Scores of young people from around the globe gathered at the United Nations General Assembly Hall for the commencement of two “action days” leading up to the Summit of the Future, scheduled to begin on Sunday. This historic event marked a significant moment in history, with Felipe Paullier serving as the inaugural UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. Paullier emphasized the importance of the Summit of the Future, describing it as a unique opportunity to redefine the multilateral system with a focus on empowering young individuals.
The Summit of the Future was characterized as a once-in-a-generation chance to place young people at the center of global decision-making processes. The event aimed to reshape the landscape of international affairs by incorporating the voices and perspectives of youth. Paullier highlighted the remarkable progress made in recognizing youth as a vital component of various agendas, including gender equity, climate action, peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.
Terry Otieno, a social advocate from Kenya and member of the Major Group for Children and Youth at the UN, acknowledged the instrumental role young people played in shaping the preparations for the Summit. Their contributions and insights have been crucial in setting the stage for discussions on key issues affecting the global community. Otieno emphasized the importance of engaging youth in decision-making processes to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable future.
As world leaders prepared to convene for the Summit of the Future, they were expected to adopt a Pact for the Future encompassing critical areas such as sustainable development, peace and security, science and technology, youth empowerment, and global governance transformation. Additionally, a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations were set to be included as annexes to the pact. The summit also aimed to explore proposals for reforming the international financial system and the UN Security Council, which were established decades ago when many nations were still under colonial rule.
Areej, a young activist from Yemen, underscored the long-term consequences of present-day decisions on future generations. She emphasized the need for proactive measures to create a world characterized by hope, security, and opportunity for all children. Areej called on participants to consider the impact of their actions on the well-being and prosperity of future generations, urging them to prioritize policies and initiatives that foster a more sustainable and inclusive world.
During a live poll conducted among attendees, it was revealed that young people perceived their involvement in UN affairs as mere tokenism, signaling a lack of meaningful engagement and representation. Caleb Brathwaite, president of the Barbados Youth Development Council, expressed his concern over this sentiment, citing Secretary-General António Guterres’ acknowledgment that the current multilateral system was primarily shaped by previous generations. Brathwaite urged for concrete actions to address the challenges facing young people, including the establishment of UN Youth Office branches worldwide and holding governments accountable for their commitments to youth empowerment.
The dialogue with Secretary-General Guterres shed light on the need to move beyond symbolic gestures and rhetoric towards tangible steps to empower youth and integrate their perspectives into global decision-making processes. Brathwaite’s call for increased accountability and transparency resonated with attendees, who emphasized the importance of creating mechanisms to ensure meaningful youth participation and representation within the UN system.
The Summit of the Future Action Days served as a platform for young people to voice their concerns, aspirations, and recommendations for a more inclusive and sustainable future. The event underscored the critical role of youth in shaping the global agenda and driving positive change across various sectors. By placing young people at the forefront of discussions and decision-making processes, the Summit aimed to catalyze transformative actions that align with the aspirations of future generations.
