The United Nations Summit of the Future was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance international cooperation and rebuild trust in multilateralism. It was also a chance to bring to life the ambitions of the UN Secretary-General’s third Our Common Agenda Policy Brief on Meaningful Youth Engagement in Policymaking and Decision-Making processes. From the 20th – 23rd of September 2024, young people from across the globe convened alongside world leaders at the UN Summit of the Future. However, despite being recognised by the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Youth Affairs as driving forces for leadership, change and action, young people wielded very little influence over the processes and outcomes of the Summit. In response to this, Clare Beaton-Wells – a Summit attendee and Special Youth Representative for UN Youth Australia – led the crafting of an open letter to the ASG, Felipe Paullier. Clare’s letter was written alongside 57 other young Summit leaders from 26 different countries; a majority of whom are from the Global South. The letter provides actionable insights and opportunities for policymakers regarding how they can strengthen youth people’s engagement in multilateral systems moving forward. In total, the letter proposes nine recommendations for how the ambitions of Policy Brief 3 could be further brought to life. Keen to see how the ASG responds? Us too! We’ll keep you posted on how it goes.
The United Nations Summit of the Future was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance international cooperation and rebuild trust in multilateralism. It was also a chance to bring to life the ambitions of the UN Secretary-General’s third Our Common Agenda Policy Brief on Meaningful Youth Engagement in Policymaking and Decision-Making processes.
From the 20th – 23rd of September 2024, young people from across the globe convened alongside world leaders at the UN Summit of the Future. However, despite being recognised by the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Youth Affairs as driving forces for leadership, change and action, young people wielded very little influence over the processes and outcomes of the Summit. In response to this, Clare Beaton-Wells – a Summit attendee and Special Youth Representative for UN Youth Australia – led the crafting of an open letter to the ASG, Felipe Paullier. Clare’s letter was written alongside 57 other young Summit leaders from 26 different countries; a majority of whom are from the Global South. The letter provides actionable insights and opportunities for policymakers regarding how they can strengthen youth people’s engagement in multilateral systems moving forward. In total, the letter proposes nine recommendations for how the ambitions of Policy Brief 3 could be further brought to life.
Keen to see how the ASG responds? Us too! We’ll keep you posted on how it goes.
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About REP NET
Rep Net is the official blog run by the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, with UN Youth Australia.
This is a space where young people in Australia can connect with the Youth Rep, hear the latest news on the Program, and share their opinions and solutions on local and global issues affecting young people across Australia’s diverse communities and landscapes.
Young people 12 to 25 are welcome to contribute to our blog at any time!
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