During a recent meeting commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, members from the United Nations identified pressing issues. All of these challenges impact millions of young people here at home and abroad. Youth advocates Amina Alidi from Malawi and James Casserly from Ireland both presented deeply moving testimonies that racked the room. They brought to life the hopes and struggles of more than 75,000 youth from 182 countries. These voices became part of the sound track for a foresight activity focused on preparing for divergent possible futures during a time of very real global crises.
The UN’s Youth Office noted that youth between the ages of 15 and 29 make up almost half of the world’s population. For the many young people, the reality is a far cry from the hope and promise often linked to youth. Many are being deprived of essential resources such as education, safety, and a secure future, particularly in crisis areas including Gaza, Ukraine, Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan.
As Dr. Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, stated, “never underestimate what young people can do. He stated, “True intergenerational partnership must be more than words. It must define how we deliver sustainable development, how we accelerate peace, how we defend human rights, and how we shape a future worthy of young people’s trust.” He went on to make the case that when young people succeed, humanity succeeds.
Amina Alidi fiercely articulated her classmates’ fears throughout the hearing. She wanted to see genuine engagement with the UN and its member states.
“We, the young people remain steadfast in our optimism and determination to build a better future. What we ask of the United Nations and its member states is simple but urgent: Listen to us. Invest in us. And the most important of all: partner with us.” – Amina Alidi
The foresight activity aimed to highlight these critical issues while encouraging young people to actively participate in shaping their futures. Casserly stressed the importance of authentic engagement. Above all, he wanted to make sure that participation was not a checkbox exercise, but rather a tool to give young people a real voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
“The call of many young people today will be for meaningful youth participation. But what does that mean? To me, it is where people who have the power listen to us and take action because actions speak louder than words. It is more than a box ticking exercise. It is when we get to make our own decisions, and not just have other people make decisions on our behalf. As we always say, nothing about us without us.” – James Casserly
Guy Ryder, UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy, addressed the plenary assembly. He underlined how essential it is for the voices of young people to be included in all decision-making processes. He urged united action to make sure that young people are full partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
“And as we accelerate our work to realise the Sustainable Development Goals, let us spare no effort to make young people equal partners and equal decision-makers. By relying on their ideas, energy, and leadership – a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world is within reach.” – Guy Ryder
The UN’s newfound attention to youth energy is hugely important. These youth are more than victims of crises, they are first responders and innovators, working on the frontlines to create solutions in challenging environments. They are usually first responders to all types of crises and emergencies, carrying out peacebuilding efforts and building community resilience.
