Youth delegates of about 50 Commonwealth countries are electing chair and deputy-chair of the Pan-Commonwealth Youth Caucus on Tuesday at Chandigarh in the Commonwealth Youth Leaders Conference which started on Monday evening. Four candidates from the Pacific region are contesting for both positions, which rotate regionally. Inagurating the five day conference Governor of Punjab, Mr. Shivraj Patil spoke of the importance of international gatherings in creating understanding between the hearts and minds of people. He warned present generations against devaluing what had happened before. Mr. Patil emphasised that the material wealth enjoyed today may not necessarily bring happiness in future and coming generations would need to develop a mind that understands the meaning of justice, equity and love not only competition, profit and exploitation. He said that many good things happened in the past but many bad things also took place. Governor said that we should not continue with bad things, but this generation should recognise the good that took place.Deputy Secretary-General of Youth Affairs at Commonwealth Secretariat, Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, delivering the keynote address said that coming at the mid-point of the International Year of Youth, the theme of this conference is 'Our Year, Our Voice: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding' is appropriate for the Commonwealth, which is characterised by a diversity of cultures, races, religions and languages. She highlighted the importance of young people’s contribution to peace-building and the value of having youth voices on platforms where decisions are made about democracy and development. She said this is an opportunity to discuss democracy, human righs and climate change in the world.