Dozens of young people from around the world gathered at the United Nations General Assembly Hall to kick off two “days of action” ahead of the summit, which opens on Sunday.
Felipe Paullier, the first United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, described Summit of the Future as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the multilateral system and put young people at the centre.
Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, speaks at the opening of the Future Action Day Summit.
Landscaping
“Ten years ago, a day like today would have been unimaginable.: a day in the official United Nations program dedicated to youth,” he said.
“A day when this House recognises that any agenda – whether gender, climate, peace and security, sustainable development or human rights – has a youth agenda as a cross-cutting element.”
Terry Otieno, a social activist from Kenya and a member of the Core Group on Children and Youth at the United Nations, said young people had been “crucial in shaping the context” in preparation for the summit.
Shaping the future
Leaders are expected to apply A Pact for the Future including sustainable development and related finance; peace and security; science, technology and innovation; youth and future generations, and transforming global governance.
ONE Global Digital Pact and one Statement on future generations will be in the appendix.
They are also considering proposals for reform of the international financial architecture and the United Nations. Security Councilwas founded about eight decades ago, at a time when many countries were still under colonial rule.
Young activist Areej from Yemen notes that children born in years to come will be affected by decisions made today.
“What we do now will shape their world, whether that world is defined by conflict, poverty and fear, or by hope, security and opportunity.,” she said. “We have to ask ourselves: Are we ready to act so that every child can thrive?”
Secretary-General António Guterres (center) talks with Caleb Brathwaite (left) and Daphne Frias at the opening ceremony of the Future Action Summit.
Against the “Formalism” of Youth
According to a live poll conducted in the room, young people believe their involvement in UN issues is best described as “symbolism”. before talking to Secretary-General António Guterres.
Caleb Brathwaite, chairman of the Barbados Youth Development Council, was not surprised by the outcome, recalling that the Secretary-General had recently said that the current multilateral system “was built by our grandparents.”
He feared that the Future Compact would be “just another agreement” and called for action, including the establishment of UN Youth Offices around the world.
He also called on young people to “call on governments to act” to ensure that the chapter of the Treaty that includes youth and future generations is implemented.
Listen to us
“The most dangerous thing about formalism is that our stories are shared with others, but they don’t actually motivate future action,” said Daphne Frias, an activist and youth organizer.
“Our voices fill the room, but then they fall on silent ears.“ .
Daphne said it was time to really listen to her generation. She also pointed out that young people not only face barriers to joining the UN, but also face barriers to employment at the global body in terms of education, language and other requirements.
Committed to reform
The Secretary-General noted that there is now “growing interest and a number of mechanisms being put in place to listen to young people”, but added that “much work remains to be done”.
Getting young people involved in decision-making requires some reforms, which he said are “not easy” in an intergovernmental organization like the United Nations.
Ensuring that young people, civil society and others can participate in decision-making is a core aspect of the Future Summit and the proposed reforms, Mr. Guterres said.
“This is a task that our Office must now undertake very vigorously,” he said, expressing full commitment to the coming days of negotiations and consensus building.
The Future Summit will be held from September 22 to 23, just before the start of the annual debate at the United Nations General Assembly Hall.
