“From the streets of every corner of the world to the online arena, we have seen strong demonstrations of youth commitment to equality, climate action and human rights“, she said, adding that they are demanding a seat at the table and holding the Government and businesses accountable for their actions.
United Nations experts joined youth leaders, activists and Government officials from around the globe to kick off the themed two-day virtual meeting COVID-19 recovery: Youth taking action for a sustainable future.
COVID-19 factor
Due to the disproportionate impact of their suffering in Pandemic caused by covid-19the meeting emphasized that Young people must take the lead in planning a futureCOVID-19 Future.
From remote workplaces to green energy to truly holistic decision-making, their vision and courage are more important than ever.
The High Commissioner informed the participants that one in eight students globally have been left without any access to education or trainingmostly in low-income countries.
Meanwhile, she continued, school closures make girls and young women more vulnerable to child marriage, early pregnancy and gender-based violence.
Artwork ‘priceless’
However, Ms. Bachelet also emphasized that youth have “great potential” to help the world recover.
She thanked young people from around the world for “standing up for our planet and for human rights,” describing their work, commitment and energy as “priceless.”
“I stand with you,” concluded the High Commissioner.
Calling for new innovation
Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed urged world leaders to address the needs of young people as they design plans to “get back to a better place.”
As the world is changing rapidly, she calls for new innovation in areas from decision-making to working life, pointing out that young people – many of whom are already “nomadic”. digital” rethinking the traditional five-day workweek – must be part of shaping the future trajectory of the world.
Although youth cannot be expected to become Prime Minister and President overnight, the average age of leaders must be reduced, and more attention needs to be paid to how many young people are part of the system..
She notes many calls for inclusion and warns mature leaders not to sound like a “broken record.”
“We need to start implementing it,” she emphasized.
Seating at the table
ECOSOC President Collen V. Kelapile noted that as the world continues to face pandemics and other global challenges, a sustainable future can only be built through youth empowerment and participation have their meaning.
“I really believe that Sustainable development goals (SDGs) offer a road map to building sustainable, inclusive and thriving societies and re-energizing global solidarity for the 21st Century,” he said.
Now, more than ever, he emphasizes that “young people deserve a seat at the tableas decisions about their future are being made.
Barrier texture
Meanwhile, United Nations Youth Special Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake stressed that the lack of youth in decision-making is “an ongoing problem”.
While young people will inherit all the consequences of decisions made today, only about 3% of the world’s MPs are currently under 30 years old.
Moreover, many structural, legal, and financial barriers – as well as lingering prejudices – severely impede youth participation.
And about 2.2 billion children around the world still lack Internet connectivity, and many children still miss basic health and education programmes, which also hinders their meaningful participation. .
‘Box Surfing’
Meanwhile, Filipina Climate Justice Campaigner, Marinel Ubaldo, warns against “tokenism” and exploits the voices of marginalized youth to simply “tick the box” for inclusion.
While young leaders often make headlines, she says, most of them remain outside the decision-making circle.
“I feel like I’ve gotten used to it” as a young woman and hurricane survivor who is expected to tell her heartbreaking story, but not share her activities and actions. herself, she said, while calling for the dynamics of youth to be transformed into more meaningful than marriage.
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