In the run-up to the closing of the Brunei Darussalam's 'Sharing Cultures 2011' gathering that has witnessed the multi-racial interaction among the girls and young women from various ethnicities with different, yet almost similar, backgrounds and culture, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, the Vice-President of the National Girl Guides Association, last night highlighted the importance of activities that promote healthy gathering of youths, which the 'Sharing Cultures 2011' considers as a key step towards realising international peace.

During the 'International Night and Bazaar', which was held at the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association's Headquarters in Kg Anggrek Desa yesterday, HRH told the media that such a gathering was part and parcel towards ensuring that the girls are well positioned for the future.

"They are the leaders of tomorrow so this is a way to ensure that they are in a good position because Girl Guides have to be prepared all the time, to be ready to help people", HRH said, noting that this was the association's motto.

Following four days of cultural introductions and youth-oriented activities that saw the girls visiting Kuala Belait, Tutong and residing within the Brunei-Muara District, HRH said: "You tend to bring them together and that's a way of trying to unite them ... it's a personal interaction, which is very important especially for an organisation for young people."

Candidly commenting on last night's event, HRH shared that she had "enjoyed" the gathering including the meeting of the various people who were present to take part in the thriving festivities.

Earlier, HRH officiated the opening of the 'International Night and Bazaar', which opened up opportunities for participants and guests to savour tantalising cuisines from other nations and to purchase souvenirs from the 12 stalls participated by members of the Girl Guides Association, as well as local vendors from the Brunei-Muara District and Mukim Liang.

The Bazaar was aimed at collecting funds for the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association, as well as funds for regional countries hit by natural calamities.

Following the official closing of the 'Sharing Cultures 2011, Brunei Darussalam' this morning, the girls will move on to a tourist destination in Kg Sungai Matan in Kota Batu, as part of their "home-stay" programme before flying back to th - Borneo Bulletin (5th December 2011)