United Nations (TDI): A high-level panel discussion co-hosted by Pakistan’s Mission to the UN and the Global Peace Chain Foundation on Monday called for greater integration of youth diplomacy into global diplomacy and conflict resolution processes.
The event, titled “Youth Leadership and Global Diplomacy”, emphasized the implementation of youth-centered resolutions passed by various UN bodies to ensure young voices play a central role in peace-building efforts worldwide.
The discussion took place at the Trusteeship Council chamber and featured notable speakers, including UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Dr. Felipe Paullier, Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Usman Jadoon, and diplomats from China, Turkiye, Palestine, Azerbaijan, and the OIC Observer Mission.
Harnessing Youth for Peace
Dr. Paullier, in his keynote address, underscored the critical need to empower the younger generation to shape a peaceful world.
“Peace is not a destination but a journey, and this journey must include the voices, energy, and innovation of young people,” he said, highlighting his office’s efforts to foster collaboration between youth and international stakeholders.
Ambassador Jadoon called for meaningful youth participation in global decision-making, stating that traditional conflict-resolution approaches had failed to address protracted crises such as Palestine and Kashmir.
“The youth of Kashmir and Palestine are symbols of resilience, advocating for their rights through peaceful means despite decades of oppression,” he said, urging the global community to amplify their voices in diplomatic forums.
Diplomatic Endorsements
China’s Ambassador Geng Shuang supported the implementation of key UN resolutions recognizing the role of youth in peace-building.
“It is time to move beyond commitments and focus on tangible actions,” he said, advocating for youth engagement to build mutual understanding across nations.
Palestinian Ambassador Feda Abdelhady highlighted the dire circumstances in Gaza, describing the ongoing crisis as a continuation of historic injustices against her people.
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“Young Palestinians are fighting to survive, demanding justice and the fulfillment of promises made by the international community,” she stated.
Turkish Ambassador Fikriye Asli Guven emphasized youth’s ability to transcend traditional diplomatic constraints.
“They are key stakeholders in peace because they bear the brunt of conflicts,” she said, calling for innovative, youth-driven solutions to global challenges.
Youth advocate Usman Amjad highlighted the transformative potential of the world’s largest youth generation.
“Young people are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today,” he remarked, urging greater youth involvement in policymaking.
Focus on Kashmir and Palestine
Ambassador Jadoon and other speakers drew attention to the long-standing disputes in Kashmir and Palestine, where millions of young people live under foreign occupation.
“For decades, these regions have waited for the implementation of UN resolutions affirming their right to self-determination,” Jadoon said, emphasizing youth-driven strategies to reinvigorate stalled peace processes.
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The panelists lauded Pakistan’s initiative to spotlight youth in global diplomacy, calling it an essential step toward addressing contemporary challenges.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and remarks by Kamran Zafar, CEO of the Global Peace Foundation, who called for sustained efforts to integrate youth into peace-building mechanisms globally.
