New York, 21 April 2022 (TDI): “Young people are leading the way in the fight against climate change, standing up for racial justice and gender equality, holding leaders to account.
They are at the forefront of our efforts to secure a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future for all.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered these remarks on the second day of a virtual event.
The UN Chief delivered these remarks in a video message at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)’s annual youth forum. He encouraged the youth to ‘keep pushing, keep mobilizing, and keep bringing your ideas to the table”.
He also appreciated the active participation of youth regardless of conflict, war, pandemics, and climate crises. The UN is committed to working with youth under Youth Strategy.
Guterres thanked the panelists and organizers of the event for collaborating and ensuring that ‘our actions are guidelines by the perspectives and energy of young people.’ “We have no time to lose,” remarked UN Chief.
While referring to the Our common Agenda report, he underscored that more efforts are required to strengthen response building for future generations. He recommended building more networks to promote inclusive and effective multilateralism.
Youth Engagement and Education
The UN Chief informed about the upcoming Transforming Education Summit, which will take place in September 2022. The summit will address the future of education in a post-Covid-19 world.
It will also revitalize national and global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals on ‘Quality education.’ He encouraged the participants to actively participate in the event to mobilize political ambition, actions, solutions, and solidarity to transform education.
The UN Secretary-General also shared the formation of a new UN Youth Office to engage youth across the organization’s work.
He concluded that meaningful, diverse, and effective youth participation – inside the United Nations and far beyond – is essential to advancing human rights, addressing the climate crisis, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Youth Envoy Jayathma Wicramanayake thanked the participants and stressed rescuing the planet. She also advised the youth to harness the moment for protecting the world.
