As the incoming Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, I am incredibly excited about the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s decision today. In their announcement, the committee made the critical point that upholding the rights of children and young people must be respected – and that the violation of children leads to violence from generation to generation – especially in conflict affected situations.

Today’s decision is a beacon, and symbol of courage – peace takes courage. It takes perseverance to work for peace, stand up against oppression and use one’s voice, no matter what age you are, in support of peace and human rights. This can be a perilous and winding road.

Kailash Satyarthi’s journey to protect children from exploitation for financial gain has been a brave one, underscoring the responsibility of companies to uphold and implement business practices that support peace and human rights.

There is no doubt that violence committed against children and young people can sow seeds of hatred and revenge that may last lifetimes – but Malala Yousafzay shows us how to turn a seed of hate into a seed of peace.

I think it is important to recall what she said at the United Nations after recovering from being shot in the head by the Taliban for speaking out for girls’ rights to education: “They thought that the bullets would silence us. But they failed. And then, out of that silence came, thousands of voices. The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.”

It is this kind of strength and courage we celebrate today.

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The Norwegian Nobel Committee’s announcement emphasized “In the poor countries of the world, 60% of the present population is under 25 years of age. It is a prerequisite for peaceful global development that the rights of children and young people be respected. In conflict-ridden areas in particular, the violation of children leads to the continuation of violence from generation to generation.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee commended the great personal courage of both laureates and “regards it as an important point for a Hindu and a Muslim, an Indian and a Pakistani, to join in a common struggle for education and against extremism.”

In the spirit of the Nobel Peace Prize and its laureates, the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Forum will bring together Nobel Laureates and leaders of courage and peace, and provide a space for transformative dialogue. Delegates and participants wishing to attend the event will be able to reserve tickets on the Nobel Peace Prize Forum website on January 5, 2015.

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