomorrow in their respective countries.

Observing that "today's dreams and fears of the youth will shape the contours of our world tomorrow," the HRD Minister said, "There is a paramount need to ensure that systems and mechanisms are put in place that allow young women and men to acquire knowledge, become open minded, progressive and discriminating, imbued with the right qualities of head and heart, that can build the ideal adult of the future."