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The One Young World summit ended much as it began – with fanfare, inspiring dialogue about critical global issues and a call to action for tomorrow’s leaders to “create the future”.

Kofi Annan, the former secretary-general of the United Nations, addressed the 1,300 young delegates in Pittsburgh, United States, referring to them as “almost another United Nations, except with stronger voices and younger”.

Annan faced hard-hitting questions from delegates, including why the United Nations does not actively try to stop the Syrian conflict. “I’m convinced that there is no military solution,” Annan said of the Syrian conflict. “What is required is a political settlement. We need to show the fighting groups that if fighting stops there is an alternative option.”

During the closing ceremony, delegates tied ribbons symbolic of their collective unity and hopes for the future.  Counselor Chris Vondo, a member of the Mayoral Committee at City of Johannesburg received the host city baton from a representative of the City of Pittsburgh. Johannesburg will host the fourth annual One Young World summit in October 2013.

“Johannesburg is committed to the youth and is ready to host the One Young World summit in 2013,” said Vondo.