Alex Salmond: Sharing stories can help create a better future

Holocaust Memorial Day is a time to reflect and to remember the millions of people who suffered under Nazi persecution, and those whose lives were lost during that dreadful atrocity. It is also time to spare a thought for countless others whose lives continue to be affected by the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur.

By continuing to remember those whose lives were taken and honouring those who suffered and continue to suffer, we not only keep memories alive but also gain an understanding of events that allows us to examine our own communities and play our part in ensuring that genocide, racism, bigotry and victimisation play no part in our society. Each of us has a moral responsibility to ourselves, our neighbours and our communities to challenge discrimination, wherever it happens.

Last night I was privileged to be part of this year's Scottish National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration, which was designed by the young people at Craigroyston Community High School in Edinburgh. The event was hosted by the Scottish Government and Edinburgh City Council, with support from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and Edinburgh Inter Faith Association, and the Holocaust Educational Trust who do valuable work.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day in 2011 is "Untold Stories". There are millions of stories from the Holocaust and subsequent genocides that we will never know. But we can still honour the memory of those affected by genocide by listening to and learning from those whose stories can be told – and we can tell others the stories we hear.

I would ask all Scots to consider the role that they can play in sharing in these Untold Stories. Listen to these stories, learn from them and go back to your friends, families and communities and share them with others. It is only by doing this that we can recognise the consequences of fear, bigotry and persecution and learn the lessons of the past to create a better future.

• Alex Salmond MSP is First Minister of Scotland