On a typical day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, General Assembly President Dennis Francis had a unique experience. He was accompanied by two young students from the public school system as part of a program called “PGA for a Day.” This program allowed students to shadow President Francis and experience a day in his shoes, participating in meetings, interviews, and even sharing a meal with him.
The two students, Erik Ponomarev and Fariha Akter, were incoming 10th graders involved in the Global Leader’s Academy program. This program focused on developing leadership skills among multilingual immigrant students and encouraged them to engage with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both students had shown a passion for progress and were selected after impressing their teachers with essays on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 5: Gender Equality, respectively.
Mr. Ponomarev expressed confidence in the younger generation’s ability to make progress and stated, “We are ambitious and with our ambition, we can make a lot of progress.” The day began with a meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier, where the students discussed their ambitions, concerns, and questions about the role of young people in shaping policy. Mr. Paullier acknowledged the importance of youth participation in the SDGs and praised the students for their engagement.
The students then met with Daniel del Valle Blanco, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and Chair of the Youth Advisory to UN Habitat, to exchange ideas on youth engagement. They then headed to the Office of the President of the General Assembly, where they were about to meet Mr. Francis for the first time. The excitement was palpable as they prepared to embark on this unique experience.
Upon meeting President Francis, the trio conducted an impromptu press conference in the Press Briefing Room, where they had the opportunity to interact with the media. This experience allowed the students to see firsthand the responsibilities and challenges faced by a world leader like President Francis. They also had the chance to ask him questions and gain insights into the workings of the General Assembly.
Throughout the day, the students participated in various meetings and engagements alongside President Francis, gaining valuable experience and knowledge about global diplomacy. They had the opportunity to witness firsthand the efforts and discussions surrounding important issues such as peace, justice, gender equality, and sustainable development.
As the day came to a close, the students reflected on their experience as “PGA for a Day.” They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to shadow President Francis and learn from his leadership. They also highlighted the importance of youth involvement in global issues and the need for young people to have a seat at the table when decisions are being made.
Overall, the “PGA for a Day” program provided Erik Ponomarev and Fariha Akter with a unique and enriching experience that allowed them to step into the shoes of a world leader for a day. It also highlighted the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of our world and the critical role that young people play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. President Francis and the UN staff were impressed by the students’ passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world. The program was a success in bridging the gap between youth and global leadership, inspiring the next generation of leaders to work towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
